OFFICER OF THE YEAR

Press Release

On November 7, at the Mono County Fish & Wildlife Commission meeting, Roy Griffith from the California Rifle and Pistol Association came to June Lake to present Lt. Bill Dailey with the 2018 Wildlife Officer of the Year Award. This award is not presented annually but only when a worthy Game Warden candidate presents himself. 

Lt. Dailey has gone above and beyond the normal duties of a Wildlife Officer by engaging his squad in Public Outreach Programs and Events. His squad has annually participated in numerous events helping children, including the Tri-County Fair, Mule Days, the Kids Fishing Festival in Mammoth Lakes, TroutFest at the Hot Creek Hatchery and the Mt. Whitney Kids Fishing Festival. He has been instrumental in bringing the Game Warden Recruitment Trailer to the Eastern Sierra where children can talk with Game Wardens, learn what they do, as well as see the variety of fish and wildlife that abounds here. Since 2011, his squad has taught 46 Hunter Education classes, teaching not only firearm safety but the importance of wildlife management and the mission of the CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.

In February of 2011 Lt. Dailey reported to his new district and became Inyo and Mono Counties Wildlife Officer. He recognized that there was a distinct disconnect between the Department and its constituents due to the lack of public outreach. The area’s wildlife and fisheries appeared to have declined. 

During several meetings, Lt. Dailey and his squad discussed what was needed in the district to protect the State’s resources and to ensure them for future generations for all recreational users. The squad actively brainstormed goals and objectives that would bridge those disconnects and ensure the protection of the State’s resources in Inyo and Mono Counties.

In Lt. Dailey’s 19 year career with the CDFW, his accomplishments have been matched by a scant few. His leadership has resulted in performance far beyond the Department’s expectations of wildlife officers. Their dedication to the Department, the resources, and the communities in which they work is impressive year after year, recognized both by their chain of command and their community constituents. 

 It’s for these reasons the California Rifle and Pistol Association has chosen to recognize Lt Bill Dailey as their 2018 Wildlife Officer of the year.