060 For the Fallen - Justin Hurst, Texas EOW: March 17, 2007

Justin Hurst was a game warden who worked for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. A graduate of Texas A&M, he had a passion for the outdoors and worked to protect it. Even before he was a warden, he worked as a waterfowl guide and educated people on hunting. After 5 years of service as a warden, he was involved in an incident where a man was suspected of hunting illegally. While backing up another game warden on a pursuit, the suspect’s vehicle was spiked. As he got out, the suspect fired at the approaching wardens and deputies. Hurst was struck multiple times while returning fire, and was med-flighted to a nearby hospital. A day later, on his 34th birthday, Justin succumbed to his injuries. Justin is an example of an exemplary game warden with a strong work ethic and a desire to educate his community.  His sacrifice will not be forgotten.  Our Sponsors:  Thin Green Line Podcast Sovereign Sportsman Solutions Hunt of a Lifetime Maine's Operation Game Thief Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH International Wildlife Crime Stoppers Here's What We Discuss: Chaplin Scott Mcintosh leads in prayer Start of Justin’s love of wildlife Dad, we need to help these hawks  Love of duck and geese Read the bands on geese Went to Texas A&M, never went to a football game Applied for the academy  First of his class Back home with people he knew Make personal contacts with farmers and ranchers A knocking at the door, a flashlight Justin did not survive His eyes were used as an organ donation 25 game wardens at the house to support us Kept the media away 10 units involved in the incident Dashcam video recorded The pursuit  Gets cornered at the cemetery and starts firing Hits Justin; med-flighted to the hospital I asked God “why did you take my son?” Effects of a LEO death on the family Weeks after, wardens were around 24/7 500 law enforcement at Justin’s funeral Cremated and released into the bay Ashes put in Justin’s projects  Offered life without parole; refused Jury convicted him guilty of 1st degree murder with execution All appeals denied We pick the day he’s executed A long process; very educational  Only could bring a driver’s license the penitentiary  He never said anything Motorcycle groups revved engines during final statement Parent groups for parents who lost LEO sons and daughters Support of organizations I want to make sure our wardens are supported Justin wanted to educate and teach Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Social Media/Marketing: Morgan Day Find More Here: Website Apple Podcasts Spotify Facebook Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Spreadshirt Stitcher Tunein Libsyn YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices