HINTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Officers with the West Virginia Natural Resources Police gathered last month in celebration of the first game warden to be appointed for the Mountain State – Captain Emory F. Smith.
WV Natural Resources Officers were joined by dozens of residents in Smith’s hometown of Hinton who made their way out for the memorial for the significant figure in West Virginia’s storied history.
Captain Smith, dubbed a “trailblazer” by those who would follow him in protecting the state, would implement any means necessary to respond personally to complaints around the state during his time as game warden.
This, at times, would entail state patrols on horseback, utilization of trains, and even riverboats as a means of reaching his destination in order to assist those in need.
The West Virginia Natural Resources Police is the oldest statewide law enforcement agency, having served the citizens of West Virginia since February of 1897.
This year mark’s the 125th of the agency’s service to the state, as well the 125 year anniversary of Captain Smith’s initial appointment by Governor George Wesley as the very first “West Virginia Game Warden.
“The Natural Resources Police would also like to thank the Summers County Commission, the mayor of Hinton, and the Natural Resources Police Officers Association, as well as the officers in District 4 and Officer Joshua Lambert for making the ceremony and dedication possible,” read a Wednesday statement from the WV Natural Resources Police.