Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Officer Jacob Wild has been named the 2025 Shikar-Safari Officer of the Year. The award was presented at the FWC’s Commission meeting in Havana.
The Shikar-Safari Club International, a conservation organization, gives this award each year to wildlife law enforcement officers across the United States and Canada. The recognition goes to a state officer who demonstrates outstanding performance and achievement among sworn conservation law enforcement personnel.
Officer Wild began his career with the FWC in 2019. He has led several significant investigations, including cases involving illegal deer poaching at night, guiding wild turkey hunts over bait, and uncovering unlawful hunting within a state park. In addition to these efforts, he has focused on boating safety, making 16 boating-under-the-influence arrests in the past year.
“He doesn’t just enforce the law, he leads by example,” said Col. Brian Smith, director of the FWC Division of Law Enforcement. “He headed up the ‘Guardian of the Springs’ operation, which brought together multiple agencies to improve public safety and enforce laws in a high-traffic state park. That effort included planning, training and team-building, resulting in a special challenge coin to recognize those involved. He has set the standard for leadership in conservation law enforcement.”
Officer Wild’s contributions extend beyond enforcement work. He has participated in hurricane recovery efforts, mentored new officers, and worked with schools and community groups to promote conservation values. His collaboration with FWC biologists and state attorneys supports the agency’s mission.
“This is a huge honor,” said Officer Wild. “I have worked all over the state and have met a lot of cool men and women who wear this uniform, and this is just truly an honor.”
For more information about becoming an FWC officer, visit MyFWC.com/BecomeAnOfficer.
