CPO, Q3, 2021

A few weeks ago, I accepted the invitation to attend the Game Warden Retiree Reunion and had the honor to talk with many of those dedicated “Wildlife Protectors”, including Jack Newman.  Sgt. Newman wore the Game Warden Triangle Patch (our first) in 1962 when he came to work with the Virginia Game Commission, and after 29 years of service, retired 30 years ago.  He told stories from his days in the field nearly 60 years ago as if it was yesterday.  Hearing these special memories makes you realize how fortunate we are to be in a unique profession that allows us to all have incredible notable experiences.

Just this past July 4th Weekend, I got to conduct my first boat patrol, after 26 years of service here, on Smith Mountain Lake with Officers Brett Clawson and Tyler Routon.  It was obvious we are the “Stewards of Safe Boating” by providing an outstanding and vital public service to the citizens of the Commonwealth thus protecting them in the outdoors.

As we continue to identify and make improvements to our organization (see the Proactive Initiative list for this month), I am more confident than ever that your initiatives we have been working hard on will be beneficial to us all.  For example, the CPO Career Progression Program will have a profound impact on both retention and on how we provide equitable salary compensation to current officers and those who join our ranks in the future.

Colonel John J. Cobb / Chief of Law Enforcement

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Professional Standards Major: Major Milt Robinson is settling into his new role well, brings with him a vast knowledge in Recruitment and Training (having been our First Academy Director), and is able to find time to temporally serve as Region 1 Manager.

Recruitment / Retention Initiatives:

  • The 11th Academy screening process is underway. The candidate pool has been narrowed down to approximately 90 candidates.
  • The Background Investigation step is underway. Background Investigator training was presented last month to those assigned to conduct the investigations. The training reflects recent changes in the process as well as recommendations from the Background Investigation Workgroup.
  • 17 of our officers and sergeants will be conducting the pre-employment background investigations over the next several weeks.

Accreditation:

  • Initial On-site Assessment August 10-12
  • Static Display will be August 10th @ Osborne Landing- More details to follow.
  • Those who have been requested to assist will soon be receiving additional information.
  • Assistance needed with Proof Collections please email good reports to Lt. Rob Ham.

Media Initiatives: 

  • July 7, 2021