Texas – Governor Greg Abbott on Friday celebrated a new class of Texas Game Wardens and Texas State Park Police Officers during a graduation ceremony held at the Texas Capitol.
During his remarks, Governor Abbott addressed the graduates, describing them as “guardians of places that cannot speak for themselves” and praising their role in public safety across Texas. He emphasized that the newly commissioned officers represent more than wildlife enforcement, noting they also serve as law enforcement officers, border responders, and rescue personnel across the state.
Abbott highlighted the broad responsibilities of Texas Game Wardens and Texas State Park Police Officers, stating they serve as an “all-weather, all-terrain, all-mission force” dedicated to protecting Texas communities, natural resources, and public lands.
The Governor also recognized the agencies’ response during last year’s Fourth of July flooding, when Game Wardens assisted as first responders, deploying helicopters and rescue teams to assist Texans in danger. He further pointed to ongoing efforts by officers to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and secure remote areas along the southern border.
The graduating class included 24 Texas Game Wardens, who will be assigned across 26 counties, along with four Texas State Park Police Officers who will serve in three state parks.
Officials in attendance included Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Executive Director Texas Parks and Wildlife Department David Yoskowitz, Colonel Ron VanderRoest, Lieutenant Colonel Ben Baker, Director of State Parks Rodney Franklin, Deputy Director Justin Rhodes, Park Police Chief Wes Masur, Major Jason Bussey, and other state leaders.
