Boating Awards, Dispatcher of the Year Announced

The TWRA Boating and Law Enforcement Division presented its annual awards and the Dispatcher of the Year for 2025. Davidson County game warden Jon Mark has received the honor of being selected as the Agency’s Boating Officer of the Year for the second consecutive year. District 42 game warden Chase Rich was named Boating Educator of the Year, Region III’s Scott Bilbrey named Part-Time Boating Officer of the Year, and Region I’s Charles Scott Barber is the Dispatcher of the Year.

Jon Mark once distinguished himself through exceptional enforcement, education, outreach, and public service while demonstrating an unwavering commitment to boating safety across Tennessee.  His commitment to serving Tennessee's Spanish-speaking community has strengthened relationships and expanded the Agency's ability to promote boating safety to a broader audience.

Education is one of the Agency's most effective tools for preventing boating incidents. Chase Rich has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to that mission throughout the past year, conducting school boating safety programs to reach more than 1,600 students in District 42. Through these presentations, he provided young Tennesseans with the knowledge and skills needed to enjoy our waterways safely and responsibly, helping build a culture of boating safety for future generations.

Scott Bilbrey is assigned primarily to Center Hill Lake and the Caney Fork River and supports Dale Hollow Lake and Great Falls Reservoir. During 2025, he inspected more than 1,000 boats, issued 53 citations and warnings, and assisted with 50 additional enforcement actions. Scott's dedication extends well beyond enforcement. He assisted with boater education and hunter education classes. He also represented the agency at numerous community events.

Scott Barber has been a TWRA dispatcher for close to 10 years and serves as Region I’s alternate TAC. In addition to his service with TWRA, Scott has served as a dispatcher for Madison County EMS for 23 years. He has maintained his certification as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician for 25 years, and he volunteers as an emergency medical responder with the Madison County Fire Department.

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Photo caption: From left are Executive Director Jason Maxedon, Scott Barber, Scott Bilbrey, Chase Rich, and Jon Mark.

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