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