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

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