Virginia Wildlife Officer Earns National NWTF Award
Thursday, February 25th, 2010 at 12:41 PMVirginia Wildlife Officer Earns National NWTF Award
National Wild Turkey Federation
EDGEFIELD, S.C. – -(Ammoland.com)- Master Officer Cleggett Gregory Funkhouser has earned the National Wild Turkey Federation’s National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award for his efforts in conserving America’s wildlife.
Master Officer Cleggett Gregory Funkhouser won the NWTF’s National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award at the NWTF convention, held in Nashville, Feb. 18 to Feb. 21.
Funkhouser, of Roanoke, Va., received the award during NWTF’s 34th annual National Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by MidwayUSA, and held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Feb. 18 to Feb. 21.
“As a boy, I grew up wanting to be a wildlife officer and it’s been great doing something I love that makes a difference for wildlife,” said Funkhouser. “The NWTF is a great organization and I’m honored to accept this award.”
Master Officer Cleggett Gregory Funkhouser won the NWTF's National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award at the NWTF convention
An 11-year veteran of Virginia’s Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) law enforcement division, Funkhouser has established a solid reputation as a caring professional who works tirelessly to conserve natural resources and devotes many hours to community service.
“Greg’s conviction rate of poachers is extraordinary,” VDGIF Sgt. Brian Young said. “He averages a yearly arrest total of nearly 500 cases and is a district leader in narcotic detection. He is an expert in his field who consistently goes beyond the call of duty.”
Young adds that Funkhouser’s devotion to his job and quick thinking once led him to jump into frigid waters to save the life of a distraught man who attempted suicide. Because of Funkhouser’s efforts, the man survived and later thanked Funkhouser for giving him another chance at life.
The NWTF initiated the State Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award in 2000 to highlight the contributions from wildlife officers across the country. In addition to playing a crucial role in helping to convict wildlife criminals, many wildlife officers volunteer their own time to help educate youth about the importance of wildlife, conservation and our hunting traditions.
For more information about the NWTF or the NWTF National Convention and Sport Show, visit nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.
2010 Convention Sponsors:
Affinity4, ATK/Federal Premium Ammunition, Bank of America, Bass Pro Shops, Benelli, Browning, Call Makers and Collectors Association of America, CamoFX, Chevrolet, Farm Service Agency, Foxy Huntress, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, HuntVe, Knight Rifles, Leupold & Stevens, Marlin Firearms Company, MeadWestvaco, MidwayUSA, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, National Band & Tag Co., O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., Mossy Oak and The Pursuit Channel, The Outdoor Connection, Remington Arms Company, Inc., SHE Outdoor Apparel, TriStar Sporting Arms, USDA Forest Service, Weatherby, Inc., Wild Turkey Bourbon, Winchester Division/Olin Corp.
About the NWTF:
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.
