Three Texas Game Wardens Honored with Officer of the Year Awards

Three Texas Game Wardens Honored with Officer of the Year Awards

April 29, 2026

Media Contact: TPWD News, Business Hours, 512-389-8030

News ImageShare on Facebook Share Release URL

AUSTIN - Three Texas Game Wardens were recognized for their service and contributions to conservation law enforcement at recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission meetings.

"Dusty Jansky, Josh Sako and Randy Watts represent the professionalism, leadership and commitment to public service that define Texas Game Wardens," said Col. Ronald VanderRoest, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Law Enforcement Director. "Their work in the field, their dedication to their communities and their commitment to protecting Texas' natural resources reflect the mission of the TPWD. These honors are a testament to the impact they make each day across our state."

Jansky Named Shikar-Safari Club International Texas Officer of the Year
Guadalupe County Game Warden Dusty Jansky was named the 2026 Shikar-Safari Club International Texas Officer of the Year.

Jansky, a 2018 graduate of the 62nd Texas Game Warden Academy, began his career in Starr County before transferring to Aransas County and from there, to his current duty station. He is known for his strong work ethic, adaptability and commitment to serving both his county and the broader mission of TPWD. He consistently supports complex investigations, often working alongside local, state and federal partners to bring cases to resolution.

He serves on the Texas Game Warden Rural Operations Group as part of the close-quarters entry team and Jansky's passion for innovation has led him to become a trusted pilot and instructor with the division's Unmanned Aircraft System program. His leadership and technical expertise were instrumental during the Kerr County flooding response in 2025, where he coordinated aerial reconnaissance, communications support and interagency situational awareness. Jansky's contributions to advancing the TAK platform have placed TPWD at the forefront of law enforcement technology, and he has been invited to present at regional, national and international conferences.

Jansky is also active in public outreach, regularly engaging with schools, community groups and partner organizations. His ability to connect with others and represent the agency reflects his commitment to both conservation law enforcement and public service.

Sako Named National Wild Turkey Federation Texas Wildlife Officer of the Year
Kendall County Game Warden Josh Sako was named the 2025 National Wild Turkey Federation's Texas Wildlife Officer of the Year.

Sako, a 2020 graduate of the 63rd Texas Game Warden Academy, began his career on the upper Texas coast in Jefferson County where he worked a wide range of saltwater enforcement cases and contributed significantly to water safety operations. His later transfer to the Hill Country, first to Gillespie County, then to his current duty station, expanded his enforcement focus to deer and turkey regulations, although his work spans a wide range of responsibilities, from natural resource enforcement to public safety and search and rescue operations.

He is recognized for his strong investigative skills, including a recent case involving illegal turkey harvest that resulted in state and federal violations. Sako works closely with partner agencies to hold violators accountable and protect Texas' wildlife resources.

A model of the tenets of community policing, Sako takes great pride in being part of the communities he serves and is committed to public outreach and education, frequently speaking with youth and community groups about hunting ethics, safety and conservation. His involvement in search and rescue efforts, along with his role as an instructor for Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training, further demonstrates his dedication to serving the public.

Known for his positive attitude and steady leadership, Sako played an important role during the Kerr County flood response in 2025, providing communication support, mapping assistance and recovery coordination, both as a warden familiar with the affected area and as an Unmanned Aircraft System program pilot.

Watts Named Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Texas Officer of the Year
Trinity County Game Warden Randy Watts was named the 2025 Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) Texas Officer of the Year.

Watts began his career with TPWD in the Wildlife Division, working at the J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area in Port Arthur before attending the 56th Texas Game Warden Academy. Since his graduation in 2011, Watts has served the citizens of Trinity County and the state of Texas for more than a decade. He is recognized for his proactive approach to enforcement, leadership in the field and commitment to the mission of conservation law enforcement.

A member of the Texas Game Warden Search and Rescue Team, Watts has responded to significant events including Hurricane Harvey and the Kerrville floods. His experience and leadership have contributed to successful rescue operations and the safety of both the public and fellow responders.

In addition to his operational work, Watts is a dedicated instructor and mentor, helping train the next generation of game wardens and supporting professional development within the agency through firearms, Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, ALERRT and search and rescue instruction. He is also deeply involved in his community, leading outreach efforts that introduce youth and families to the outdoors and responsible use of natural resources.

Watts' combination of enforcement excellence, teamwork and community engagement reflects the qualities recognized by SEAFWA in its selection of Officer of the Year.

About Texas Game Wardens

Texas Game Wardens, within the Law Enforcement Division of TPWD, are responsible for enforcing laws related to the conservation and management of natural resources and public safety through community-based law enforcement. Their mission is to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Additionally, they play a crucial role in search and rescue operations during natural disasters, exemplifying their commitment to protecting both the environment and the people of Texas.

If you witness a wildlife, fishing or boating violation in progress, please call 1-800-792-GAME (4263) immediately and report it to Operation Game Thief (OGT), Texas' Wildlife Crime-Stoppers Program. You can also text your tip by sending the keyword TXOGT plus your tip to 847411 or through the Texas OGT App, available for iOS and Android devices. Dispatchers are available 24/7.