Wildlife Officer to be Honored by National Wild Turkey Federation

RALEIGH, N.C. (Jan. 30, 2008) – The National Wild Turkey Federation will name Sgt. Brian Blankenship of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission as its Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for North Carolina. 

The recognition will come during the 32nd annual National Wild Turkey Federation Convention and Sport Show held Feb. 21-24 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga.

“Without the tremendous level of support for wild turkey conservation from wildlife officers such as Mr. Blankenship, restoration efforts and wildlife management strategies would never have succeeded,” said Rob Keck, National Wild Turkey Federation CEO. “We wanted to ensure that they receive the thanks and recognition they so richly deserve.”

Sgt. Blankenship was selected for the honor in part because of “his commitment to apprehending poachers via extensive patrolling and use of decoys” and his work with introducing young people to the outdoors.

By earning state-level accolades, Sgt. Blankenship and other state winners are eligible for the National Wild Turkey Federation’s National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award.

Sgt. Blankenship is a 12-year veteran of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and serves Alleghany County. He is a graduate of Western Carolina University, with a degree in Natural Resource Management.