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A Cooleemee man is among 18 new wildlife enforcement officers graduating from the The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Law Enforcement Division’s 60th basic Academy training.

Justin C. Eckart was among the graduates.

The recruits were required to complete conservation-specific training on fish and wildlife laws, motorboat accident investigation and protected species training.

Instruction covered statutory and investigation procedures, defensive tactics, fish and game laws, and pursuit driving and boating. It’s 7 ½ months of training that includes N.C. standard basic law enforcement training with 1,110+ hours of classroom and practical exercise.

Recruits receive instruction on a wide range of laws from general crime, traffic offense, ABC/drug law, juvenile law, as well as hunting, fishing, boating, and trapping laws. They receive training in practical exercises such as drivers training, firearms, subject control/arrest techniques, conducting traffic stops, patrol techniques, and game warden tactics.

All wildlife law enforcement officer trainees are required to pass an extensive background, psychological and physical screening before entering an intensive accredited academy conducted by the Law Enforcement Division. Training is held at the N.C. Department of Public Safety Samarcand Training Academy in Jackson Springs.