Bigfork warden graduates from state academy

Chris Neu of Bigfork was among seven Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks game wardens who graduated March 25 from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy in Helena.

Neu will work in Kalispell-based Region One with a focus on state parks.

The wardens were part of a 58-member class at the academy, which trains law enforcement officers from a variety of agencies around Montana, stressing the importance of teamwork, humility and character.

In Montana, Fish, Wildlife and Parks wardens have peace officer status and are often called to assist other agencies such as county sheriff’s offices, Montana Highway Patrol and federal law enforcement officers.

“We ask our wardens to do a lot in Montana and it’s crucial they have the very best training,” law enforcement chief Tom Flowers said in a news release. “We’re proud of our wardens and their accomplishments at the academy. This is a great step in preparing them to serve the people of Montana.”

The training is followed by 12 weeks of warden field training before there are ready to be out on their own.

During the past year, Fish, Wildlife and Parks has hired 15 wardens. The spring academy session will include five wardens.