NAWEOA  2001

By: Sr. Agt. Russell Dauzat

Each year, the Louisiana Wildlife Agents Association selects two members of its organization to attend the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association Conference. The NAWEOA is made up of wildlife enforcement organizations from throughout the United States, Canada and British Columbia and is held in a different location each year being sponsored and hosted by that area's NAWEOA member.

This year, Regions Three and Seven were selected to send an officer to represent the State of Louisiana. Senior Agent Darryl Galloway (Region 7) and I, Russell Dauzat (Region 3) were selected to attend the conference which was held in Omaha, Nebraska and hosted by the Nebraska Conservation Officers Association.

The NAWEOA conventions are weeklong events and are planned to include the entire family, not just the conservation officers. This year was no exception.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed by a group from the Nebraska department and shown to a hospitality room where officers from throughout the country, Canada and British Columbia got to know one another.

A family day was held at the Mahoney State Park located on the Southern Bluffs of the Platte River where groups of five participated in "2001 Warden Games". Warden skills, knowledge, coordination and teamwork were tested as groups competed against one another. I, Darryl Galloway, and men from Indiana, Minnesota and Canada made up a team called the "Mudd-Buggs". We earned our name well, as many events were held in mud allowing us to place fourth out of thirty teams competing.

Also on the agenda were meetings where guest speakers from throughout the nation addressed Enforcement officer concerns, new techniques and technology, and especially wildlife conservation and the future of our environment.

A uniform day was held and fallen officers were honored for their sacrifice. This was a touching moment as officers paid tribute to James A. Moen of the Alaska Fish and Wildlife Protection. Officer Moen died in the line of duty June 25, 2001. A plaque honoring all fallen officers contained the names of many of Louisiana's best.

All in all the convention was marked by great accommodations, service, food, friendly conversation and camaraderie, even by Louisiana standards.

After receiving such hospitality from the NAWEOA and the Nebraska Conservation Officers Association, Officer Darryl Galloway and I could not help but treat them to a taste of Louisiana. It was announced that there would be an election held for the purpose of electing an individual to represent the Southeastern Region of the United States. After a little politicking, which would have made Huey Long proud, Officer Darryl Galloway was elected Region VI Director of the Southeastern Region for the NAWEOA. He will do a great job representing this Region and this state for the next two years. Congratulations Darryl.

Everyone had a wonderful time at this year's convention. We met as officers, became friends and eventually, as the week progressed, felt as though we were one big family.

I wish to offer, on behalf of Darryl and myself, a special thanks to our Association and the Enforcement Division of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for allowing us to represent Louisiana and attend the conference.