The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division has named Corporal Eddie Tompkins its 2016 Ranger of the Year.
According to a press statement from DNR officials, Tompkins, who is assigned to Gwinnett County, was awarded the honor Sunday.
Last year, Tompkins logged 78 hunting-related complaints and 504 hours working wildlife enforcement. He issued 76 violator citations and apprehended 22 persons for hunting without permission. In addition, while attending to his regular duties, Tompkins was enrolled in the Professional Management Program at Columbus State University, a program he will complete later this year.
Not only is Tompkins considered an expert at finding and apprehending poachers, he has received honors for his work on the water. Tompkins was named the 2015 Georgia Boating Officer of the Year for his outstanding law enforcement efforts on the very busy Lake Sidney Lanier.
“Corporal Tompkins is a team player and is committed to conserving our natural resources and protecting our citizens.” said Col. Eddie Henderson, director of the Law Enforcement Division. “I am very proud of Eddie and he deserves this distinguished award.” the runner-up for the 2016 Ranger of the Year was Cpl. John Evans of coastal Georgia.
Tompkins and Evans were selected from a group of seven nominees, one from each DNR Law Enforcement region across the state. The 2016 Region Rangers of the Year are:
- Region I (NW Georgia) – RFC Cody Jones
- Region II (NE Georgia) - Cpl. Eddie Tompkins
- Region III (E. Central Georgia) – RFC Tim Butler
- Region IV (W. Central Georgia) – RFC Keith Page
- Region V (SW Georgia) – RFC Jesse Harrison
- Region VI (S. Central Georgia) – Cpl. Tommy Daughtrey
- Region VII (Coastal Georgia) – Cpl. John Evans
