09-18-2008, 11:10 AM
September 17, 2008
Contact: Henry Cabbage, 850-528-1755
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) convened its three-day meeting Wednesday, and the first item of business was to honor a couple of heroes and others who contribute to the agency's mission.
Commissioners honored Officer Brett Gill with the FWC Division of Law Enforcement's Medal of Valor with Lifesaving Award for rescuing a woman from a burning vehicle at Lake Butler on July 18. The vehicle exploded moments after the officer pulled the victim to safety. FWC Law Enforcement Director, Col. Julie Jones, said "(Officer Gill's) actions were above and beyond the call of duty."
The victim survived.
In addition, Commissioners adopted a resolution applauding wildlife biologist Adam Warwick for his valor in rescuing a 375-pound bear from drowning in the Gulf of Mexico after a tranquilizer dart began to take effect on the animal. The daring rescue occurred June 24. The resolution said ""¦the dedication and courageous actions by Adam Warwick reflect great credit on this agency and its personnel." Jennifer Hobgood, Florida director of the Humane Society, also presented Warwick with the Circle of Compassion Award to "commend a selfless act of compassion."
Commissioners presented the Hunter Safety Instructor of the Year Award to Andy Campbell for his outstanding contributions to the Hunter Safety Program. Hunter safety instructors are volunteers who dedicate their time to serve the FWC and public hunting safety.
The FWC adopted a resolution expressing appreciation to the members of the agency's Captive Wildlife Technical Advisory Group, including Bill Armstrong, Eugene Bessette, Joe Christman, Dr. Susan Clubb, Dr. Leroy Coffman, Ken Johnson, Dan Martinelli, Julie Morris, Dr. Terri Parrott-Nenezian, Donovan Smith, Kathy Stearns, Julie Strauss, FWC Capt. John West and FWC Capt. Linda Harrison.
The Coastal Conservation Association got a big thank you from the Commissioners for donating fish-measurement tools to FWC officers to ensure compliance with size limits. Ted Forsgren, the association's executive director, and its state chairman, Mark Carter, accepted the honors.
Commissioners also honored Dinah Pulver, a journalist with the Daytona Beach News-Journal, for her award-winning coverage of environmental issues over the past 17 years.
Contact: Henry Cabbage, 850-528-1755
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) convened its three-day meeting Wednesday, and the first item of business was to honor a couple of heroes and others who contribute to the agency's mission.
Commissioners honored Officer Brett Gill with the FWC Division of Law Enforcement's Medal of Valor with Lifesaving Award for rescuing a woman from a burning vehicle at Lake Butler on July 18. The vehicle exploded moments after the officer pulled the victim to safety. FWC Law Enforcement Director, Col. Julie Jones, said "(Officer Gill's) actions were above and beyond the call of duty."
The victim survived.
In addition, Commissioners adopted a resolution applauding wildlife biologist Adam Warwick for his valor in rescuing a 375-pound bear from drowning in the Gulf of Mexico after a tranquilizer dart began to take effect on the animal. The daring rescue occurred June 24. The resolution said ""¦the dedication and courageous actions by Adam Warwick reflect great credit on this agency and its personnel." Jennifer Hobgood, Florida director of the Humane Society, also presented Warwick with the Circle of Compassion Award to "commend a selfless act of compassion."
Commissioners presented the Hunter Safety Instructor of the Year Award to Andy Campbell for his outstanding contributions to the Hunter Safety Program. Hunter safety instructors are volunteers who dedicate their time to serve the FWC and public hunting safety.
The FWC adopted a resolution expressing appreciation to the members of the agency's Captive Wildlife Technical Advisory Group, including Bill Armstrong, Eugene Bessette, Joe Christman, Dr. Susan Clubb, Dr. Leroy Coffman, Ken Johnson, Dan Martinelli, Julie Morris, Dr. Terri Parrott-Nenezian, Donovan Smith, Kathy Stearns, Julie Strauss, FWC Capt. John West and FWC Capt. Linda Harrison.
The Coastal Conservation Association got a big thank you from the Commissioners for donating fish-measurement tools to FWC officers to ensure compliance with size limits. Ted Forsgren, the association's executive director, and its state chairman, Mark Carter, accepted the honors.
Commissioners also honored Dinah Pulver, a journalist with the Daytona Beach News-Journal, for her award-winning coverage of environmental issues over the past 17 years.