LDWF welcomes seven new enforcement agents

Graduation ceremony held Tuesday in Baton Rouge

Seven new cadets officially became enforcement agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries during a graduation ceremony Tuesday in Baton Rouge.

The seven men, who graduated after a six-month physical and academic program at the training academy, will spread out across the state to begin enforcing hunting, fishing and boating regulations.

“You have a tremendous responsibility to protect Louisiana’s rich natural resources and those who enjoy those resources, whether in the field or on the water,” said LDWF Secretary Robert Barham. “Congratulations on your achievement which we celebrate today.”

The seven new agents and their assignments are:

James Bruce, 26, of Bentley, assigned to Grant Parish.

Devin Bryant, 29, of Deville, assigned to Sabine Parish.

Joshua Cooper, 32, of St. Francisville, assigned to East Feliciana Parish.

Kyle Haydel, 24, Destrehan, assigned to St. Bernard Parish.

Michael Hebert, 25, of Lafayette, assigned to Cameron Parish.

Edwin Langley, 22, of Kinder, assigned to Allen Parish.

Tyler Smith, 23, of Opelousas, assigned to Pointe Coupee Parish.

Col. Joey Broussard, head of the Enforcement Division, presented certificates and recited the Oath of Office on Tuesday, making the cadets’ transition to commissioned agents official.

“We welcome these cadets into the Enforcement Division ranks,” Broussard said. “They are well trained and will be required to hit the ground running when they get to their local regions.”

Cooper received the firearms award given for the best marksman in the class.  Haydel received the physical training award for being the most fit, and Bruce received the academic award for having the highest grades.  Cooper won the overall award, which is a cumulative score from the firearms, academic and physical training categories, according to a news release.