The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division has assigned a new enforcement agent to Vernon Parish following the graduation of its latest Basic Training Academy class on Thursday, July 2.
Agent Davie Hernandez completed the department’s intensive 14-week Basic Training Academy designed for Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified officers entering the LDWF Enforcement Division.
As part of LDWF’s hybrid academy model, Hernandez received specialized training focused on the skills required of conservation law enforcement officers. The curriculum included advanced vessel operation and handling, waterfowl and fish identification, firearms proficiency, defensive tactics, officer water survival, standardized field sobriety testing, impaired vehicle and vessel operation detection and enforcement, wildlife and fisheries laws, and other conservation law enforcement disciplines unique to LDWF.
Following graduation, Hernandez will report to his assignment in Vernon Parish, where he will begin the department’s 16-week Field Training Officer Program. During that time, he will work alongside experienced LDWF agents before assuming independent patrol responsibilities.
The abbreviated academy is part of LDWF’s hybrid academy format, allowing POST-certified officers to complete the department’s specialized conservation law enforcement curriculum while non-POST certified cadets continue through the additional POST certification portion of the academy.
Twenty-two additional cadets remain in the current academy class and are scheduled to graduate in late August after completing both their POST certification and specialized conservation law enforcement training.