The Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, or WAFWA, summer conference was recently held in Stevenson, Washington, where a local Idaho Fish and Game officer was awarded the Pogue-Elms Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award.
According to a news release from Idaho Fish and Game, the officer's name is Cody Allen, and he has been a conservation officer for the past 12 years. Back in 2017, he became the regional investigator, and he has been part of every wildlife-related criminal investigation since then.
The cases Allen worked on involved many search warrants and felony indictments. There were even times when he had to work with wildlife agencies from other states.
A recent investigation he was involved with was a wildlife trafficking case that involved multiple agencies across multiple states. That case resulted in multiple felony charges and over $100,000 in fines and restitution.
In his work, Allen is known for his investigative skills, especially with digital media. Many of his peers have noticed his ability to gather evidence from cell phone data, social media and computer storage. He is always willing to collaborate with other conservation officers anywhere his skills are needed.
Allen graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquatic Science and an advanced degree in Watershed Science. He chose to pursue a career with Fish and Game because it combined his love of wildlife with his desire to be challenged in unique ways.
Allen said in the news release that he has always been drawn to work with wildlife.
"I chose this career because it constantly offers new challenges and a high degree of variability," he said in the news release. "Each day brings something different allowing me to adapt and keep my work exciting."
Working as a conservation officer can be unpredictable. The news release said there are no set officer hours as wildlife crimes and emergencies can happen at anytime.
In the news release, Allen expressed gratitude for his family for all the support they have given with him throughout his career.
"My beautiful wife and kids are the motivation for everything I do," he said in the news release. "They are all very patient with me, and they are my support system."
The Pogue-Elms Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award was named in honor of Idaho Fish and Game officers Bill Pogue and Conley Elms who were killed while trying to arrest a poacher in Owyhee River country back in 1981.
According to WAFWA's website, the award is meant to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of fish and wildlife law enforcement. It is meant to honor their leadership, skills and ingenuity in their work.
Allen said in the news release that he is honored to be the recipient of this year's award.
"The fact the award is named in the memory of Bill Pogue and Conley Elms is very humbling for me," he said in the news release. "They gave their lives for wildlife conservation, and all game wardens are doing the work to protect that legacy."
The news release said the Idaho Fish and Game Commission was also recognized as the Commission of the Year at the event.
Local Idaho State
Most Popular
Comments / 0