August 19, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
DeKalb County Wildlife Officer Tony Cross, has been named Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, District 31 Officer of the Year. This prestigious title is awarded to officers who excel in teamwork, public outreach, innovation, attitude, leadership and achievements.
Cross started with the agency in 1988 as a fisheries technician. In 1992 he became a TWRA boating officer on Dale Hollow and later that fall, Van Buren County Wildlife Officer. Cross moved to DeKalb County in 1997. Officer Cross is well known and respected in his county and beyond. Cross partners with many civic and sportsman’s groups on and off duty. He also actively partners with the DeKalb County Sherriff’s Office and offers assistance whenever possible.
Officer Cross is an esteemed member of Law Enforcement District 31 and assists with multiple outreach programs, including utilizing his carpentry skills at the newly remodeled Warren County Fair building. Cross provides outreach programs for thousands each year and oversees the Pea Ridge Free Fishing Day program. Cross also joins a weekly radio program with WJLE in Smithville, where he keeps the public informed about upcoming events and programs within the Agency. Furthermore, Cross teaches Hunter and Boater Education classes and has come into contact with hundreds of students throughout the years.
Sergeant Brandon Geesling shared, “Cross’s insight, expertise and leadership skills are sought after and respected by other officers. He has an unbelievable work ethic. Despite his exemplary information and education efforts throughout the district, he accomplishes an exhausting amount of law enforcement work.” Cross came in contact with over 600 registered vessels and paddle crafts this year. Cross also checked hundreds of anglers and hunters, resulting in over 40 citations and warnings.
Captain Roy Cannon shared, “Wildlife Officer Tony Cross is synonymous with teamwork. He is the first to volunteer for any project or detail that any officer in the district might have.” Cross has helped with multiple enforcement details throughout the region, helping catch spotlighting and road hunting violators. Cannon continued, “Cross has always been respected for his work ethic and eagerness to help those around him”.
Cross was selected to serve the agency in its new Chaplain program. In this prestigious role, he is responsible for serving and helping other officers in times of great loss or emotional trauma. Cross also attends funerals of retired officers and gives comfort to grieving friends and family members. His servant attitude and genuine concern for others makes him a valuable asset to this program.
When asked what he enjoyed about his occupation Cross responded, “I enjoy serving the public and upholding the TWRA mission,” stated Cross. “I enjoy the diversity of our law enforcement efforts and working with amazing people. They are not just my coworkers, but they’re my friends.”
Find more about wildlife officers, the chaplains program and other enforcement programs at tnwildlife.org.