Fifteen cadets completed 18 weeks of rigorous training to join the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) as new game wardens during a ceremony held Sept. 19 at Antioch Baptist Church. The class began with 18 cadets, marking an 83 percent graduation rate.
Lt. Tracey Blake, AGFC assistant training administrator, praised the group’s commitment. “You’re a committed group. That’s why there’s 15 graduating, and that’s going to take them a long way in their career,” Blake said.
Cadet Phillip Gage Gustavus of Shell Knob, Missouri, spoke on behalf of the class, noting the strong bonds formed during training. “We’re a true family as well. We can call everyone in this class a brother and sister,” Gustavus said.
Special awards were given to five standout cadets. Richie Oliver earned the Physical Fitness Award, Steven Sheeley received the Edward Hayes Armstrong Award for highest GPA, Gustavus earned Top Gun for shooting accuracy, John Frantom won the Water Survival Award, and Triston Terrell Webster received the Joel Campora Memorial Outstanding Achievement Award, voted by his peers.
The graduates bring the total number of AGFC game wardens to 158, prepared to serve across the state.
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