Wildlife Resources Agency honors 2 employees
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s Region III honored two of its employees Monday.
Andrew Ward of Polk County, Tenn., was named officer of the year in the region, which covers 23 counties, according to a news release. Meanwhile, Greg Atchley was named the region’s wildlife manager of the year.
Major C.J. Jaynes said officers’ long hours, holiday work, time spent away from their families and working in inclement conditions are part of wildlife officers’ lives often hidden behind the shiny shoes and uniform. Wildlife officers are diligent, self-motivated and passionate about wildlife and fisheries and must excel in public outreach, teamwork, innovation, leadership, attitude and yearly achievements, officials said.
Ward came to the TWRA from the Cleveland Police Department in 2011. He is a lifelong hunter who credits his father with his love of his job.
Ward is involved in teaching hunter education and teaching kids outdoor skills. A U.S. Marine, Ward participates as a guide in a “Hunts for Warriors” deer hunt and delivers environmental and wildlife programs in his community and surrounding areas throughout the year. He covers topics such as bear management and safety, trout management, hunter education, boating safety and woodlands biology.
Ward also participates in the Four-State Wildlife Law Enforcement Co-Op Meeting and serves as a defensive tactics instructor, assisting in the coordination and instruction of annual in-service training for wildlife officers across the state, officials said.
“Andrew possesses the rare combination of being extremely well versed in the biology of the wildlife he protects, while maintaining a well-rounded, common-sense approach in his role as a multipurpose wildlife professional,” TWRA Sgt. Ben Davis said. “He’s an outstanding officer and very deserving of this award.”
Atchley has been with TWRA for over 30 years, including 16 years as a wildlife officer in Hamilton County, 14 years as a wildlife manager on North Chickamauga Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and most recently as a wildlife manager on Yuchi Refuge.
As a wildlife officer, he was recognized as the Region 3 wildlife officer of the year multiple times, and has also been a recipient of the Shikar-Safari State Officer of the Year Award. In 2016, Atchley partnered with the City of Chattanooga to design and install a canoe launch along the North Chickamauga Creek.
In early 2017, Atchley received a donation from a local shooting/ hunting sports club. This grant money was matched with some federal funding allowing Atchley to design and develop a proposal for a small waterfowl impoundment on the Sale Creek Unit of Chickamauga WMA. Atchley completed the project within a couple of months of receiving funding.
In April, Atchley was promoted and assumed management of both Yuchi Refuge and North Chickamauga Creek WMA.
In his first year, he cleared and planted an additional 50 acres on the refuge that will be available as waterfowl habitat this winter. Region 3 wildlife program manager Kirk Miles stated, “In a nutshell, Greg is a consummate wildlife professional. His tireless work ethic, professionalism and overall enthusiasm for his job make him an invaluable asset to the TWRA. Greg deserves this recognition.”