California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Lt. John Sutton has received the California Bowmen Hunters/State Archery Association's (CBH/SAA) "Employee of the Year" award.

"Lt. Sutton's dedication to his profession and his generous contributions to his community make him a very deserving recipient of this prestigious award," said DFG Director Ryan Broddrick.

The award is presented annually to recognize outstanding service, dedication, and exceptional contributions to further conservation of wildlife and wildlife habitat and partnerships with hunters, according to J. Rod McGinnis of the CBH/SAA.

Sutton, a 15-year DFG veteran, serves as the DFG Homeland Security Liaison Officer and as the Office of Emergency Services Drills & Exercise Coordinator. Prior to those posts, he was a DFG warden in the Office of Spill Prevention and Response.

Sutton's interest and ambition for the sport of archery qualified him to perform lead instructor duties for the DFG-sponsored National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). Sutton recently attended advanced-archery training at the Olympic training center in Chula Vista to become one of only three Basic Archery Instructor Training Specialists for the NASP program in California.

Sutton is also a member of the Youth in the Outdoors Committee ??? a partnership of organizations created to perpetuate outdoor education to youth ??? and is dedicated to providing youth in his region with archery opportunities via coordinating and instructing workshops and clinics.

The association boasts a membership of more than 3,000 people and represents the interests of an estimated 50,000 bow hunters and archery enthusiasts. This is the eighth year that CBH/SAA has named an honoree from DFG. The selection process began with nominations from the CBH/SAA's six regions. The names of the nominees, along with brief biographies, went to the association's membership and governing board for a vote. ?ĮFurther information on the CBH/SAA can be found on its Web site at http://www.cbhsaa.org/.