Editor’s Note: The following News Release was sent to me today from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife. I just want to point out the very last individual honored at today’s presentations. That man is Larry Grant. I have known Larry Grant for several years now and had the honor and pleasure of working with him for a few of them. I have heard some refer to Larry as a gentle giant. This may be due to his large 6 & 1/2 plus foot height and broad shoulders or his deep booming voice tempered by a kind heart and a reassuring smile. Larry represents the very best of the law enforcement community and is a grand example for the rest of us to strive to learn from and to model our own personal and professional lives after.
For the last couple years Larry has suffered through the terrible effects of what is commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease or ALS. In spite of this Larry has continued to grace us with his laughter, that comforting smile and the incredibly strong sense of his internal strength.
I am truly honored to have worked with Larry, to have laughed with him and to be able to call him a friend. My sincere congratulations to you Larry. -Jeff
March 19, 2010
Maine Warden Service Presents Annual Honors
ORONO – Maine Warden Service Game Warden Mike Morrison of Charleston was recognized today as “Warden of the Year” for his commitment to conservation law enforcement, particularly efforts to combat poaching in his district, which is one of the highest deer-kill districts in the state.
The honor, and other awards, was bestowed during the annual meeting of the Maine Warden Service in Orono. Today, the men and women of the 132-person Maine Warden Service and guests commemorated the 130th Anniversary of the nation’s oldest conservation law enforcement agency. On March 9, 1880, the Maine Warden Service was formed. The first violation came three days later, when two poachers were caught for killing a pregnant doe. They were fined $71.
“Since 1880, the Maine Warden Service has been committed to serving and protecting the public and conserving Maine’s natural resources,” said MWS Col. Joel Wilkinson, Chief Game Warden. “Whether enforcing Maine’s fish and wildlife laws, protecting all of those who engage in outdoor activities or supporting our fellow brothers and sisters in the Maine law enforcement community, we as Maine Game Wardens are dedicated, adaptable and focused in our work. We wear the title ‘Maine Game Warden’ with pride and out of respect for the people of Maine for whom we serve. Congratulations to our team on this, our 130th Anniversary.”
Today’s annual meeting was attended by Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Roland “Danny” Martin, IF&W Deputy Commissioner Paul Jacques, members of the IF&W Advisory Council, the IF&W Legislative Committee, and other guests.
“For the last seven years, it has been my honor and my pleasure to work with you,” said Commissioner Martin, who became head of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in 2003. “Although it’s been challenging, given our limited resources, it’s been an honor for me to be part of this family. The Maine Warden Service celebrates 130 years this month. It’s because of your dedication and your service to the people of the state of Maine that there will always be a Maine Warden Service.”
This year’s honorees are:
Warden of the Year/Shikar Safari Club Wildlife Officer of the Year Award: To Mike Morrison, a 33-year veteran based in Greenville, nominated by Sgt. Bill Chandler and Warden Chris Dyer. During his career, Warden Morrison, the son of a retired Game Warden Grey Morrison, is recognized for his dedication to the public safety of the citizens and visitors of his district, his enforcement of Maine’s poaching laws, his commitment to youth and safety education, and his involvement in community activities. Warden Morrison created the Outdoor Partners Program, which shares outdoor recreation and law information at events throughout the state.
Warden Morrison has served as a cadre in the training of new wardens, as a member of the Maine Warden Service Color Guard, and as a member of the Overhead Search and Rescue Team and the Dive Team. He is well respected by other law enforcement agencies in the area.
“Mike is well respected by the sporting public in his district,” said Sgt. Bill Chandler. “During his career, Mike has proven to have an uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time. Much of Mike’s success is in catching the intentional violator. During a recent fall, Mike had received some information about some illegal deer kills. Mike went to the suspected violator’s residence and spoke with the suspect. Mike arrived and stated to the violator, ‘You know why I’m here.’ The violator hung his head and told Mike that the deer were in the barn. Mike recovered three illegal deer from the subject’s barn.”
Colonel’s Award: To retired Resident Agent in Charge Christopher Dowd of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, selected and presented by Col. Joel Wilkinson, for his distinguished support and service to the Maine Warden Service and its mission.
“Resident Agent in Charge Dowd has played a key role in fostering the relationship between the USFWS and the Maine Warden Service,” said Col. Wilkinson. “This relationship is crucial in order to offer the citizens of Maine the best law enforcement service regarding the protection of natural resources. His professional approach to managing a complex investigation with various organizations is recognized by all who has had the pleasure of working beside him.
“RAC Dowd’s commitment to assisting the Maine Warden Service has lead to the successful apprehension of numerous individuals who have intentionally violated our state fish and wildlife statutes. Many of these cases have involved the illegal commercialization of wildlife. When an out-of-state violator leaves our state with illegally possessed fish and wildlife, we contact the USFWS and work cooperatively to complete these complex investigations that most of the time lead to subsequent federal prosecutions.”
Supervisor of the Year Award: To Sgt. Mark Warren of Edgecomb. Presented by Warden Doug Kulis. For his expertise in field management, and instruction at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.
“As a supervisor in the Maine Warden Service, Sgt. Warren uses his 22 years of experience and knowledge to create unity, trust and teamwork,” said Warden Kulis. “One of Sgt. Warren’s strongest attributes is his ability to gain the trust and respect of the wardens he supervises. Sgt. Warren has been upfront and honest, and he gives praise when it is deserved and constructive criticism when necessary.”
Meritorious Service Award: Given to a Game Warden for conduct above the ordinary course of duty when, because of initiative, courage and diligence, the Game Warden places himself in danger while performing his duty.
To Warden Bruce Loring of Enfield, nominated by Warden Jim Fahey and presented by Sgt. Bill Chandler. For his efforts to rescue two men in a pickup that were stuck in snow on a snowmobile trail on 25-00-0 Road in Township 34. The rescue took approximately four hours and two trips on the trail by snowmobile because of the winter storm that was under way and the location where the men eventually were found. The snow was falling heavily, visibility was zero, trail conditions were treacherous, and Warden Loring needed to rely on his GPS unit he mounted on his sled to get to the location. “Warden Loring displayed the courage and perseverance under dire circumstances that Maine Game Wardens are known for,” according to Sgt. Chandler.
Exemplary Service Awards: Given to a Game Warden who has rendered relevant outstanding service which deserves special recognition.
To Game Warden Pilot Daryl Gordon of Eagle Lake, presented by Sgt. Brian Gray. For his air patrols of Maine’s woods and inland waters that direct wardens on the ground to possible fish and game law violators. “Warden Pilot Gordon was instrumental in the night hunting patrols conducted by wardens on the ground this past fall in the Northeast Division,” said Sgt. Gray. “He flew over 10 details, resulting in at least 13 cases, which could not have been made without his assistance.”
To Warden Eric Blanchard of Lyman, presented by Sgt. Tim Spahr. For his persistence to apprehend a convicted felon illegally hunting without a valid license. The violator thought he was in the clear because he fled on foot. However, he dropped archery equipment in which he was identified as a New Hampshire resident. On the last day a search warrant was valid, the violator was found in Maine by Warden Blanchard and arrested. “Warden Blanchard’s effort in this case demonstrates an above-average technical knowledge of the law, ability to work with other agencies, and commitment to get the job done.”
To Warden Doug Kulis of Georgetown, presented by Sgt. Mark Warren. For his distinguished service in investigating poaching violations, particularly wild turkey and waterfowl, in his coastal Maine district. “Warden Kulis has the discretion of a seasoned officer and understands the value of summonses versus warnings, and has earned the respect of the hunting community and the Department as a result,” said Sgt. Warren. “Not all Game Wardens are created equal. Some are very good at catching people in violation, some with public relations, some at recreational vehicle law enforcement and watercraft enforcement. Warden Kulis seems to handle the many aspects of the job with relative ease and confidence.”
K-9 Conservation Case of the Year Award: To Game Warden Paul Farrington and Koda, of Springfield, presented by Corporal Wayde Carter. For their recovery of key evidence under four inches of snow during a poaching investigation of a deer kill.
Maine Warden Service Association Legendary Game Warden: To retired Game Warden Donald Gray, presented by Warden Chris Dyer and Retired Game Warden Larry Grant. Walker has served the Maine Warden Service for more than 40 years. Retired Warden Gray was instrumental in forming the Maine Warden Service’s Search and Rescue Team during the winter of 1963-1964. The need for the team was demonstrated by the deaths of Ranger Ralph Heath and Mrs. Margaret Ivusic, who lost their lives on Mount Katahdin in October 1962 during an untimely snowstorm. Mrs. Ivusic thought she was taking a short cut to Chimney Pond and became stranded on a ledge. Both died during the storm. In 1964, the team went to the mountain to recover their bodies.
Lifetime Distinguished Service Award: To retired Game Warden Larry Grant, presented by Col. Joel Wilkinson and Major Gregory Sanborn. Grant was instrumental in the formation of the Maine Warden Service Color Guard in the 1970s and the creation of the Legendary Game Warden Award in the early 1980s.
