One of Georgia's Department of Natural Resouces (DNR) game wardens from the Lake Lanier/Hall County area is recognized for their annual awards and honors.
Corporal Ryan Locke, 2020's Game Warden of the Year, was announced recently as the DNR's 2024 Operation Dry Water Officer of the Year.
The DNR's Law Enforcement Division named Game Warden Cory Bohannon from Lincoln County as their 2024 Game Warden of the Year along with Georgia Boating Safety Officer of the Year honors. Game Warden First Class Jared Wood, who is assigned to Fannin County, is the recipient of the James R. Darnell Award, as the runner up to Game Warden of the Year. Warden Wood also received the National Wild Turkey Federation Officer of the Year honor.
In addition to the Game Warden of the Year and the Darnell awards, the DNR Law Enforcement division also has announced the following award recipients:
Supervisor of the Year – Sgt. Matt Garthright, Columbia County
Investigative Game Warden of the Year – Cpl. Eric White, Colquitt County
Operation Dry Water Officer of the Year - Cpl. Ryan Locke, Hall County/Lake Lanier
The Rocky Wainwright Waterfowl Award – Game Warden First Class Phillip Nelson, Oglethorpe County
Hunter Education Instructor of the Year - Game Warden First Class Ryan Buice, Upson County
The Torch Award – Game Warden Jaron Hollinshead, Baldwin County/Lake Sinclair
Administrative Professional of the Year – Administrative Assistant Debra Hollar, Training Unit
