The next phase for the new wardens involves 13 weeks alongside seasoned wardens in one-on-one field training exercises that help enhance the new wardens law enforcement education as guardians of the state's natural resources.

"The Department faces many vacancies within the ranks of its wardens, and we're glad that these 14 people will add to the state's thin green line," said Capt. Mike Carion, supervisor of the academy.

"These graduates have endured an arduous 28 weeks of training and they are now ready to move on to the Field Training Officer Program. I'm confident that they are ready for the task at hand."

DFG's law enforcement program ensures the future of wildlife resources for the people of California through responsible enforcement of appropriate laws, regulations and rules. Approximately 300 field wardens patrol throughout seven geographical regions.

Wardens face the unique challenge of patrolling more than 1,100 miles of coastline, 80 major rivers, 4,800 lakes and reservoirs, and 30,000 miles of river and streams. The new wardens will enforce regulations relating to fish, wildlife and habitat within the state and its offshore waters. Annually, wardens make contact with more than 295,000 people and issue more than 15,000 citations.

In addition to the new wardens, two graduates have been hired by law enforcement agencies. One cadet will go to the Calaveras County Sheriff's Department, and one will work at Round Valley Indian Reservation. One graduate still awaits word on his hiring opportunity. The Fish and Game Academy was launched in 1988. Requirements for acceptance to the academy include a minimum of two years college with a major in law enforcement, wildlife biology or a closely-related field. The academy includes six months of general law enforcement and fish and game specific studies, physical training, firearms and shooting, and defensive tactics training.

Cadets were selected from hundreds of applicants. Each applicant completed an in-depth questionnaire and satisfied an initial screening process before passing a background check. Friday's class represents the 13th group that has successfully completed the training. Graduates include:
• Terry David Mullen of Lake Isabella
• Mitchell Robert Carlson of Orcutt
• Andy R. Church of San Diego
• Jason Robert Dean of San Diego
• Curtis John Buyser of Hermosa Beach
• Lorraine Linda Sinclair of Loveland, Colorado
• Chad Russell Elliott of Palo Cedro
• Liane Schmidt of Squaw Valley
• Kyle David Hiatt of Colfax
• Thomas James Engelhardt of Wildomar
• Robert Stephen Roberts of Rohnert Park
• Jon Williams Thompson of St. Helena
• Gary Michael Van Atta of Modesto
• Grayden Gregory Dervishian
• Phillip James Forgione
• Philip Andrew Fricker
• Douglas E. Hutt Jr. of Covelo