DNR Captain Stanley Elrod posthumously presented Guy Bradley Award

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation posthumously presented Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Captain Stanley Curtis Elrod with the Guy Bradley Award for his lifetime contributions to wildlife law enforcement, positive impact on the community and the state, selfless devotion to others, and outstanding leadership.

The award is only presented to one state and one federal recipient each year and was accepted by his widow, Julie.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Executive Director and CEO Jeff Trandahl says, “The late Captain Stanley Curtis Elrod truly was everything you could ask for in a law enforcement officer who works to protect our natural resources and who inspires others to see the immense value of our nation’s native species…His death in the line of duty is a tragedy, but his accomplishments during his 27-year career with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division will live on for generations.”

Captain Elrod began his career in Law Enforcement in 1993 and worked his way up to the rank of Captain and northeast Georgia Region Supervisor, where he oversaw law enforcement activities in 26 counties on seven impoundments, 16 DNR managed Wildlife Management Areas, and over a million acres of USFS lands.

Captain Elrod’s career tragically came to an end on September 3, 2020 when he was participating in the agency wellness program. Just after 7:30 p.m., while on duty, he was struck and killed by an impaired driver.

The Guy Bradley Award is named after Guy Bradley, who in 1905, became the first wildlife law enforcement agent killed in the line of duty protecting the nation’s wildlife.

Law enforcement agents like Bradley are essential to virtually every aspect of wildlife conservation, from recovering endangered species to managing waterfowl and big game resources.

In 1988, NFWF established a national award in honor of Bradley to recognize individuals for achievements in wildlife law enforcement.

The award focuses on activities which directly aid or advance the law enforcement goals and mission of state and federal fish and wildlife agencies.

It is an opportunity to recognize officers who, during their careers, put their life on the line for wildlife.