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VDGIF Basic Law Enforcement Academy Graduates 4th Class

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) Basic Law Enforcement Academy graduated it's fourth class of officers on June 26, 2008. The keynote speaker at the swearing-in ceremony was Mr. Jim Yacone, Assistant Special-Agent-in-Charge of the Richmond FBI office. Clerk of the Circuit Court for Chesterfield County, The Honorable Judy L. Worthington officially swore-in the new officers.

In all, 19 new conservation police officers were sworn-in at the ceremony. These officers completed an intensive 28-week training program that included more than 200 courses. They will take up their assignments across the Commonwealth and proceed with field training under the direct supervision of field training officers.

This is the fourth class to graduate from the Department's Training Academy. VDGIF undertook establishing its own academy in order to tailor the program to the specific needs of conservation police officers.

VDGIF Executive Director Bob Duncan also spoke at the graduation ceremony noting, "This is a very impressive group of individuals. Their training has been rigorous both physically and mentally. We are so fortunate to have this caliber of people joining us at the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries."

The following is a list of the newest conservation police officers and the areas where they will be assigned:

Conservation police officers must be proficient in a wide array of skills including handling of firearms; crime scene investigations; drug and operating-under-the-influence enforcement; search and rescue; boat operation and boat trailering; etc. Awards were presented at the ceremony to recognize the hard work and proficiency of the recruits and the dedication of instructors and academy staff. They are as follows:

Top Shot Award

The Top Shot Award was presented by Senior Officer Mike Hill to the Conservation Police Officer recruit with the highest overall qualification scores on all firearms courses. The selection was based solely on qualification scores earned at the conclusion of the 80-hour block of firearms training held during the Academy. Recruits were required to demonstrate proficiency with their issued pistol, rifle, and with shotguns during day and night courses in a variety of demanding situations. The recipient of the Top Shot Award was Officer Tony A McFaddin, Jr., who is assigned to Botetourt County. Officer McFaddin was born in Lexington VA. He is a graduate of Natural Bridge High School and has previously served our country in the United States Marine Corps and as a Deputy with Rockbridge County.

Outstanding Driver Award

The Outstanding Driver Award was presented by Senior Officer Steve Ferguson to the Conservation Police Officer recruit with the highest overall qualification scores on all driving courses. The selection was based solely on scores earned during the 80-hour block of driver training during the Academy. Due to the nature of the locations officers are required to access and patrol, four-wheel drive vehicles are among the primary focus during this training. Training for this type of vehicle goes beyond the curriculum established for sedan patrol vehicles utilized by traditional law enforcement agencies. Driving courses include Asphalt Precision courses, High-Speed Reaction courses, Emergency Vehicle Operations course, Off-Road Obstacle Negotiation, All Terrain Vehicle Operation, Gravel Surface Braking Course, and three different Trailer Backing Courses. The recipient of the Outstanding Driver Award was Officer Timothy S. Dooley who is assigned to Goochland County. Officer Dooley was born in Roanoke, VA. He is a graduate of Virginia Tech where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Science.

Most Physically Fit Award

The Most Physically Fit Award was presented by Major Steve Pike to the Conservation Police Officer recruit with the best overall performance in the three areas tested by the VDGIF Basic Training Academy. The recruits were given a pre-test when they began the Academy in December, a mid-term test and a final test in June. The recruits were required to participate in a physical training program each day for one hour for the entire 28-week period of the Basic Academy. The four performance areas were push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups and a mile-and-a-half run. The scores were compiled and reviewed by the instructors that assisted with physical training and then confirmed by Academy staff. The recipient of the Most Physically Fit Award was Officer Christopher W. Billhimer who is assigned to Shenandoah County. Officer Billhimer is from Harrisonburg and is a graduate of Broadway High School and an honor graduate of the Central Shenandoah Criminal Justice Academy. He was previously employed by the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office.

Outstanding Boating Award

The Outstanding Boating Award was presented by Sgt. Bryan Young to the recruit that demonstrated the best overall ability to operate large patrol boats, jon boats, and personal watercraft. One of the primary duties of a Virginia Conservation Police Officer is to patrol the vast waterways of the Commonwealth. The recruits took part in a rigorous three-week course during which instructors evaluated their performance in high speed boat operation, precision docking drills, and a timed personal watercraft course. The recipient of the Outstanding Boating Award was Officer Chase Meredith who is assigned to Patrick County. Officer Meredith is a Giles County native. He graduated from Giles County High School and the New River Community College with an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences with a major in Instrumentation Technology. He is involved in his community and currently serves as Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 37 in Pembroke, VA.

Colonel's Award

The Colonel's Award was presented VDGIF Chief of Law Enforcement Colonel Dabney Watts to the Conservation Police Officer recruit with the highest grade point average in the recruit class. This is the average of all 32 exams administered in the Academy. Exams covered 1,455 questions which addressed training objectives set by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, in the areas of Professionalism, Legal Issues, Communications, Patrol, and Investigations. Other exams taken during the course of the Basic Academy were as a result of training that addressed the non-traditional law enforcement functions that pertain specifically to the unique law enforcement duties of the Virginia Conservation Police Officer. Some of these topics were Marine Theft Investigation; Hunting Incident Investigation; laws and regulations specifically pertaining to hunting, fishing, trapping, and boating; camouflage and concealment; and permits. In a very competitive field, this year's recipient edged out his classmates by obtaining a 97.58 average. And for his efforts, we are honored to present the Colonel's Award to Officer Timothy Dooley.

Director's Award

The Director's Award was presented by VDGIF Executive Director Bob Duncan to the person voted best instructor by the recruit class. To be eligible for the award the instructor must have taught at the Basic Academy and could have been from any VDGIF division (not just Law Enforcement) or any outside agency. The recipient of the Director's Award was Special Agent Gene Agnese. Special Agent Agnese has been a law enforcement officer with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for 20 years, initially serving in Middlesex County and most currently with our Overt Operations Unit. Special Agent Agnese has attended the Forensic Science Academy and as such, now provides invaluable instruction to all of our officers in areas related to crime scene investigation and other related topics. SA Agnese was recognized by the class for his knowledge of subject matter, ability to effectively convey the information, and for his rapport with the students.

Board Award

The Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Award was presented by Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Chairman Jimmy Hazel to the recruit who displayed exceptional overall performance during the entire course of training. The recipient was selected for his motivation, professionalism, peer leadership, and for being an inspiration to others. He was also recognized for his support of the Academy and staff by providing outstanding logistical, administrative support. The recipient of the Board Award was Officer Nicholas Farmer who is assigned to Henry County. Officer Farmer was raised in Abingdon, VA and is a graduate of Abingdon High School. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Appalachian State University in 2006. He served our country in Iraq and while doing so, received the Army Commendation Medal as a member of the VA National Guard.