Submitted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE — The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division selected Corporal Mike Binion of the Albany Law Enforcement office as the 2008 State Ranger of the Year. As runner-up, Ranger First Class Mitch Oliver of the Fort Valley office received the 2008 James R. Darnell Award.

“The State of Georgia is fortunate to have people such as Cpl. Binion and RFC Oliver who dedicate their lives to protecting our natural resources,” says WRD Chief of Law Enforcement Col. Terry West. “I commend both honorees for their dedication and contributions toward Georgia’s conservation enforcement efforts.”

As this year’s recipient, Cpl. Mike Binion’s work ethic and positive attitude inspires other officers who rely on him in difficult situations. He welcomes every opportunity to educate the public about the mission and functions of the Department. Even perpetrators have thanked him for his work.

This was Binion’s sixth nomination for Ranger of the Year since joining the DNR in 1998. The Shikar-Safari Club International along with the DNR proudly recognized him as the 2008 winner. Binion also was recognized earlier this year when he received the Rocky Wainwright Award for his efforts in waterfowl conservation.

RFC Mitch Oliver, recipient of the James R. Darnell Award, is committed to educating the public on important conservation issues. He regularly leads educational sessions, often taking questions from the public after hours.

Oliver serves as an integral member of the DNR Critical Incident Reconstruction Team, and his work with Safe Kids Worldwide helps provide free life jackets for children in and around Columbus. DNR proudly awarded him “The Fawn,” a James R. Darnell sculpture traditionally awarded the runner-up.

In the process of determining the Ranger of the Year, DNR selected one nominee from each of the seven DNR Law Enforcement regions. They were:

• Region 1, Calhoun - Cpl. Shawn Elmore

• Region 2, Gainesville - RFC Kevin Dyer

• Region 3, Thomson,- RFC Bobby Timmerman

• Region 4, Macon - RFC Mitch Oliver (James R. Darnell Award

recipient)

• Region 5, Albany - Cpl. Mike Binion (Ranger of the Year Award