The Division of Fish & Wildlife Enforcement Section is an internationally-accredited law enforcement agency. Fish & Wildlife enforcement agents protect wildlife and fisheries resources, promote safe boating, hunting and fishing, and respond to boating emergencies. Specifically, the section employs a "LEAPS" philosophy:
- Law: Enforce state laws that govern the protection of all fish, wildlife, natural resources and boating activities.
- Education: Teach the public about the importance of boating and hunter safety and the ethical use of our natural resources.
- Awareness: Create public awareness of the need to protect, appreciate, conserve and share our natural resources through various programs.
- Protection: Respond to natural disasters and provide emergency response to all hunting, fishing, and boating accidents.
- Safety: Ensure the safety of all citizens and visitors who access our State waterways and lands.
Related links:
DNREC Fish & Wildlife Enforcement officers Cpl. Brian Pollock Sr., Cpl. Drew Aydelotte and Lt. David Blaasch escorting Gov. Jack Markell and Rep. William Carson on MP Sierra after they spent a morning crabbing with a commercial waterman on the Leipsic River.
Enforcement news
F&W Enforcement officer graduates from FBI National Academy program
Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Captain John Rutherford of Smyrna was one of 266 law enforcement officers who graduated on Dec. 16, 2011, from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Va.
The 247th session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 49 states. Included in the class were members of law enforcement agencies from the District of Columbia, 25 international countries, three military organizations and six federal civilian organizations. FBI Director Robert Mueller was the principal speaker at the graduation ceremony.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers 11 weeks of advanced investigative, management and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies. Participation is by invitation only, through a nomination process. Officers who take this special training have, on average, 19 years of experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.
“In support of John’s nomination to the Academy, I was well aware he would be the recipient of the most comprehensive law enforcement training offered in the country. The training he received from the National Academy will benefit the management and the officers of Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement for years to come,” said James H. Graybeal, Chief of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement.
“I was honored to be the first Fish and Wildlife officer from Delaware to be selected to attend the FBI National Academy," said Capt. Rutherford. "I look forward to applying my new knowledge and experiences to better the operations of the Division of Fish and Wildlife and its employees,” said Capt. Rutherford.
Capt. Rutherford is a 1988 graduate of the University of Delaware, earning a Parks and Recreation Administration Bachelor of Science degree. Hired by DNREC as a Park Ranger in 1988, he graduated from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in 1988, earning his law enforcement credentials.
Rutherford transferred to the Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement as a Fish and Wildlife patrol officer in 1990, protecting the State’s fish and wildlife resources and providing recreational boating safety education and patrols. He earned a promotion to lieutenant in 2002. In 2010, Rutherford was promoted to the rank of Captain and placed in charge of day to day operations and supervising the officers patrolling New Castle and Kent counties.
