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California: Governor Newsom honors commitment to wildlife protection and public safety with 36 new law enforcement officers

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Aug 7, 2026

Governor Newsom honors commitment to wildlife protection and public safety with 36 new law enforcement officers

What you need to know: This week, 36 new state wildlife officers graduated and will soon begin serving in communities across California, helping protect the state's natural resources and strengthen public safety.

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today celebrated the graduation of 36 new wildlife officers, marking an important milestone in strengthening California's effort to protect its natural resources and keep communities safe.

During a ceremony yesterday in Paradise, Butte County, the graduates were sworn in, pinned with their badges, and welcomed into the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Law Enforcement Division. Following field training, the new officers will begin serving in communities throughout California, supporting the state's mission to protect the state's fish and wildlife resources in the most biologically diverse state in the nation while carrying out a broad range of public safety responsibilities.

California's wildlife officers play a critical role in protecting our natural resources, supporting safe access to our public lands and waterways, and serving communities across the state. These 36 new officers are joining a proud tradition of public service, and their commitment will help protect California's incredible natural heritage while ensuring communities can safely enjoy the state's diverse landscapes.

Governor Gavin Newsom

"Graduation day is always special for our division," said CDFW Deputy Director and Chief of Law Enforcement Nathaniel Arnold. "Each new officer represents a commitment to protecting California's natural resources and ensuring the safety of the people who enjoy them. I am extremely proud of this class and excited to see them begin their careers."

CDFW's Wildlife Officer Academy is certified by California's Commission of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), ensuring every recruit receives the same rigorous training expected of law enforcement agencies across the state. Since partnering with Butte College in 2008, CDFW has trained wildlife officers at the college's modern POST-certified facility, drawing on nearly 50 years of law enforcement training expertise.

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This year's graduating class includes one officer continuing a family tradition of service, following in the footsteps of their mother, now retired, who graduated from CDFW's Wildlife Officer Academy in 1990. She began her career in the Rio Vista District, where the new officer will now start their first patrol assignment.

After completing 1,254 hours of academy instruction, the graduates will enter the POST-mandated Field Training Program, working alongside experienced officers to gain hands-on experience responding to real-world situations. Once they complete field training, they will begin solo patrol assignments in districts throughout California.

The 36 graduates will join approximately 450 wildlife officers already serving communities across California. Together, they carry out a wide range of public safety and natural resource protection responsibilities, including general patrol, marine enforcement, petroleum spill response, investigations, cannabis enforcement, and other specialized assignments. From responding to emergencies to enforcing California's fish and wildlife laws, wildlife officers serve in a variety of roles every day to protect California's people, wildlife, and natural resources. Their work includes rescuing injured and orphaned wildlife, investigating poaching and other wildlife crimes, and responding to wildlife emergencies that protect animals and the public.

CDFW continues to recruit the next generation of wildlife officers. Individuals interested in a career protecting California's fish, wildlife, and natural resources can learn more at wildlife.ca.gov/Enforcement.

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