Sumter County's Own Parrish Thompson Honored as Hunter Safety Instructor of the Year

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recently awarded Parrish Thompson the 2024 Victor Heller Hunter Safety Instructor of the Year award. The announcement was made at the FWC's May Commission meeting in Daytona Beach. Thompson, a retired FWC officer from Sumter County, has spent 40 years teaching hunter safety courses, contributing significantly to hunting education and safety.

Thompson uses a variety of teaching methods to address different learning styles in his hunter safety courses. He also encourages his students to become instructors, helping to spread safe hunting practices. His work has educated many hunters and built a community focused on safety.

Throughout his career, Thompson has earned several honors, including being named a Top Certified Student Producer in Florida and winning the Area Coordinator of the Year Award for the Southwest Region. These awards recognize his success in training responsible hunters.

Thompson also volunteers as a Hunt Master for the Youth Hunting Program of Florida and as a state official for the National Archery in the Schools Program. These roles show his dedication to promoting safe hunting among young people.

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