Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
USCG Meritorious Award. 2025 James R. Darnell Award Recipient.
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Zachary Griffis

Darien,GA

Summary

Dedicated Law Enforcement Professional with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division, skilled in law enforcement and community engagement. Proven track record in crime scene investigation effectively leading teams in high-stakes situations. Recognized for exceptional communication and problem-solving abilities, ensuring safety and compliance across natural environments.


Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Corporal/Game Warden

Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division
04.2018 - Current
  • Enforce all Georgia State Law When Applicable. Routinely patrol 20-30 miles offshore the coast of Georgia enforcing Federal Law and Regulation. Routinely patrol 120,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas. Enforce all Hunting, Fishing, boating safety and environmental Georgia Laws. Patrol three major fresh water rivers the Altamaha, Satilla and St. Marys. Provide first responder capabilities on land and water. Routinely assist with high risk felon tracking in woods and water. Assist local law enforcement with calls for service. Provide surveillance on illegal narcotics distribution locations along with service of arrest warrants.
  • Special Operations Group Team Member - Go on tracks with K-9 and K-9 handler to apprehend fleeing felons. Provide reconnaissance for suspected illegal drug distribution locations and assist with arrest warrants once served. Provide Security for events etc.
  • Use of Force Instructor - Teach Use of Force Programs pertaining to Case Law and Policy for cadets and in-service training of sworn field personal.
  • Honor Guard Team Member - Provide flag folding and presentation ceremonies for Line of Duty deaths in Law Enforcement. Provide Color Guard presentations for events.
  • Sonar Operator - Use advanced equipment to locate deceased victims under water after boating accidents, drownings, homicides etc.
  • Defensive Tactics Instructor - Teach Strategic Self Defense and Gun Fighting Tactics in the Georgia Game Warden Academy and to sworn field personnel during -in-service training.
  • Taser Instructor - Teach yearly Axon Taser 7 updates to sworn field personnel. Teach, issue and expose Conductive Energy Weapons to Cadets during the Georgia Game Warden Academy.
  • Oleoresin Capsicum (pepper spray) Instructor - Teach, issue and expose OC Spray to Cadets during the Georgia Game Warden Academy.
  • CS Gas (tear gas) Instructor - Teach, issue and expose CS gas to Cadets during the Georgia Game Warden Academy. Instruct Cadets on how to properly clear their gas mask if exposed.
  • Body Recovery Team Member - Quick Reaction Team that is tasked with response to mass disasters in state and out of state. Equipped with all terrain vehicle, Chainsaw, proper PPE etc.
  • Field Training Officer - Observe Cadets during Field Training to ensure and approve that standard and policy is upheld.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice

Thomas University
Thomasville, GA
05-2024

Associate of Arts - General Studies

East Georgia State College
Swainsboro, GA
12-2014

Skills

  • All-terrain vehicle operation
  • USCG Captains License (6pack)
  • Vessel Operation
  • Law enforcement
  • Community engagement
  • Crime scene investigation
  • Patrol techniques
  • Outdoor survival skills
  • Firearms proficiency
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving
  • Excellent communication
  • Active listening
  • Decision-making
  • Relationship building
  • Professionalism
  • Problem Adoption
  • Upstream Thinking

Timeline

Corporal/Game Warden

Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division
04.2018 - Current

Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice

Thomas University

Associate of Arts - General Studies

East Georgia State College

USCG Meritorious Award. 2025 James R. Darnell Award Recipient.

Recognized by the United States Coast Guard for my response to a Capsized Cargo Ship "Golden Ray" in Glynn County saving individuals trapped on the ship. 

Received the 2nd highest Award given by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for performance in public safety.