Dooley receives Torch award

    Georgia Department of Natural Resources game warden T.R. Dooley, a resident of Stephens County, has been awarded the 2023 Georgia Torch Award.
     Each year, the Torch Award is presented by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Law Enforcement Division to encourage the professional development of recently appointed Rangers that are active members of North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers of America.
    Nominees must not have worked as a wildlife enforcement officer for more than five years and must have made evident a genuine desire to protect our natural resources and to develop professionally.
    They must also demonstrate exceptional ability and initiative in the performance of their duties, including public education.
     According to a press release issued by DNR, Dooley has been a game warden for less than a year and has already shown that he has the instincts of a veteran.
    The press release goes on to say that Dooley quickly became proficient in detecting boating under the influence violations, logging six BUI arrests and citing two with child endangerment this past year.
     With his proactive approach to stopping and preventing the poaching of wildlife and protecting the public, he also investigated and arrested several suspects for killing bear over bait and worked other poaching cases and two felony meth cases.
    DNR officials stated that Dooley also presents, on a daily basis, a professional and personable demeanor, which has a positive impact on his community and his co-workers.