DFW officer’s award a tribute to innovation

John Baker takes his job as assistant chief of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife seriously but with an innovative touch.

Once seen as just the “fish cops,” Baker says the department is now more highly respected because of changes in its approach.

His efforts in that regard are among the reasons why he received the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Guy Bradley Award for his 28 years of service.

“It’s humbling,” Baker said. “But if I didn’t have the people working for me, none of this would be possible.”

Baker, 47, was given the award at a ceremony two weeks in Seaside and is the first from the state to earn the honor. He is stationed in Fresno and oversees enforcement in Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare and Tuolumne counties.

In the mid-2000s, Baker spearheaded efforts to measure and deal with environmental impacts linked to marijuana farms on wildlife lands: dammed waterways, plastic waste from irrigation pipes, and harmful chemicals.

He also made an effort to educate Hmong anglers on regulations and bag limits. He has spent dozens of hours each year answering questions on Hmong-language radio and at community events.

Rather than cite anglers for violations that they might not be aware of, Baker chose to educate.

“(Baker) is one of the most proactive chiefs in the department,” department colleague Capt. Nathaniel Arnold said. “He’s a positive risk taker who’s not afraid to take challenges and produce results at the end of the day.”

The award is named for Guy Bradley, who in Florida in 1905 became the first wildlife law enforcement officer to die in the line of duty. It recognizes individuals for lifetime contributions to wildlife law enforcement, wildlife forensics or investigative techniques.

This story was originally published June 17, 2015 at 6:59 PM with the headline "DFW officer’s award a tribute to innovation."