Game Warden Jaron Hollinshead of Baldwin, Putnam, Jones, Twiggs, Wilkinson, Houston, and Bibb counties was recently awarded the 2024 Georgia Level Torch Award.
“The Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division’s Torch Award is presented to a game warden who has worked less than five years as a wildlife enforcement officer, shows a desire to protect the resources and develop professionally, and demonstrates exceptional ability and initiative in the performance of duties, including public education,” wrote DNR Public Affairs Officer Mark McKinnon.
Hollinshead received this award representing Region III, which encompasses 29 counties. According to Hollinshead, receiving the award was a “humbling” and “honoring” experience.
“When you start this job, awards almost seem like a fantasy because so many of us work hard and serve with good hearts. There are so many people I look up to,” said Hollinshead. “When I learned I got an award at the regional level, I was humbled, and then to receive the state award was numbing. Before this job, I went with the flow, but I’ve put everything into my work here, and I’m honored.”
Hollinshead is a Milledgeville native and has worked as a game warden for the last two years. He received his associate’s degree at Georgia Military College and received his criminal justice degree at Georgia College & State University.
“When I was in college, I was unsure of what I wanted to do. I had a desire to work in the area of law enforcement but couldn’t pinpoint where,” said Hollinshead. “In the end, DNR called my name, and I found my passion.
“In 2022, I was chosen as an alternate for the position, which hurt me greatly. I doubted it was the right job, but the door opened. I believe that was God’s will.”
He attributes his success to both colleges, which taught him the “discipline” and “knowledge” necessary to put his best foot forward.
“Georgia Military College and Georgia College both taught me about scheduling, discipline, and what it means to support the community. College and DNR are similar because when you wake up each morning, everything is on you,” said Hollinshead. “It’s (college) that first step into adulthood and sets you on the right path.”
Hollinshead stated that being a game warden is about the community and supporting those around him.
“The biggest duty of a game warden is to assist the community,” said Hollinshead. “There is a negative perception of game wardens that often depicts us as mean, but, for me, this job means showing people love and care and holding our responsibilities in high regard. It’s about outreach.”
According to the program write-up for the award, Hollinshead was chosen for his sense of duty and impact as a game warden in a short time.
It states, “As a newly hired game warden, Hollinshead came out of the gate on fire. While patrolling in his seven-county work section, he has written 305 citations/warnings during the year. His desire to wake up every morning and impact what DNR stands for is second to none.”
Hollinshead thanked his family, the Milledgeville community, his colleagues, and God for supporting him. He plans to continue to make an impact “wherever God leads me” for the foreseeable future.