The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) recently selected Col. Terry West as the new Chief of Law Enforcement, changing his rank from Lt. Colonel to Colonel. West most recently held the position of Assistant Chief of Law Enforcement and assumes the position of recently retired Col. Ron Bailey.

“I am very pleased with the selection of Col. Terry West as the new Chief of Law Enforcement,” says WRD Director Dan Forster. “His accomplishments are many, his background and experiences are outstanding, and I am sure the transition into his new position will be smooth.”

The WRD Chief of Law Enforcement must provide leadership and supervision for the statewide law enforcement section. The Chief must identify and establish goals and objectives that are consistent with DNR’s mission and goals statement. Some of the duties include supervising, both directly and indirectly, all WRD Conservation Rangers and other section personnel, overseeing the enforcement of all game, fish and boating safety laws, overseeing the training of law enforcement personnel and maintaining a consistent, high quality, customer-focused orientation to clients, the general public and other external customers.

West has been with the Division for 20 years. He holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Oglethorpe University and a master’s degree in Public Administration. In addition, he also is a graduate of the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College. West began his career with WRD in March 1985 as a Conservation Ranger in Wilkinson County. He was promoted to Conservation Corporal in 1988, Conservation Sergeant in 1990 and served seven years professional service with the Coastal Resources Division in developing and implementing the Georgia Coastal Zone Management Program. West has been honored as WRD Ranger of the Year at the district or state level three times and is a P.O. S.T. certified instructor.

“Lt. Col. West understands and exemplifies the necessary level of teamwork and cooperation needed to meet departmental goals,” says Forster. “He will be an instrumental player for the development of the Division’s future.”

For more information, contact a WRD Law Enforcement Office or call (770) 918-6408.

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