Thanks to some recent generous donations, Texas Game Wardens near Corpus Christi now have access to some critically needed specialty equipment that will allow them to perform their duties more efficiently and effectively.
The Texas Brush Country Safari Club International (SCI) Chapter and the Saltwater-Fisheries Enhancement Association (SEA) provided $15,000 in funding to purchase a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) for Corpus Christi area game wardens.
“The Brush Country Chapter of SCI was happy to partner with our friends at SEA to help out our local Texas Game Wardens, said Jeff Sizemore, President/Treasurer of the Texas Brush Country SCI Chapter. “We know how important their role is in the Lone Star State and we’re eager to help once again via Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation’s Gear Up for Game Wardens program.”
The UTV will be used by game wardens for conservation law enforcement, public safety and emergency response.
“We’ll be using the new UTV in many different ways,” explained Texas Game Warden Lerrin Johnson, who is stationed in San Patricio County. “We will be patrolling the beaches and checking fishermen. We also protect the endangered sea turtles that come in to nest along the shoreline. Later on, during hunting season, we’ll be patrolling ranches and checking in with hunters.”
A Gear Up for Game Wardens presentation at the January meeting of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) Board of Trustees meeting led to a $12,000 donation from ExxonMobil for some critically needed gear. ExxonMobil’s Samantha Omey encouraged her company’s donation after hearing the update which led to funding the replacement of two needed airboat trailers on the coast that were out of commission due to aging and rust. Without the new trailers provided by ExxonMobil’s donation, the airboats would not be in service today.
“We appreciate what Texas Game Wardens do to protect our natural resources on the coast,” said Samantha Omey, Southwest Government Relations Manager for ExxonMobil, a long-time corporate partner. “These airboats help our game wardens get the job done, especially all the extra work and hours these folks put in during crises like hurricanes. Texas Game Wardens always go the extra mile.”
Texas Game Wardens on the front lines of conservation law enforcement and emergency response sincerely appreciate the support.
“We are immensely grateful for the generosity of Texas individuals, companies and organizations,” said Johnson. “These donations are providing critically needed equipment that we utilize in the field every day and helps us do our jobs better and safer. I know every game warden out there appreciates Gear Up for Game Wardens.”
