Texas Game Wardens

10/12/2026

Anyone who may have information regarding the identity of a man Texas Game Wardens, Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Office (PPCSO) and other responders recovered today from Possum Kingdom Lake is asked to contact PPCSO at 940-659-2085.

Public Service Announcement

10/11/2026

10/11/2026

10/11/2026

10/11/2026

Sergeant Jim Birmingham passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 1988, after suffering a fatal heart attack while performing marine patrol duties in the Intracoastal Waterway near Port O’Connor.

Sgt. Birmingham’s patrol boat was later found beached approximately a quarter of a mile east of the Air Force Channel entrance. He was discovered inside the boat.

Sgt. Birmingham served the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for 20 years, dedicating his career to protecting Texas’ natural resources and serving the people of Texas.

Today, we honor Sergeant Birmingham’s legacy of service.

10/11/2026

Ever wondered what it takes to become a Texas Game Warden or Texas State Park Police Officer? Come find out!

Join us Oct. 17 for the sixth annual Texas Game Warden Training Center Open House in Hamilton!

Explore the academy and its training facilities, meet current officers and academy staff, get an up-close look at our specialized teams and learn what it takes to earn the badge.

Whether you’re considering a career in law enforcement, supporting a future applicant or simply curious about what we do, this is your opportunity to see it firsthand.

📅 Saturday, Oct. 17 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
📍 4363 FM 1047, Hamilton, TX

RSVP required: https://tr.ee/2026GWTCOpenHouse

Your future could start here. Are you ready?

10/11/2026

On Oct. 10, 2008, Texas Game Warden George Whatley died after suffering a heart attack during a physical fitness assessment in Fort Stockton.

After completing a series of exercises, Warden Whatley began to feel unwell and moved to a shaded area to rest. Moments later, he collapsed. A fellow game warden trained as a paramedic immediately rendered aid as rescue crews were called. Warden Whatley was transported to Fort Stockton Hospital, where he died about an hour later.

Though he served with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for only one year, Warden Whatley made a lasting impact on his community and his fellow wardens.

Today, we honor Game Warden Whatley’s legacy of service.

10/10/2026

We are proud to announce the promotion of Cooper Wolken as the new sergeant for the Texas Game Warden Rural Operations Group.

A native of Amarillo, Sgt. Wolken grew up hunting and spending time outdoors. His passion for protecting Texas’ natural resources and desire to serve the people of Texas led him to pursue a career as a Texas Game Warden.

Sgt. Wolken graduated from West Texas A&M University in 2020 with a degree in criminal justice. He then attended the Texas Game Warden Academy as a member of the 64th cadet class, graduating in 2021.

Upon graduation, Sgt. Wolken was stationed in Maverick County, where he served until October 2025 before transferring to Callahan County.

Throughout his career, Sgt. Wolken has served as a member of the Texas Game Warden Rural Operations Group and was recognized with the Director’s Medal of Merit for his participated in the response to the July 2025 Hill Country flooding. He is a certified Direct Action Resource Center instructor and field training officer and has helped develop multiple training programs for the Rural Operations Group.

Sgt. Wolken has also served as a guest instructor at the Texas Game Warden Training Center, teaching courses in use of force, simunitions, vehicle extractions, human trafficking, close-quarters battle and high-risk vehicle stops.

In his new role, Sgt. Wolken looks forward to expanding the Rural Operations Group’s specialized training and capabilities, continuing to provide critical operational support to fellow game wardens and expanding collaboration with local, state and federal partners to better serve the people of Texas.

Please join us in congratulating Sgt. Cooper Wolken on his promotion and wishing him success in this new chapter!

10/07/2026

Texas Game Wardens enjoyed spending National Night Out with communities across the state!

Events like these give game wardens the opportunity to connect with the people they serve, visit with families and strengthen relationships with local law enforcement and first responder partners.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hello!

10/04/2026