James R. Darnell Award

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) recently awarded Ranger First Class Mitch Oliver, of the Region IV Macon Law Enforcement Office, with the James R. Darnell award.

RFC Oliver is currently assigned to Harris County as the Boating Safety officer on Lake Harding. In addition to his regular duties, Oliver serves on the Departments Critical Incident Reconstruction Team and assisted with the investigation of 10 hunting/boating incidents this past year. He also is a POST instructor who teaches crime scene investigation, boating incident investigation, and defensive tactics. During the past year RFC Oliver has taught 7 Hunter Education and Boating Education classes in Harris and Muscogee Counties.

RFC Oliver as has a close working relationship with the local law enforcement agencies in his area and also works closely with other federal and state agencies including ATF and the Georgia State Patrol.  Because of his reputation and availability, he is often the first to be called for assistance by these agencies.

RFC Oliver regularly shows his commitment to the safety of the citizens of Georgia by working with others to be more effective. During the 2008 Memorial Day weekend, RFC Oliver arranged a special detail involving the Harris County Sheriffs Office, WRDs Game Management Section and the Georgia State Patrol on Lake Harding. This detail resulted in five boating under the influence arrests. He has also worked with the Safe Kids Coalition to provide free lifejackets for children at three boat ramps.

The James R. Darnell award honors the WRD Conservation Ranger who is the first runner-up for the State Ranger of the Year Award. A sculpture titled The Fawn by artist James R. Darnell is presented to the winner of this award each year.

For more information on the 2007 James R. Darnell Award, call the WRD Law Enforcement Headquarters Office at (770) 918-6408.