Safari Club International joins the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Department of the Interior, conservation partners, and communities across the country in mourning the loss of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Wildlife Officer David Taylor, 38, of Scio, Oregon, who gave his life in service to others on August 29 while helping evacuate residents threatened by the Railroad South Fire in Comanche County, Oklahoma. His final contact with dispatch came while he was assisting a family evacuating their home.
"SCI extends its deepest condolences to Officer Taylor's family, friends, colleagues, and all who served beside him," said W. Laird Hamberlin, SCI CEO. "His final actions reflect the highest ideals of public service, courage, and sacrifice. As conservationists, hunters, and citizens, we honor his life, his service to our nation, and his steadfast commitment to protecting both people and wildlife."
Officer Taylor dedicated his life to service. He previously served on active duty in the U.S. Navy and continued his military service in the Navy Reserve while serving as a federal wildlife officer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. At the time of his death, he was a Senior Chief Petty Officer in the Navy Reserve. During 20 years of naval service, he completed five deployments, including one to Iraq and four to Djibouti, Africa.
His service with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service included assignments at Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge and Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico before he joined Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. Throughout his career, Officer Taylor exemplified devotion to country, community, conservation, and duty.
SCI asks its members, partners, and the broader conservation community to keep Officer Taylor's family, coworkers, fellow service members, and all those affected by this tragedy in their thoughts. His sacrifice will not be forgotten.