Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) Sergeant Bill Moulton has retired after 31 years of service. His partner for nine years, K-9 Chip, retired with him. Moulton, assigned to Clay County for the entirety of his career, was promoted to sergeant in 1997. K-9 Chip joined Sergeant Moulton in 2011. Both had outstanding careers.

Moulton was supported in his profession by a family of public servants. His father, Bill Moulton Senior, is retired from the U. S. Secret Service. Mouton’s daughters also chose service professions. Megan Copas is Assistant Chief of Police for Celina and Hayley Howard is a Registered Nurse. Mouton’s wife Beth is Director of E911 in Clay County. Mouton stated, “They have been my biggest supporters. They understand service doesn’t keep regular hours and serving means being involved in community.”

In 2017, for service to the county and the state, Moulton received the prestigious Governor’s Award for his work as a first responder. Moulton received many other honors throughout his profession, including District Officer of the Year (five separate years), Region III Hunter Education Instructor of the Year, Regional Boating Officer of the Year and Region III National Wild Turkey Federation Officer of the Year. Moulton’s longstanding commitment to public service during his career is evident through his hard work and partnerships with other agencies.

Moulton was a senior member of TWRA’s Unified Dive Team which conducts both biological and law enforcement duties. He taught and assisted in several first responder trainings for area agencies on topics including side-scan training and body recovery training. As a K-9 Officer, Moulton and Chip responded throughout the region, joining TWRA and other agencies’ search or recovery efforts. Moulton was also a Field Training Officer for TWRA, ensuring new officers received well-rounded training that met the agency’s strict standards. Moulton instructed Hunter, Trapper and Boater Education courses in his county and assisted beyond.

Moulton’s tremendous heart for area youth led him to initiate the Archery in the Schools and Fly-Fishing in the Schools programs in Clay County. Moulton’s partnership with the Friends of Dale Hollow Fish Hatchery provided fly-fishing classes for all ages, and he partnered to establish two Free Fishing Day events in the area. Moulton was also instrumental in the establishment of a Trapper Education trailer with supplies for classes in the region and beyond. Furthermore, he and K-9 Chip were involved in countless educational sessions and workshops.

K-9 Chip, a happy, hardworking member of TWRA’s law enforcement team, provided tremendous services throughout the county and the region. K-9 Chip’s service has included well over 300 citations and warnings for big game, including waterfowl, 35 citations and warning for small game, five citations and warnings for fish and involvement in nearly 50 assists with other cases. Chip has also been involved in over 40 ginseng cases. Moulton stated, “Chip has given 150 percent. On bad days, his tail still wagged, and he was always happy to go to work.”

TWRA, District 31 Captain Roy Cannon expressed, “We’re losing not one, but two fantastic officers. Sergeant Moulton was fully devoted to the TWRA mission from his first to his last day. Chip has been an invaluable part of TWRA operations from his first day.” Lieutenant Tim Singleton shared, “Bill was a dedicated professional. It didn’t matter if it was day or night, he’d get the job done.”

Sergeant Moulton will continue work through his local Sherriff’s Office and will also volunteer with TWRA. When asked what he’s most loved about working for the agency, Moulton responded, “It’s great to be involved in partnerships that serve the greater community. There are no boundaries during emergency events, just support for people in need. I’ll certainly miss interacting with my TWRA family daily. Everyone has been supportive. From retired employees to our newest, I am blessed to have served with them.”

TWRA wishes Sergeant Moulton blessings in his retirement.