Starbuck’s Not Just Tops In Coffee: Wildlife Officer of the Year Chad Starbuck

December 1, 2009

NCWRC Photo

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Wildlife Officer Chad Starbuck has been named 2009 Officer of the year by Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

RALEIGH, N.C. (Nov. 30, 2009) – Chad Starbuck with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been named the state’s top wildlife officer for 2009 by the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

Officer Starbuck was honored for his outstanding service in the field, dedication to conservation and his tireless efforts to involve others, especially youth, in the outdoors. His resolve to deal with budget constraints and still maintain exceptional job performance was lauded.

The patrol area in northwestern North Carolina, where Officer Starbuck is assigned, is known for heavy boating and fishing activity throughout the spring and summer, and is a popular hunting region during the fall and winter.

Starbuck’s activities and achievements are impressive. His community efforts included participation in a Crime Stoppers program, initiating a Trout in the Classroom project for a local elementary school and, with a bow hunters group, started a venison donation program to assist needy families. Starbuck also coordinates an annual fishing derby for local children, attended by 200 kids this year.

“Chad Starbuck deals with constituents with tact and understanding. And he is an outstanding goodwill ambassador for hunting, fishing and boating,” said Maj. Keith Templeton, supervisor of field operations for the Division of Law Enforcement, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is a regional organization of state agencies with primary responsibility for the management and protection of fish and wildlife resources. The award was presented at the association’s 63rd annual meeting on Nov. 1-4, in Atlanta, Ga.

Officer Starbuck lives in Alexander County. He is a native of Davidson County.

Tip of the hat to Officer Starbuck as well as a big thank-you for a job well done for the citizens and the natural resources of the state.