WAFWA Recognizes Idaho Commission, Officer

The Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Monday evening, July 13, honored the Idaho Fish and Game Commission and a Fish and Game Conservation Officer. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission was named "Commission of the Year." "This is one of the most coveted and prestigious of the awards that WAFWA presents," said Larry L. Kruckenberg, association secretary and assistant director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Members of the Idaho Fish and Game Commission are Tony McDermott of Sagle, Fred Trevey of Lewiston, Bob Barowsky of Fruitland, Wayne Wright of Twin Falls, Randy Budge of Pocatello, Cameron Wheeler of Ririe and Gary Power of Salmon. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission was last honored as commission of the year in 1995. "This is a very dedicated, hard working commission that cares deeply about wildlife, and this award reflects that," Idaho Fish and Game Director Cal Groen said. The association also named Conservation Officer Tony Latham of the Salmon Region as the Pogue-Elms Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Latham was nominated by Regional Conservation Officer David Silcock for being "an exemplary conservation officer and special investigator, and he has protected Idaho's wildlife and fisheries resources since 1987. "His innovative approaches in detecting and apprehending wildlife violators have made him an asset for the entire agency," Silcock wrote in his nominating letter. "Tony is the most innovative and creative wildlife investigator I know," Enforcement Bureau Chief Jon Heggen said recently. "He commands the respect of every law enforcement officer who comes into contact with him." The award is given "to a wildlife law enforcement officer who exemplifies the courage, dedication, sacrifice and hard work in their pursuit and love for wildlife" on behalf of Idaho Fish and Game officers Bill Pogue and Conley Elms. Pogue and Elms were killed in January 1981 while trying to arrest poacher Claude Dallas in the remote Owyhee River country of southwestern Idaho.