The Texas Game Wardens recognized several personnel for their outstanding bravery, selfless service and dedication to their mission of serving the people of Texas.
Multiple wardens were presented with the Director’s Medal of Valor, Director’s Medal of Merit or the Director’s Citation for their response to the July flooding in Kerr County and the Texas Hill Country. In addition, nine wardens and one boat mechanic were recognized with the Director’s Life Saving Award, nine wardens were named Warden of the Year for their respective regions and numerous promotions were recognized.
Director’s Medal of Valor
The Medal of Valor is the highest honor bestowed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Law Enforcement Division. This prestigious award recognizes employees who distinguish themselves through acts of extraordinary courage and selflessness in the face of life-threatening danger. Recipients have demonstrated voluntary acts of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so exceptionally that they clearly set themselves apart.
Serving as the Tactical Flight Officer aboard TPWD helicopter N270PW, Sergeant Brent Biggs, Texas Game Warden Aviation, operated under treacherous conditions that placed his own life at immediate risk. Alongside Pilot Lt. Robert Mitchell and Helicopter Rescue Technician Game Warden Jacob Crumpton, he played a direct role in rescuing multiple individuals from the raging floodwaters of the Guadalupe River. A Kerrville native and former Kerr County Game Warden, Biggs utilized his knowledge of the area to help guide critical operations that saved lives during the event and contributed to evacuation and recovery efforts over the ensuing hours and days, including the evacuation efforts of flood-isolated Camp Mystic.
Near dawn, with conditions rapidly deteriorating, John Compton, Menard County Game Warden and member of the Texas Game Warden Search and Rescue (SAR) Team, launched a rescue boat into the debris-choked Guadalupe River alongside fellow wardens. Fully aware of the risk to his own life, Compton helped pull victims from trees above the raging floodwaters and supported helicopter hoist extractions. He was tirelessly involved in evacuation and recovery efforts over the ensuing hours and days.
In extremely treacherous conditions, and at immediate risk to his own life and safety, serving as the Helicopter Rescue Technician aboard TPWD helicopter N270PW, Jacob Crumpton, Concho County Game Warden and SAR Team member, was lowered into fast-moving, debris-filled waters to extract stranded victims. His courage and commitment to the safety of others was instrumental in saving multiple lives. Additionally, he continued to serve after the initial swiftwater threat had passed, helping to evacuate stranded victims and contributed to recovery efforts.
Despite hazardous weather and rising water, Ray Milloway, Lampasas County Game Warden and SAR Team member, along with fellow game wardens, launched rescue boats into the turbulent Guadalupe River to reach trapped residents. Operating in extreme conditions, he directly participated in extracting victims from life-threatening situations and supported ongoing evacuations. Milloway tirelessly worked during the critical early hours of the disaster, with his dedication to the safety of others carrying over into the ensuing evacuation and recovery efforts.
Exhibiting extraordinary courage as pilot of TPWD helicopter N270PW, Lieutenant Robert Mitchell, Texas Game Warden Aviation, flew through extremely treacherous conditions and surroundings, demonstrating exceptional skill and composure while conducting aerial search and rescue operations along the Guadalupe River. He and his flight crew are directly responsible for rescuing multiple individuals from raging floodwaters during the early hours of the event. The continued efforts of Mitchell and his crew also contributed to the evacuation efforts of Camp Mystic. Mitchell’s actions reflect the highest standards of professionalism and selfless service.
Working in the predawn hours as floodwaters surged, Michael Serbanic, McLennan County Game Warden and SAR Team member, conducted rescue boat operations along the Guadalupe River, retrieving victims from trees and assisting with helicopter-supported rescues. His determined response, despite the dangerous conditions, contributed directly to the survival of multiple individuals. Serbanic continued to serve those impacted in Kerr County and beyond as flooding continued to threaten parts of the state.
As floodwaters rose rapidly, Richard Whitt, Mills County Game Warden and SAR Team member, and fellow game wardens launched boats into the debris-filled Guadalupe River, rescuing victims clinging to trees and assisting with helicopter extractions. Despite the dangerous conditions, Whitt’s determination to protect others was obvious as he and his team worked countless hours during the rescue and recovery operation.
Director’s Medal of Merit
The Director’s Medal of Merit is presented to employees who have rendered exceptional service beyond the normal course of duty. This distinguished award recognizes acts or accomplishments that clearly exceed what is typically required or expected, or that make a significant contribution to the goals of the Department and the law enforcement profession.
Inserted by helicopter into flood-isolated Camp Mystic, Dustyn Jansky, Guadalupe County Game Warden and member of the Texas Game Warden Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program (UAS) and Texas Game Warden Rural Operations Group (ROG), helped establish communications, coordinated evacuations, cleared landing zones and assisted with rescue and recovery operations under extreme conditions. He also played a critical role throughout the extended response, providing real-time tracking and coordination from the Emergency Operations Center and in the field through his expertise in unmanned aerial systems and other technological tools and applications.
Despite severe weather and hazardous flight conditions, Assistant Commander Brandon Rose, Texas Game Warden Aviation, exhibited exemplary service and skill as pilot of TPWD helicopter N350PW, leading his air crew in multiple missions that included inserting personnel and supplies into Camp Mystic, conducting aerial evacuations, and providing ongoing support for ground-based operations. His composure and expertise resulted in the safe transport of evacuees and critical resources throughout the response.
Operating in severe weather and dangerous conditions, Lieutenant Tyler Stoikes, Texas Game Warden Aviation, served as Tactical Flight Officer aboard TPWD helicopter N350PW. He and his crew conducted numerous missions that delivered supplies, evacuated victims and supported ongoing rescue and recovery efforts at Camp Mystic and surrounding areas. His technical skill and steady presence under pressure contributed greatly to the success and safety of all operations.
Despite the extreme weather and hazardous conditions, Sergeant Doug White, Texas Game Warden Aviation, served as Tactical Flight Officer aboard TPWD helicopter N350PW, working with his crew to execute multiple aerial missions that supported evacuations, delivered supplies and inserted personnel into flood-isolated Camp Mystic. His skill and dedication during the demanding operation were essential to its success.
Inserted by helicopter into Camp Mystic, Cooper Wolken, Maverick County Game Warden and ROG Team member, helped establish communications, coordinated helicopter landing zones, assisted with evacuations and participated in the recovery of deceased victims under extreme and chaotic conditions. His decisive actions contributed directly to the success and safety of on-scene operations. Wolken’s dedication to the mission continued in the days that followed as he worked tirelessly to support the flood-impacted region.
Director’s Citation
The Director’s Citation honors employees whose dedication, judgment and perseverance have resulted in distinguished service beyond the normal course of duty.
Dustin Barrett, Kerr County, was invaluable in rescue and recovery operations throughout the entire flood response. His calm demeanor and knowledge of his county were instrumental in establishing the TPWD Incident Command Post and guiding local emergency operations. Working closely with Game Warden Emily Slubar, Barrett coordinated incoming and local resources, reducing delays and improving communication during the critical early hours of the disaster. His leadership and dedication ensured Texas Game Wardens could respond swiftly and effectively, contributing directly to the protection of lives and property.
Leveraging his mastery of TAK technology, Ryan Cobb, Kenedy County Game Warden and UAS Team member, rapidly deployed a live digital operating map to track active search areas, cleared zones and responding units, greatly improving situational awareness for field and command personnel. His integration of real-time tracking and coordination enhanced the safety and efficiency of search and rescue operations and post-event analysis.
One of the first responders to arrive at the temporary Incident Command Post, Dennis Gazaway, Uvalde County Game Warden, applied his FEMA and ALERRT training to manage personnel, equipment and resources under difficult conditions. Before TAK systems were operational, he established critical tracking protocols that formed the foundation of the mission database. His coordination with the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office ensured seamless integration between Texas Game Wardens and local responders, strengthening the overall efficiency of search, rescue and recovery efforts.
Operating from the Kerr County Emergency Operations Center, Emily Slubar, Guadalupe County Game Warden and SAR Team member, established an Incident Command Post and directed resources to critical rescue areas, integrating efforts with Texas Task Force 1, the Department of Public Safety and other partner agencies. Drawing from experience gained during previous large-scale disasters, Slubar’s steady guidance ensured an efficient, unified response that directly improved the safety of both those affected by the floods and emergency responders.
Arriving early on the morning of the disaster, Major Luis Sosa, Region 5, supervised the establishment of a functional Incident Command structure, directed the development of a coordinated response plan and ensured effective communication with partner agencies. His steadfast leadership, professionalism and commitment over many days of demanding operations greatly enhanced TPWD’s ability to provide timely and effective support to the citizens of Texas during this catastrophic event.
Director’s Life Saving Citation
The Director’s Lifesaving Citation is awarded to employees who, through decisive action, courage and sound judgment, directly contributed to saving a human life and extends beyond the normal course of duty.
In the early hours of Feb. 17, Houston County Game Wardens Curtis Brock and Conner Sumbera responded to a distress call from three stranded hunters in Big Slough Wilderness Area within Davy Crockett National Forest. Battling freezing temperatures and floodwaters, the wardens located and stabilized one hypothermic hunter at his truck before hiking over a mile to reach the other two. One was safe and the other was trapped across a flooded creek. Sumbera swam through the cold water to reach the man, secured him, and, with Brock’s assistance and Houston County SAR, safely brought him to shore. All hunters were treated by EMS and suffered no severe injuries.
Michael Ferguson, Falls County, and Michael Serbanic, McLennan County, rescued a man trapped in a submerged vehicle during severe flooding in Riesel on May 6. They entered chest-deep water, broke a window out and pulled the victim to safety moments before the vehicle was swept away. Thanks to their quick judgement, decisive action and hours of swiftwater training, the incident resulted in only minor injuries for the victim.
On June 1, Sergeant Michael Gonzalez, Sergeant Travis Haug, Nueces County Game Warden Orion Macias, and TPWD Boat Mechanic Cory Schlapia were onboard the Game Warden Patrol Vessel Captain Murchison for the opening of snapper season, 40 miles off the Texas coast. The crew responded to a life-threatening medical emergency call from a nearby vessel. They brought the patient on-board and began traveling toward shore as they coordinated a hoist transfer with a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter. Their professionalism, preparedness and quick decision-making resulted in the individual receiving the critical medical care he needed.
Early in the morning of Aug. 3, Tarrant County Game Warden Joseph Sellers was patrolling Eagle Mountain Lake when he was alerted to a boater who had fallen between a dock and a boat and was struggling to stay afloat and exit the water. Without hesitation, he entered the water, supported the victim, and helped family members and a bystander bring him safely on the dock. Sellers’ presence, decisive action and bravery are credited with preventing a tragic drowning and saving a life that day.
While traveling through Coleman County, Runnels County Game Warden Keegan Moore encountered a major accident between a vehicle and a large piece of construction equipment. Approaching the scene, Moore identified a bystander attempting to assist the driver who was suffering from a severe arm laceration with major bleeding. Recognizing the life-threatening nature of the injury, he immediately applied a tourniquet, bringing the bleeding under control and stabilizing the victim. A responding paramedic confirmed Moore’s timely intervention saved the man’s life.
Texas Game Warden Prosecutor of the Year
The TPWD Law Enforcement Division is proud to recognize the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office as the 2025 Texas Game Warden Prosecutor of the Year.
Under the leadership of District Attorney Brett Ligon, First Assistant District Attorney Mike Holley, and Chief Prosecutor Michael Ghutzman, the office has been a steadfast partner to Texas Game Wardens, demonstrating exceptional professionalism and commitment in prosecuting wildlife crimes, boating while intoxicated cases, narcotics offenses and other complex investigations. Their dedication extends beyond the courtroom through consistent training and collaboration with field game wardens and investigators.
Their work in the Ghost Deer Investigation exemplifies their leadership and impact. The office initiated the prosecution phase of this statewide case which has so far, secured 62 convictions on charges related to deer breeder violations and narcotics trafficking. Their efforts helped protect the integrity of the state’s wildlife management system and strengthened conservation law enforcement across the state.
Article source and photo credit: Texas Parks and Wildlife
