TWRA Sevier County Wildlife Officer David Sexton Honored by Shikar-Safari Club International

NASHVILLE --- The Shikar–Safari Club International has honored Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Wildlife Officer David Sexton as its Tennessee Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for 2009.

 

Sexton, who serves TWRA as a wildlife officer in Sevier County, was presented the award by Jim Maddox, a representative of Shikar-Safari Club International. The award presentation was made at the December meeting of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission held at TWRA Region II Headquarters in Nashville.

 

The annual award from the conservation-based organization honors the officer whose efforts during the year show outstanding performance and achievement among TWRA law enforcement personnel. Sexton’s selection for the honor is for his dedication, professionalism, effectiveness, and demeanor with the public and his fellow workers. He has served in Sevier County for 17 years.

 

In addition to his law enforcement duties, Sexton is involved in many outreach programs. The hunter education program in Sevier County continues to be a success and Sexton has helped certify more than 500 students in the Sevier County school system. He also organized and taught three other classes. He is also active in boating education and has certified numerous young boaters in the area.

 

Other public outreach programs included a Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) event, two very popular church wildlife events, an outdoor gun show, free fishing day events, and several summer camp wildlife programs.

 

Along with the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department, Sexton coordinated a lake clean-up day on Douglas Lake. The project helped promote Tennessee’s anti-litter campaign which helped several miles of the lake’s shoreline to become litter free.

 

Sexton’s efforts to combat poaching and boating violations have been evident. His more than 500 hunting and fishing contacts resulted in 68 fish and game citations. Sharing a section of Douglas Lake with two other counties, he performed more than 300 safety checks, issuing 35 citations. Sexton has the reputation of being considerate, honest, fair and strives to leave a positive image as a representative of TWRA.

 

Shikar-Safari Club International was founded in 1952 for the purpose of advancing knowledge concerning wildlife of the world, independently and in cooperation with zoological societies, universities and museums. Each year, the club sponsors an award for the Wildlife Officer of the Year in all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces.

---TWRA---