KYLE YODER SELECTED AS REGION 7 GAME WARDEN OF THE YEAR

  
Game Warden Kyle Yoder was recently chosen as the 2021 Game Warden of the Year for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Region 7.
(courtesy photo)

Washington County’s Game Warden was recently named the 2021 Game Warden of the Year for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Law Enforcement Region 7.

Kyle Yoder was evaluated and selected for the award based on excellence in categories including public outreach, attitude, teamwork, achievements, efficiency/innovation and leadership.  He was chosen from over 75 other Game Wardens eligible for the award.

Region 7 covers much of Central Texas, stretching from Sealy to Brownwood, Waco to Llano and most of the area between.

Yoder graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Blinn College and Sam Houston State University.  He was accepted shortly afterwards into the 60th Game Warden Cadet class in 2015.  He graduated after seven months at the Game Warden Training Center near Hamilton.

Yoder was first stationed in Pecos County in West Texas before moving to the area four years ago.

 

Full press release from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department:

Kyle Yoder was selected as TPWD’s Law Enforcement Region 7 2021 Game Warden of the year. He was chosen from over 75 other Game Wardens eligible for the award. Region 7 covers much of central Texas stretching from Sealy to Brownwood, Waco to Llano and most of the area between.

Kyle was evaluated and selected based on excellence in the following categories.  

PUBLIC OUTREACH – nominee excels in deliberate and effective communication with the public. Seeks opportunities to educate, inform and exchange ideas with the public about Agency programs and priorities.

EXCELLENCE – nominee demonstrates the willingness to go beyond the call of duty by doing more than others expect.

ATTITUDE – nominee portrays a contagious, positive perspective to fellow workers and the public in everything they say, do, write and produce. Takes personal responsibility for meeting commitments and solving problems.

TEAMWORK – nominee demonstrates intra- and interdivisional cooperation within the agency; willing to pitch in and assist others; keeps others informed and up-to-date; gives specific and helpful feedback to improve job performance; shares his or her own work experiences and helpful information to help accomplish agency mission.

ACHIEVEMENTS – nominee has accomplished special achievements during the performance of job-related duties.

EFFICIENCY/INNOVATION – nominee continually seeks to improve efficiency on the job. Has identified means to increase constituent satisfaction and cost-savings for the agency. Has taken steps to achieve implementation.

LEADERSHIP – nominee demonstrates standards of excellence and professionalism; exemplifies standards and conduct that reflect honesty and fairness; sets the example for others through his or her behavior.

Kyle Yoder grew up with a strong ranching and outdoor background in North Central Texas. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Blinn and Sam Houston State. Shortly after college graduation he was accepted into the 60th Game Warden Cadet class in 2015. He graduated after seven rigorous months at the Game Warden Training Center near Hamilton Texas. During their training, all Texas Game Wardens undergo the traditional state police training to pass the state TCOLE exam which regulates Law Enforcement Certification in Texas. On top of the traditional police training, Game Wardens learn wildlife law, species identification, boat operations, off-road driving, and various other skills to meet the challenges of being a Game Warden in the field.

After graduation, Kyle was stationed in Pecos County where he patrolled the rugged West Texas terrain. 4 years ago, he and his family moved to the area. He is currently stationed to Washington County. He appreciates the diversity of the landscapes in the area. The abundance of outdoor recreation  means there’s never a shortage of work. He enjoys working hand in hand with local law enforcement as well as meeting with landowners, local stakeholders and community groups. He’s received special training in intoxication enforcement and feels strongly about keeping our roads, rivers, and lakes safe for everyone to enjoy. He has received multiple awards and recognition for his life saving actions on the roads, waterways, and back woods above and beyond what was expected. He’s passionate about conservation law enforcement but even more so about helping those in need.

When not on patrol he spends as much time as possible with his wife and children. Even though his job keeps him outside, his hobbies keep him outdoors as well, as he enjoys hunting, shooting, and working out.

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3 Comments

  1. An absolute please to work with !!! Kyle takes his job seriously but with patience in dealing with people. I am proud to know and have a working relationship with him. Kyle, you sooo deserved this !!!! Congrats.

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