By Storie Sharp

Somervell County Law Enforcement and Rescue Personnel were honored Thursday, August 16, 2007 at the Third Annual Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Law Enforcement Division Awards Ceremony in Austin, Texas. Sheriff Greg Doyle, Chief Deputy Derrell McCravey, Lt. Deputy Anders Dahl, Deputy Stephen Gibson, and Deputy Shane Tipton joined other recipients from around the state that were recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty.

The Law Enforcement Awards Program became part of the Division’s Operational Procedure in January, 2002, under the direction of Colonel James Stinebaugh. Prior to the colonel’s retirement, the headquarters’ staff hosted the 1st Annual Awards Program in January, 2005.

The purpose of the annual awards is to provide a manner whereby deserving employees, both sworn and civilian, and members of the general public will receive official Departmental and public recognition for outstanding acts of valor or meritorious service.

Lieutenant Colonel Craig Hunter welcomed honorees and guests. Colonel Peter Flores and Major David Sinclair then presented awards to those being honored.

Director’s Awards were presented to Sheriff Greg Doyle, Chief Deputy Derrell McCravey, and Lt. Deputy Anders Dahl for the Department’s extraordinary achievement or heroism in the fulfillment of TPWD’s mission.

Major Sinclair said the award was being presented to the Somervell County Sheriff’s Department, "for unwavering commitment to duty in placing themselves in harm’s way in an attempt to reach game wardens Danny Tuggle and Ty Patterson who had been thrown into the water after their boat was drawn into the ‘hydraulics’ of the raging Paluxy River during a drowning victim recovery effort on May 30, 2007. While Warden Patterson would later succumb to this tragic event, the effort of these officers was contributory to the saving of Warden Tuggle’s life. Their selfless action reflects great credit on themselves, the Somervell County Sheriff’s Office, and the citizens of Somervell County."

Deputies Stephen Gibson and Shane Tipton were also awarded Director’s Awards,

"For extraordinary heroism, valor, and dauntless courage exhibited in the face of a deadly situation related to the rescue of game wardens Danny Tuggle and Ty Patterson …" said Sinclair. "Their courageous act and unwavering commitment to duty reflect the highest level of professionalism and bestow great honor upon himself, the Somervell County Sheriff’s Department, and the citizens of Somervell County."

Johnson County Game Warden Teyran Patterson, "Ty", and Wharton County Game Warden Justin Hurst, who made the supreme sacrifice in the performance of their duty in the name of natural resource conservation for the citizens of Texas.

Patterson, 28, drowned when his boat capsized May 30, while helping to recover the body of a teenage drowning victim in the Paluxy River.

Hurst, 34, was fatally wounded March 17 helping another warden catch a man suspected of hunting from a road in Warton County. A 26-year-old suspect was arrested and faces capital murder charges. Both men were presented the department’s Memorial Cross posthumously during the program. The families of both wardens were on hand for the ceremonies at the Texas Parks and Wildlife headquarters, where it was standing room only. Patterson was also recognized as the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Officer of the Year and inducted into the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum.

Warden Scott Blackburn was awarded the department’s Medal of Valor for his response in coming to the aid of his partner, who was shot in the line of duty. Warden Capt. Greg Williford was honored for his humanitarian work on behalf of the department.

Other award recipients included:

Director’s Award: Texas Ranger Sgt. David Maxwell; DPS Trooper Todd Respondek; DPS Trooper Stephen Pierce; Wharton County Chief Deputy Bill Copeland; Wharton County Lt. Danny Marek; Wharton County Sgt. Marc Tijerina; Patrolman Reynaldo Rodriquez; Patrolman Christopher French; Wharton County Deputy Constable Jeremy Hyde; Wharton County Constable J.A. Szymanski, for tireless dedication to the Hurst Family; the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and their community, relating to the slaying of Texas Game Warden Justin Hurst by a suspected poacher in March.

Deputy Game Warden Robert Mayer: selfless and courageous action during swift-water rescue, use of personal helicopter.

Sutton County Deputy Sheriff Gary Harwell: selfless and courageous action involving a swift-water rescue.

Seguin Police Chief Luis Collazo: professional, courteous and tireless assistance to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the family of Texas Game Warden Teyran Patterson following Patterson’s drowning death.

Dr. Karl Cloninger: assistance with the acquisition of the new Texas Game Warden Training Center in Hamilton County.

State Rep. Charlie Geren: dedicated assistance following the drowning death of Texas Game Warden Teyran Patterson.

Director’s Citation: Game Warden Capt. Gary Palmer, leadership; Capt. Audie Nelson, development of advanced equipment; Capt. James Ranft, progressive innovation; Beverly Villarreal, development of forensic laboratory; Warden David Nieto and Warden Matt Robinson, life saving (located abandoned girl at a ranch along the Texas-Mexico border); and Warden Will Allison, life saving (swift-water rescue).

Somervell County Fire Department Personnel were also recognized at the ceremony.