May 14, 2024
The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) are proud to announce this year’s winners of the Guy Bradley Award. The Guy Bradley Award recognizes one state agency and one federal agency wildlife enforcement officer whose dedication and public service to protecting the nation's natural resources demonstrates outstanding leadership, excellence in implementation, knowledge, and actions that have advanced the cause of wildlife conservation. This year’s recipients are Michael M. Weathers, Chief of Enforcement for the Alabama DCNR, Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries, Law Enforcement Section, and Edward J. Grace, Chief-Office of Law Enforcement for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
“Each year, a number of awards are presented to worthy recipients by a variety of agencies and organizations. The Guy Bradley Award, however, seeks to recognize extraordinary individuals who have made an outstanding lifetime contribution to wildlife law enforcement, wildlife forensics or investigative techniques,” said Chuck Sykes, Director of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and President of the Association. “We are honored to be able to present this award to Chief Weathers and Chief Grace in recognition of their outstanding lifetime of service.”
“Chief Michael Weathers and Chief Edward Grace truly represent the best and most dedicated of the men and women who work each day to protect wildlife,” said Jeff Trandahl, Executive Director and CEO of NFWF. “With never enough hours in the day, Chief Weathers and Chief Grace each went above and beyond, not only in their own law enforcement actions but by providing the kind of leadership through example that is essential to the long-term success of state and federal wildlife protection efforts. There can be no doubt that this year’s Guy Bradley awards are well-deserved, and we cannot thank Chief Weathers and Chief Grace enough for their service and devotion.”
In his almost 25 years of service, Chief Weathers has been passionate about protecting the natural resources of Alabama for future generations and has volunteered his time on numerous occasions to bring the joy of the outdoors and all the resources it has to offer to Alabama’s citizens. Over his tenure, Weathers has worked tirelessly to serve the public, assist landowners, and serve as an instructor in multiple disciplines.
Edward Grace, Chief for the Office of Law Enforcement, has served the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for over 28 years. Agent Grace’s qualities of professionalism, dedication, persistence, and intelligence with friendliness, and a love of public service have earned him this prestigious recognition.
The Guy Bradley Award: In 1905, Guy Bradley, a Florida game warden, became the first wildlife law enforcement agent killed while performing his duties to protect the nation’s wildlife. Law enforcement agents like Bradley are essential to virtually every aspect of wildlife conservation, from recovering endangered species to managing waterfowl and big game resources.
In honor of Guy Bradley, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation established a national award in 1988 to recognize individuals for achievements in wildlife law enforcement. The award focuses on activities which directly aid or advance the law enforcement goals and mission of state and federal fish and wildlife agencies. It is an opportunity to recognize those officers who put their life on the line for wildlife during their careers. As of 2024, this award is presented in partnership with the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
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The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies to advance sound, science-based management and conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats in the public interest. The Association represents its state agency members on Capitol Hill and before the Administration to advance favorable fish and wildlife conservation policy and funding and works to ensure that all entities work collaboratively on the most important issues. The Association also provides member agencies with coordination services on cross-cutting as well as species-based programs that range from birds, fish habitat and energy development to climate change, wildlife action plans, conservation education, leadership training and international relations. Working together, the Association’s member agencies are ensuring that North American fish and wildlife management has a clear and collective voice.