Justin Hurst was a game warden who worked for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. A graduate of Texas A&M, he had a passion for the outdoors and worked to protect it. Even before he was a warden, he worked as a waterfowl guide and educated people on hunting. After 5 years of service as a warden, he was involved in an incident where a man was suspected of hunting illegally. While backing up another game warden on a pursuit, the suspect’s vehicle was spiked. As he got out, the suspect fired at the approaching wardens and deputies. Hurst was struck multiple times while returning fire, and was med-flighted to a nearby hospital. A day later, on his 34th birthday, Justin succumbed to his injuries. Justin is an example of an exemplary game warden with a strong work ethic and a desire to educate his community.
His sacrifice will not be forgotten.
Our Sponsors:
Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH
International Wildlife Crime Stoppers
Here’s What We Discuss:
- Chaplin Scott Mcintosh leads in prayer
- Start of Justin’s love of wildlife
- Dad, we need to help these hawks
- Love of duck and geese
- Read the bands on geese
- Went to Texas A&M, never went to a football game
- Applied for the academy
- First of his class
- Back home with people he knew
- Make personal contacts with farmers and ranchers
- A knocking at the door, a flashlight
- Justin did not survive
- His eyes were used as an organ donation
- 25 game wardens at the house to support us
- Kept the media away
- 10 units involved in the incident
- Dashcam video recorded
- The pursuit
- Gets cornered at the cemetery and starts firing
- Hits Justin; med-flighted to the hospital
- I asked God “why did you take my son?”
- Effects of a LEO death on the family
- Weeks after, wardens were around 24/7
- 500 law enforcement at Justin’s funeral
- Cremated and released into the bay
- Ashes put in Justin’s projects
- Offered life without parole; refused
- Jury convicted him guilty of 1st degree murder with execution
- All appeals denied
- We pick the day he’s executed
- A long process; very educational
- Only could bring a driver’s license the penitentiary
- He never said anything
- Motorcycle groups revved engines during final statement
- Parent groups for parents who lost LEO sons and daughters
- Support of organizations
- I want to make sure our wardens are supported
- Justin wanted to educate and teach
Thanks for airing “for the fallen”. I listened while traveling 3 hrs to Des Moines for fitness testing Conservation Officer candidates. Godspeed. Thank you to all LE supporters such as the Hurst family especially during this time of lawlessness. He will never be forgotten.
Iowa DNR Conservation Officer Sgt. Andrew Keil