Category: 2025

Here’s what we discuss:

“We’re back!”
The first call was to New Hampshire
YouTube allows more flexibility
Episodes will feature NH, then move to Texas, Nevada, and other states
NH Fish & Game staff voted unanimously to participate
Carrying the torch for conservation and conservation officers
“I’d rather be doing this than probably anything else in television.”
Officers and camera crew become good friends
A turkey poacher in the wrong neighborhood
New show features a smaller crew than network television
Camera crew helped tend CO Towne’s animals after work
“It’s on the interwebs!”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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150 Tony Rigoli – New York

Posted on July 2, 2025 by nhfishcop10

Lt. Anthony Rigoli is an Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) who works for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). In this episode, he takes us through his time as an ECO based in the last place anyone would expect to run into a game warden – New York City!

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Here’s what we discuss:

The Great American Outdoor Show
Many new officers begin in New York City
“It’s a unique experience.”
Assigned to Marine Enforcement Unit
Specialized training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC)
Encountering high-end watercraft
“Being a cop is dangerous. Being out on the ocean is dangerous.”
Many people are unaware there are game wardens in NYC
Checking fish markets for prohibited goods
The not-so-secret signal for illegal turtles
City-dwelling coyotes
Piloting a brand new 44-foot jet boat
The challenges of living and working in the city
“You’ll come away with experiences that no other game warden is going to get.”
Working with highly experienced and talented officers
Shoreline fishing in Manhattan and crafty hiding spots
Tips from the public matter
17 conservation officers policing 8 million people
An outrageous illegal chemical dumping case

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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149 Deming Lindsley (Ret.) – New York

Posted on June 9, 2025June 9, 2025 by nhfishcop10

In this episode, we delve into the long and distinguished career of Deming Lindsley, a retired Lieutenant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Law Enforcement. Known for his expertise in Fish and Wildlife Law, Lindsley served as a primary instructor at both the State College and the Division’s Training Academy for decades. His engaging personality and sense of humor made him popular among both colleagues and students, and he continues to guest lecture today, leaving a lasting impact on countless officers – including our host!

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Here’s what we discuss:

Taught Fish & Wildlife Law at state university and Law Enforcement Training Academy.
Authored a charging reference guide for judges
No bail in New York
Patrolling with Dad
Growing up the game warden’s kid
Assigned first patrol in 1972
Promoted to Lieutenant in just four years
Teaching at Academy vs. College
The unintentional getaway driver
A news crew ride-along catches a poacher red-handed
“You don’t need a license to jack deer.”
Attempted bribe doesn’t go as planned
Little green lies
Even municipal employees can be tempted
“Don’t go down to the cellar.”
Keeping up with changing Fish & Wildlife laws
People want to talk about animals and laws
More lightning strikes than black bear attacks.
“I never had to go to work.”
Spearheaded one of the first Critical Incident Response teams
Sent to NYC on 9/11
Awards and plaques of thanks from all over
Tried to enforce the spirit of the law, rather than the letter of the law
Not all violators are criminals
Teaching generations of conservation law officers
A namesake K9
“Do the job. You’ll never regret it.”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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148 For the Fallen: Daryl Gordon – Maine Warden Service

Posted on May 15, 2025May 15, 2025 by nhfishcop10

Maine Warden Service Pilot Daryl Gordon was known for his faith, his love of family, fishing and flying, and his steadfast dedication to the people and natural resources of his home state. While flying over the North Maine Woods after a busy day of service, Pilot Gordon’s Cessna went down in a snow squall, prompting a massive search. Warden Preston Pomerleau, whose K9 service partner is named in Gordon’s honor, shares his memories of that day, and reflects on how the entire Maine Warden Service continues to honor and remember their friend.

“It is not how these officers died that made them heroes; it is how they lived.” ~ National Law Enforcement Memorial, Washington, DC

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Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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147 Josiah Towne – New Hampshire

Posted on May 3, 2025May 3, 2025 by nhfishcop10

Fans of the hit Animal Planet show North Woods Law will instantly recognize CO Josiah Towne. In this episode, Josiah takes us behind the scenes into the dynamic world of a New Hampshire conservation officer, from daring mountain rescues to wild chases, along with some truly unforgettable moments. Join us for a look into the world of a real-life wildlife hero!

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Here’s what we discuss:

New Hampshire is hiring!
Appearing on North Woods Law
Every day is different; every season is different
Making a dent in the illegal elver trade
A riverside arrest gone awry
Improving handcuff techniques
Patrolling your hometown
Recognizing fresh perspectives
The Hawk Unit
A remarkable rescue operation
Any trail with the word ‘slide’ in the name…
The arduous rescue “was all worth it.”
Many visitors create increased requests for service
The local Scoutmaster

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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Support Suicide Prevention With Conservation Officer Rob McDermott

146 Run for Levi – With Rob McDermott

Posted on April 16, 2025May 1, 2025 by nhfishcop10

On Monday, April 21^st, New Hampshire CO Rob McDermott will run the Boston Marathon® in honor of his friend and colleague, Levi Frye. Partnering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Rob is raising funds to support AFSP’s prevention programs, advocacy, education, and survivor support. Next, we will hear from AFSP spokesman David O’Leary, who shares important information about suicide risk and offers suggestions on how to help a friend or loved one who may be struggling. Finally, Sgt. Matt Holmes reads the beautiful eulogy he wrote to honor Levi at his funeral service.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Turkey hunting and a fiddlehead harvest
Joined Fish & Game shortly after Levi
Roommates in the game warden house
Eric Fluette and the anonymous ring sizing kit
Levi was set to receive his second congressional medal
Partnering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Fundraising and training for the Boston Marathon®
Running with Levi: “we’d get lapped multiple times.”
Funds raised will help provide resources to others who have lost a loved one
Ways to offer support:
- Support Rob’s run directly through Give and Gain
- The New Hampshire Conservation Officers Relief Association
Up to 200 first responders die by suicide each year in the US
Follow the impulse to reach out
It’s okay to use the word ‘suicide.’
The most important thing you can do is listen
Changing our language: “You don’t ‘commit cancer’ or ‘commit high blood pressure’.”
Boston Marathon® and others allow charities to apply for bibs as fundraisers
Team AFSP at the marathon
1 in 5 Americans has a connection to a mental health issue
Find information and support here: AFSP
Sgt. Matt Holmes reads Levi’s eulogy: A man of commitment, and a man in green.

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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145 In Memory of Officer Levi Frye

Posted on April 11, 2025April 11, 2025 by nhfishcop10

This episode is dedicated to the life and legacy of New Hampshire Conservation Officer Levi Frye. Today, we honor Levi’s commitment to protecting our natural world through a lighthearted but insightful interview he gave before his passing, where he shares his passion for his work, the outdoors, and his lifelong dedication to physical fitness. As we reflect on his life, we will also hear a heartfelt poem written and read by Lt. Mark Ober at Levi’s funeral service.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the 988 Suicide Crisis Hotline.

Support the Frye family: https://nh-cora.org/donations/givewp-donation-fryefamily/

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Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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144 Mindy Rugg – Maine Warden Service

Posted on March 27, 2025March 27, 2025 by nhfishcop10

In our final episode celebrating Women’s History Month 2025, we’re excited to welcome Maine game warden Mindy Rugg. Inspired by our very own podcast, Mindy transitioned from a successful career as a vet tech to become a game warden in 2021. Join us as she shares her journey, the challenges she faces, and the unique perspective women bring to the job.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Gained many skills in her previous career as a vet tech
Needed to be outside
Listened to the Warden’s Watch podcast
Not everyone loves the game warden
Hired in 2021, full-time in 2022
Checking hundreds of boats a day
On the job experience can be the best communication training
People react well if you treat them fairly
Strategies to manage dyslexia
Spell check, Grammarly, and text-to-speech
Working in Western Maine – close to home, but not too close
“Every single day I learn something new.”
Mindy’s favorite Warden’s Watch episode
Maine Warden Service now has seven female officers
Many companies don’t make clothing for women in law enforcement
Don’t talk yourself out of it – make it happen
It’s no longer a shock to meet a female game warden
Women can bring a different perspective to the job

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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143 Rachel Thurner-Diaz – PA Fish & Boat

Posted on March 22, 2025 by nhfishcop10

In this episode, we’re delighted to reconnect with Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Officer Rachel Thurner-Diaz, who joined us way back in Episode 81. A lot has changed in the three years since we visited last; her husband has joined the local police department, and she is now balancing the demanding roles of a dedicated officer and a busy mom. Join us as we continue to explore the unique experiences and perspectives of women in conservation law enforcement.

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