Ramsey Named TWRA District Officer of Year

TWRA Region 3 Major C.J. Jaynes has announced that the District 31 Officer of the Year Award goes to Warren County officer Jason Ramsey.
This district award encompasses the outstanding officer from the 12 counties in Region 3, District 31. Long hours, holiday work, time away from families and working in inclement conditions are parts of a wildlife officer often hidden behind the shiny shoes and a class A uniform seen at events. Wildlife officers are diligent, self-motivated and passionate about wildlife and fisheries. Therefore, the field from which to choose this award is exceptional. Wildlife officers must excel in several areas including public outreach, teamwork, innovation, leadership, attitude and yearly achievements.
Jason Ramsey became a part time boating officer for TWRA in 2001 and then a ranger for state parks in 2004. He joined TWRA full time in 2012. Among other duties, his work area includes Center Hill Lake including Pates Ford in DeKalb County. Ramsey stated, “I enjoy working with wildlife, the variety of details the job commands, interacting with the public and teaching kids. Hunter education and sharing the outdoors with youth is one of my favorite parts of the job.” When asked about working in Warren County Ramsey replied, “It’s home and it will always be home. I am happy to give back to the county.”
Along with his regular patrol duties, Ramsey participated in many education and outreach events, reaching 5,516 citizens throughout the year. Some of his other achievements include participating with three National Archery in the Schools events and guiding during a Wounded Warrior Hunt at Fall Creek Falls State Park. Ramsey also worked with the National Wild Turkey Federation local chapter to host their annual banquet and organized a youth turkey hunt in cooperation with a local sporting goods store.
Ramsey increased patrols throughout the past year on the Collins River, which has become an increasingly popular paddle-sports area. He utilized a new jet drive boat that allowed him to access areas of the river previously difficult to check. This activity greatly increased lifejacket awareness and overall safety of the boating public on the river. Sergeant Tim Singleton shared, “Jason excels in all aspects of a wildlife officer’s responsibilities. He truly goes above and beyond with public outreach and his easy going demeanor makes him easily approachable. His knowledge of the law, wildlife and the local area makes him a wealth of information to the citizens of Tennessee”.
Ramsey was awarded the 2016 Boating Officer of the Year for District 31. He maintains an Advanced Emergency Technician certification and is the district medical advisor. He assists with annual in-service training for officers each year teaching everything from CPR to first aid. TWRA employees are proud to call him a coworker and look forward to many more years of service together.