WV Natural Resources Police Officer receives NWTF Officer of the Year Award
WVDNR District 6 NRPO Joshua D. McLaughlin receives prestigious Sharp Spur award for combatting turkey poaching
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced that Natural Resources Police Officer Joshua D. McLaughlin has been honored with the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) State Sharp Spur Officer of the Year Award.
This prestigious award, presented to NRPO McLaughlin on Sunday, recognizes his innovative investigative techniques and commitment to combat illegal turkey poaching and ensure justice for wildlife violations.
“Officer McLaughlin’s work ethic, investigative skills and relentless pursuit of justice are an invaluable asset and inspiration to us all,” said WVDNR Natural Resources Police Chief Col. Bobby Cales. “His efforts exemplify the spirit of the WVDNR’s Law Enforcement Section and its mission to protect our state’s natural resources. He truly deserves this national recognition, and we are incredibly proud to have him as part of our team.”
Before joining the WVDNR’s Law Enforcement Section, NRPO McLaughlin served as a United States Border Patrol Agent and a Wood County Sheriff’s Deputy. His extensive law enforcement background, combined with his experience as a hunter and angler, has uniquely equipped him for upholding the law and protecting West Virginia’s wildlife. Over the past several years, NRPO McLaughlin’s dedication has led to numerous successful investigations, particularly in the area of combating wildlife crimes such as illegal turkey poaching.
“Officer McLaughlin’s unwavering dedication to preserving our wildlife and natural habitats demonstrates his exceptional commitment to the state of West Virginia,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “His tireless efforts in ensuring justice and promoting ethical hunting practices have not only protected our natural resources but also set a high standard for law enforcement officers across the nation.”
Hunters and anglers who wish to report a wildlife or natural resources crime may do so by calling their local WVDNR district office during normal business hours or submitting an anonymous tip at WVdnr.gov/report-a-natural-resources-crime. Members of the public may also report crimes via message at Facebook.com/DNRpolice. For crimes in progress, please call 911.
About West Virginia Natural Resources Police
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources’ Law Enforcement Section is the state’s oldest statewide law enforcement agency and currently employs more than 120 Natural Resources Police officers who are responsible for the prompt, orderly and effective enforcement of all laws contained in Chapter 20 of the West Virginia Code and the rules promulgated under that authority. NRPOs can specialize in various roles, such as K-9 operations, human tracking, undercover work, swiftwater rescue, dive team, firearms training, defensive tactics, drone operations and more. They also patrol the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, assist other agencies, and oversee hunter education and boating safety programs. To learn more about the WVDNR Police, visit WVdnr.gov/law-enforcement.
