California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Warden Kyle Kroll has received the prestigious Pogue-Elms Award from the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

"Warden Kroll demonstrated his commitment and devotion to protecting California's natural resources with an exceptional degree of professionalism and enthusiasm," said DFG Director Ryan Broddrick, " Kroll's work exemplifies the outstanding effort, sacrifice and dedication of men and women game wardens in California and across the nation."

The Pogue-Elms Award was created to honor Bill Pogue and Conley Elms; two Idaho wildlife officers killed in the line of duty in 1981 by a poacher. The award is given on their behalf to a wildlife law enforcement officer who exemplifies courage, dedication, sacrifice and hard work in their dedication to, and love for wildlife.

"I am so very thankful at the honor of this prestigious award, dedicated to two Wardens who gave the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of wildlife law enforcement," said Kroll, a Gilroy resident. "These heroes went down in history doing what all Game Wardens do day in and day out, putting lives on the line protecting the natural resources. I will cherish this honor for the rest of my life."

Kroll's arrests of violators include illegal drug manufacturing and trafficking, poaching of elk, deer, steelhead and sturgeon, as well as undercover work, illegal guide operations, and destruction of salmon and steelhead spawning habitat.

As a liaison between the Hurner Family Ranch Trust and DFG, his efforts helped secure thousands of acres of the 110-year-old ranch to be maintained and managed by the department for public access, sport hunting, and development of outdoor education projects in eastern Santa Clara County.

Kroll's unique skills were recognized by the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office regarding the successful investigation, arrest, and prosecution of three individuals for the poaching of a bull Tule elk and felony cattle rustling charges.

Kroll was awarded DFG's Purple Heart and Medal of Valor for his actions during a patrol into a remote marijuana garden in the rugged mountains of western Santa Clara County in 2005, where he and his fellow wardens and deputy sheriff's found themselves under fire from high-powered rifles by those guarding the illegal site.

"Although Kroll was severely wounded through both legs, his tenacity for life, desire to protect his fellow officers and determination to get off that mountain allowed him to survive and return to work five months later," said Nancy Foley, Chief of Enforcenment.

He is also the recipient of the Award of Valor from the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officer's Association.

Kroll, a native of Los Osos, joined the warden ranks in 2003. He currently serves in Santa Clara County patrolling the San Jose and Gilroy districts. He is an active outdoorsman, certified scuba diver, graduate of the Ocean Lifeguard Academy and the Feather River College Horse Program and Pack school.