The Forgotten Lawmen 5

Born in 1960 in Philadelphia. Moved to Aberdeen, SD in 1968. Attended May Overby Grade School, Simmons Jr. High, and graduated in 1977 from Aberdeen Central High School. My mentor during my high school years was Carl Dauman who taught biology and advanced biology. His encouragement and support led to my receiving the outstanding biology student award my senior year. I attended South Dakota State University from 1977-1981 graduating with a BS Degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science. I worked a variety of seasonal jobs with the Department of Game, Fish, and Parks during summer breaks and after college finally landing my first permanent, full-time job in Chamberlain, SD in 1982. I was primarily responsible for fisheries management in the southern half of Wildlife Division Administrative Region 2. I interviewed for the warden job which had just opened in Flandreau in August 1983. I was hired shortly thereafter and began my career as a game warden in an area of the state that hadn't had a game warden assigned to the district for 25 years. I was 23 years old about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. The rest of my story regarding getting accepted, the roadblocks, the pernicious lies and rumors, the perseverance, and ultimate success are detailed in the book.