DNR presents two top ranger awards to northeast Georgians

SOCIAL CIRLCE - Two northeast Georgia Georgia wildlife rangers have been honored by the state Department of Natural Resources. <br> <br> Derek Dillard, who works out of Rabun County, is the winner of the 2002 State Ranger of the Year Award. <br> <br> John VanLandingham, who is stationed in Gilmer County, is the recipient of this year&#39;s James R. Darnell Award, as the runner-up for the ranger of the year award.<br> <br> DNR officials say Dillard began his career with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) in 1997. He handled 581 violations during the past year, and assisted with anotehr 259 violations.<br> <br> DNR says VanLandingham began his career with WRD in 1995. In the past twelve months, he has handled more than 3,300 violations, including some high-profile investigations that have led to numerous confiscations and the serving of 30 state arrest warrants.