Wildlife employees who died in the line of duty were recognized by the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission during their regular meeting on Sept. 8 in Oklahoma City. ODWC Director Wade Free recognized each of the seven former employees, discussing their accomplishments and providing their families an opportunity to speak.
The families were provided with plaques honoring the employees’ service and larger plaques were hung on the wall of the ODWC building.
Those recognized included Charles Estes, a deputy game warden, who died in February 1911 while investigating illegal waterfowl hunting near Turkey Mountain. Game Warden Melvin L. “Bucky” Garrison Jr. died in 1971 while investigating waterfowl poaching near Lake Eufaula.
Fisheries Technician Fred Jones drowned below Keystone Dam in 1973 after a boating accident. Game Warden William Lawrence Pickens died in 1974 due to complications of gunshot wounds he received while investigating a poaching incident.
Game Warden Johnny Ray Maisano, Sr. Died in 1990 due to complications from Lyme disease, which he contracted on the job. Wildlife Technician Harold Coats died in 2002 when his Department vehicle was struck by a train. Wildlife Technician Clifford Lee Stevens died in 1995 after a vehicle accident in the line of duty.
Some of the family members spoke, including Stephanie Hacker, Clifford Lee Stevens’ sister.
“Clifford would have been very proud to be recognized today. He loved the outdoors,” she said.
Also in the meeting, Bill Dinkines, chief of wildlife, presented Troy Lotspeich the 2026 ODWC Landowner of the Year Award. Lotspeich owns more than 10,000 acres in Beaver and Harper Counties. Wildlife Biologist Brett Cooper showcased Lotspeich’s conservation efforts in grazing, removal of Eastern red cedar trees, planting food plots, strip mowing and more.
Bill Dinkines then introduced Regional Wildlife Supervisor Joey McAllister who gave an update on the current status of New World screwworm in Texas, concerns, and a response strategy in cooperation with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.
The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member governing board of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The Commission establishes state hunting and fishing regulations, sets policy for the Wildlife Department, and indirectly oversees all state fish and wildlife conservation activities. Commission members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Oklahoma Senate.
The next regular Wildlife Commission meeting is set for Oct. 5 at the John D. Groendyke Wildlife Conservation Building, 1801 N. Lincoln Blvd. in Oklahoma City.