For Release: Oct. 25, 2022

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.VA. — Gov. Jim Justice on Tuesday announced that Cpl. Brian Nuzum has been named the 2022 West Virginia Natural Resources Police officer of the year.

Nuzum, who has 27 years of service with the agency, is currently assigned to Mineral County where he is an active outdoorsman and engaged in his community, taking students to state, national and world archery tournaments and serving as a volunteer coach at Petersburg High School. Nuzum also is a veteran and served 22 years with the U.S. Army Reserves as a staff sergeant.

“As a fellow outdoorsman, high school coach and lover of West Virginia’s natural beauty, I want to thank Cpl. Nuzum for his years of service to our state and for the sacrifices he has made serving our country,” said Gov. Justice. “It is my honor to congratulate Cpl. Nuzum and help the people of our great state see all of the good work our DNR Police officers are doing.”

WVDNR Police officers enforce the state’s game and fish laws and rules and laws relating to littering, forestry, state parks, environmental and solid waste, pleasure boating and whitewater rafting. WVDNR Police officers also assist the State Police and other law enforcement agencies and first responders and oversee the state’s hunter education and boating safety education programs.

“Being named the West Virginia Natural Resources Police officer of the year is a great honor all our WVDNR officers have their sights set on, so receiving this award today is very special to me,” Nuzum said.

“Cpl. Nuzum is well respected among his peers, supervisors and his community and everyone here at the WVDNR Police are proud to bestow him with this honor today,” said Col. Bobby Cales, chief of the WVDNR’s Law Enforcement Section. “As our agency celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, we remember those who have come before us and how men and women like Cpl. Nuzum are shining examples of the integrity and loyalty we expect in our officers as we serve the people of West Virginia.”

To learn more about the WVDNR Police, visit WVdnr.gov/law-enforcement.