The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has promoted veteran wildlife officer Joe McSpadden to District 32 Captain. A Rhea County native with more than 16 years of law enforcement experience, McSpadden steps into the leadership role to oversee agency operations dedicated to preserving and protecting Tennessee’s wildlife and natural resources.

McSpadden holds a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Management from Tennessee Tech University and joined the TWRA in 2010 with an initial assignment in Perry County. He transferred to Hamilton County in 2011 and was promoted to Sergeant in 2022.

Throughout his tenure, McSpadden has expanded his expertise through rigorous leadership and technical training:

• Leadership Certifications: Completed Advanced Leadership and Supervision, as well as First Line Leadership courses through the University of Tennessee Law Enforcement Innovation Center.

• Specialized Expertise: Holds certifications in Advanced Boating Under the Influence (BUI) Enforcement, NASBLA Boat Accident Investigation, Glock Armorer, Chemical Immobilization, and FEMA Incident Command courses.

• Training & Mentorship: Has served as an instructor for firearms, defensive tactics, active shooter response, and field training, mentoring numerous officers at the Tennessee Wildlife Officer Training Academy. He has also served with the TWRA Honor Guard and the Commercial Fishing Task Force.

McSpadden’s career features several major honors, including being named Region III Officer of the Year (2015) and TWRA Officer of the Year (2020), along with receiving a commendation for his emergency response work during Hurricane Helene.

“Joe has built a distinguished record of service defined by professionalism, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to conservation law enforcement,” stated Major Brandon Selvog. “His dedication to public service, mentorship, and the advancement of the Agency’s mission has been evident throughout his career.”

As Captain, McSpadden will oversee officers tasked with upholding public safety on state waterways and enforcing regulations that protect wildlife species across the district.