Awards and Recognition

Director's Life Saving Citation

Sergeant Michael Gonzalez, Sergeant Travis Haug, Game Warden Orion Macian and Boat Mechanic Cory Schalpia

On June 1, 2025, while conducting patrols 40 miles off the Texas coast for the opening of snapper season, the crew of the PV Captain Murchison—Sgt. Michael Gonzalez, Sgt. Travis Haug, Game Warden Orion Macias, and TPWD Boat Mechanic Cory Schlapia—swiftly responded to a life-threatening medical emergency aboard a nearby vessel.

Demonstrating outstanding preparedness and coordination, they took the patient on-board and executed a hoist transfer to a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter, enabling the timely delivery of life-saving medical care. Their professionalism and quick decision-making under pressure reflect the highest standards of service and highlight the vital role Texas Game Wardens play in protecting both natural resources and human life.

Game Warden Curtis Brock and Game Warden Conner Sumbera

In the early morning of February 17, 2025, Game Wardens Curtis Brock and Conner Sumbera responded to a distress call from three stranded hunters in Big Slough Wilderness Area within Davy Crockett National Forest. Battling freezing temperatures and floodwaters, they located one hypothermic hunter at his truck, then hiked over a mile to find the others. One was safe, while another was trapped across a flooded creek. Wardens quickly coordinated a plan to rescue the stranded hunter. Warden Sumbera swam to the man, secured him, and safely returned him with help from Warden Brock and Houston County SAR. All hunters were treated by EMS and suffered no severe injuries.

Game Warden Keegan Moore

On the afternoon of September 26th, 2025, Runnels County Game Warden Keegan Moore, while traveling in Coleman County, encountered a major accident between a motor vehicle and a large piece of construction equipment. Approaching the scene, Warden Moore observed a bystander attempting to assist the injured driver. Moore's assessment of the victim revealed a severe laceration to the victim's upper arm causing major bleeding. Recognizing the life-threatening nature of the injury, Warden Moore immediately applied a tourniquet, bringing the bleeding under control and stabilizing the victim. A paramedic confirmed Moore's timely actions unquestionably saved the driver's life. Game Warden Moore's actions serve as a clear example of composure, professionalism, and decisive response in the face of a life-threatening emergency.

Game Warden Michael Ferguson and Game Warden Michael Serbanic

On May 6, 2025, Game Wardens Michael Ferguson and Michael Serbanic rescued a man trapped in a submerged vehicle during severe flooding in Riesel, Texas. Responding from nearby Milam County, the wardens led the swift-water rescue, entering chest-deep floodwaters to break a window and pull the individual to safety just moments before the vehicle was swept away. The individual survived the incident with only minor injuries due solely to the wardens' quick judgement, actions and expert training. Their teamwork, leadership and courage directly saved a life and demonstrated the highest standards of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Game Warden Joseph Sellers

In the early morning hours of August 3, 2025, Game Warden Joseph Sellers was patrolling near a boat ramp on Eagle Mountain Lake when he was alerted to a boater who had fallen between a dock and boat while attempting to disembark. The victim could not be pulled from the water by his family and had at times slipped beneath the surface. Warden Sellers rushed to the scene and entered the water without hesitation. By supporting the victim in the water, Warden Sellers was able to facilitate his removal to the dock by a family member and a bystander who had arrived on scene. Warden Sellers' presence, decisive action, and bravery are credited with preventing a tragic drowning and saving a life that day.

Director's Citation

Game Warden Emily Slubar

Warden Emily Slubar's exceptional performance during the July 4th Texas Hill County floods merits recognition with a Director's Citation. As a Texas Game Warden Search and Rescue team member, Emily showed exemplary leadership by quickly integrating into the Kerr County Emergency Operations Center, establishing an Incident Command Post, and directing resources to urgent rescue needs. Her strategic, long-term search and rescue plan unified TPWD operations with Texas Task Force 1, Department of Public Safety, and other partner agencies, ensuring efficiency and coordination throughout deployment. With experience from major disasters like Hurricane Harvey, Emily's steady presence, expertise, and dedication directly contributed to the effectiveness of the response and the safety of Texans.

Game Warden Dustin Barrett

Game Warden Dustin Barrett demonstrated extraordinary service during the July 4th Texas Hill Country floods, warranting a Director's Citation. His calm demeanor and intimate knowledge of Kerr County made him essential to establishing the TPWD Incident Command Post and guiding the local emergency response. Partnering with Warden Emily Slubar, Dustin supported both local and outside resources, ensuring coordination and reducing delays. His leadership and dedication allowed Texas Game Wardens to respond swiftly and effectively, saving lives during the most critical morning hours of the flooding.

Game Warden Ryan Cobb

Game Warden Ryan Cobb's performance during the July 4th Texas Hill Country floods exemplifies excellence worthy of a Director's Citation. Warden Cobb's mastery of TAK technology allowed him to rapidly deploy and integrate a common operating picture for SAR operations. By building a live digital map of search areas and cleared zones, he gave responders vital situational awareness that improved coordination and safety. This capability gave TPWD personnel and the Emergency Operations Center accurate, real-time tracking of missions, enabling stronger coordination and reducing confusion. His expertise enhanced both the effectiveness of lifesaving operations and post-event analysis. Warden Cobb's dedication and technical skill made him indispensable to search and rescues efforts and to partner agency success.

Game Warden Dennis Gazaway

Game Warden Dennis Gazaway's performance during the July 4th Texas Hill Country floods merits recognition with a Director's Citation. As one of the first responders at the temporary Incident Command Post, Warden Gazaway applied his extensive FEMA and ALERRT training expertise to manage and track personnel, equipment, and tasks. His calm, organized and decisive leadership established critical tracking protocols before TAK was in place, creating a foundation for a comprehensive operations database. By fostering strong collaboration with the Kerr County Sheriff's Office, Warden Gazaway ensured seamless integration of Texas Game Wardens and local responders, greatly enhancing the effectiveness and success of search and rescue efforts.

Major Luis Sosa

In recognition of outstanding leadership of the Texas Game Warden response to Kerr County during the flooding event of July 4th, 2025. Early on the initial day of the event, Major Sosa arrived in Kerrville and supervised staff on scene in establishing a viable Incident Command structure, instituting a response plan, and facilitating the development of an efficient interoperability with other responding agencies. In service to the citizens of Texas, Major Sosa's steadfast leadership over many days and uncounted hours contributed greatly to the ability of Texas Parks and Wildlife to provide timely and effective response to this catastrophic event.

Director's Medal of Valor

Lieutenant Robert Mitchell

For his extraordinary actions in responding to the catastrophic flood event in Kerr County on July 4, 2025. Lt. Mitchell, in extremely treacherous flight conditions and surroundings, and at immediate risk to his own life and safety, piloted TPWD helicopter N270PW during search and rescue efforts along the Guadalupe River. He, along with Tactical Flight Officer Sgt. Brent Biggs, and Helicopter Rescue Technician Game Warden Jacob Crumpton, through their bravery, skill, and unwavering commitment to the people of Texas, are directly responsible for the rescue of multiple individuals from raging floodwaters on the morning of July 4. Lt. Mitchell's valiant and selfless actions during the early hours of the event, along with his continued efforts in support of evacuation and recovery efforts over the ensuing hours and days, are exemplary of conduct meriting the bestowal of our highest honor.

Game Warden Richard Whitt

For his extraordinary actions in responding to the catastrophic flood event in Kerr County on July 4, 2025. Near dawn, under ongoing hazardous weather and increasingly dangerous river conditions, Whitt and fellow Game Wardens launched rescue boats into the rising, debris filled waters of the Guadalupe River. Fully aware of the risks to their own lives and safety, boat teams directly extracted victims from precarious positions within the trees above the raging flood waters and facilitated rescues of others via helicopter hoist and other operations. The bravery, skill, and selfless commitment to the people of Texas displayed that day by Warden Whitt directly resulted in the saving of multiple lives. His valiant and selfless actions during the critical early hours of the disaster, along with his continued involvement in evacuation and recovery efforts over the ensuing hours and days exemplify conduct deserving of our highest honor.

Game Warden Ray Milloway

For his extraordinary actions in responding to the catastrophic flood event in Kerr County on July 4, 2025. Near dawn, under ongoing hazardous weather and increasingly dangerous river conditions, Milloway and fellow Game Wardens launched rescue boats into the rising, debris filled waters of the Guadalupe River. Fully aware of the risks to their own lives and safety, boat teams directly extracted victims from precarious positions within the trees above the raging flood waters and facilitated rescues of others via helicopter hoist operations. The bravery, skill, and selfless commitment to the people of Texas displayed that day by Warden Milloway directly resulted in the saving of multiple lives. His valiant and selfless actions during the critical early hours of the disaster, along with his continued involvement in evacuation and recovery efforts over the ensuing hours and days exemplify conduct deserving of our highest honor.

Game Warden Jacob Crumpton

For his actions in responding to the catastrophic flood event in Kerr County on July 4, 2025. Warden Crumpton, in extremely treacherous conditions and surroundings, and at immediate risk to his own life and safety, served as Helicopter Rescue Technician on TPWD helicopter N270PW during search and rescue efforts along the Guadalupe River. He, along with Tactical Flight Officer Sgt. Brent Biggs and Pilot Lt. Robert Mitchell, through their bravery, skill, and unwavering commitment to the people of Texas, are directly responsible for the rescue of multiple individuals from raging floodwaters on the morning of July 4. Warden Crumpton's valiant and selfless actions during the early hours of the event, along with his continued efforts in support of evacuation and recovery efforts over the ensuing hours and days, are exemplary of conduct meriting the bestowal of our highest honor.

Game Warden John Compton

For his extraordinary actions in responding to the catastrophic flood event in Kerr County on July 4, 2025. Near dawn, under ongoing hazardous weather and increasingly dangerous river conditions, Compton and fellow Game Wardens launched rescue boats into the rising, debris filled waters of the Guadalupe River. Fully aware of the risks to their own lives and safety, boat teams directly extracted victims from precarious positions within the trees above the raging flood waters and facilitated rescues of others via helicopter hoist operations. The bravery, skill, and selfless commitment to the people of Texas displayed that day by Warden Compton directly resulted in the saving of multiple lives. His valiant and selfless actions during the critical early hours of the disaster, along with his continued involvement in evacuation and recovery efforts over the ensuing hours and days exemplify conduct deserving of our highest honor.

Game Warden Michael Serbanic

For his extraordinary actions in responding to the catastrophic flood event in Kerr County on July 4, 2025. Near dawn, under ongoing hazardous weather and increasingly dangerous river conditions, Serbanic and fellow Game Wardens launched rescue boats into the rising, debris filled waters of the Guadalupe River. Fully aware of the risks to their own lives and safety, boat teams directly extracted victims from precarious positions within the trees above the raging flood waters and facilitated rescues of others via helicopter hoist operations. The bravery, skill, and selfless commitment to the people of Texas displayed that day by Warden Serbanic directly resulted in the saving of multiple lives. His valiant and selfless actions during the critical early hours of the disaster, along with his continued involvement in evacuation and recovery efforts over the ensuing hours and days exemplify conduct deserving of our highest honor.

Sergeant Brent Biggs

For his actions in responding to the catastrophic flood event in Kerr County on July 4, 2025. Sgt. Biggs, in extremely treacherous flight conditions and surroundings, and at immediate risk to his own life and safety, served as Tactical Flight Officer on TPWD helicopter N270PW during search and rescue efforts along the Guadalupe River. He, along with Pilot Lt. Robert Mitchell and Helicopter Rescue Technician Game Warden Jacob Crumpton, through their bravery, skill, and unwavering commitment to the people of Texas, are directly responsible for the rescue of multiple individuals from raging floodwaters on the morning of July 4th. Sgt. Biggs' valiant and selfless acts during the early hours of the event, along with his continued efforts in support of evacuation and recovery efforts over the ensuing hours and days, are exemplary of conduct meriting the bestowal of our highest honor.

Director's Medal of Merit

Assistant Commander Brandon Rose

For exemplary service and operational excellence during the catastrophic flooding event in Kerr County on July 4, 2025. As pilot of TPWD helicopter N350PW, Assistant Commander Brandon Rose led his air crew through severe weather and hazardous flight conditions to deliver critical support during the devastating floods. The crew conducted multiple missions, including the insertion of personnel and supplies into flood isolated Camp Mystic, the aerial evacuation of victims, and continued support for ground-based operations. Throughout the day, they executed multiple missions, ensuring timely delivery of personnel and resources, and the safe extraction of evacuees. Assistant Commander Rose's skill and commitment to mission success reflect great credit upon himself, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the State of Texas.

Lieutenant Tyler Stoikes

For exemplary service and operational excellence during the catastrophic flooding event in Kerr County on July 4, 2025. As Tactical Flight Officer aboard TPWD helicopter N350PW, Lt. Stoikes and crew operated through severe weather and hazardous flight conditions to deliver critical support during the devastating floods. The crew conducted multiple missions, including the insertion of personnel and supplies into flood isolated Camp Mystic, the aerial evacuation of victims, and continued support for ground-based operations. Throughout the day, they executed multiple missions, ensuring timely delivery of personnel and resources, and the safe extraction of evacuees. Lt. Stoikes' skill and commitment to mission success reflect great credit upon himself, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the State of Texas.

Sergeant Doug White

For exemplary service and operational excellence during the catastrophic flooding event in Kerr County on July 4, 2025. As Tactical Flight Officer aboard TPWD helicopter N350PW, Sgt. Doug White and crew operated through severe weather and hazardous flight conditions to deliver critical support during the devastating floods. The crew conducted multiple missions, including the insertion of personnel and supplies into flood isolated Camp Mystic, the aerial evacuation of victims, and continued support for ground-based operations. Throughout the day, they executed multiple missions, ensuring timely delivery of personnel and resources, and the safe extraction of evacuees. Sgt. White's skill and commitment to mission success reflect great credit upon himself, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the State of Texas.

Game Warden Dustyn Jansky

For exemplary service and operational excellence during the catastrophic flooding event in Kerr County on July 4, 2025. Game Warden Dustyn Jansky demonstrated exceptional bravery and professionalism while responding to flood isolated Camp Mystic. Warden Jansky was inserted by helicopter into the affected area where he helped establish communications, coordinate evacuations, clear landing zones for responding helicopters, evacuate isolated individuals, and assisted in the recovery of deceased victims.

Warden Jansky acted decisively and selflessly under extreme conditions, bringing order and safety to a chaotic situation and directly contributed to the success of the mission at hand. Warden Jansky further played a critical role throughout the extended response both in the Emergency Operations Center and the field where his expertise in unmanned aerial systems and other technological tools enabled vital real time tracking and coordination of recovery operations. Warden Jansky's skill and commitment to mission success reflect great credit upon himself, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the State of Texas.

Game Warden Cooper Wolken

For exemplary service and operational excellence during the catastrophic flooding event in Kerr County on July 4, 2025. Game Warden Cooper Wolken demonstrated exceptional bravery and professionalism while responding to flood isolated Camp Mystic. Warden Wolken was inserted by helicopter into the affected area where he helped establish communications, coordinate evacuations, clear landing zones for responding helicopters, evacuate isolated individuals, and assisted in the recovery of deceased victims. Warden Wolken acted decisively and selflessly under extreme conditions, bringing order and safety to a chaotic situation and directly contributing to the success of the mission at hand. Warden Woken's skill and commitment to mission success reflect great credit upon himself, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the State of Texas.