Calwof

The California Wildlife Officers Foundation is dedicated to serving the needs of CA Wildlife Officers. Questions?

Email [email protected] or visit www.calgwf.org or https://linktr.ee/cal_wof

05/25/2026

Today we pause to honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Memorial Day is more than a long weekend. It is a reminder that freedom has always come at a cost carried by others.

We remember their courage. Their sacrifice. Their legacy.

Never forgotten.

05/11/2026

Applications are open. 🎓

The 2026 CALWOF Scholarship is now accepting applications. Every year, we invest in the people who protect California’s wildlife — and the families standing behind them.
This scholarship is for active-duty California Wildlife Officers, their spouses, and their dependent children. Whether you wear the badge yourself or you’re part of the family that supports someone who does, this scholarship was built for you.

Over the past 16 years, CALWOF has awarded nearly $460,000 in scholarships. This year, we want to hear from you.

📅 Applications open May 1 – June 30 🔗 Link in bio

04/02/2026

Pat Freeling gave decades to protecting California’s wildlife and communities. From years as a State Parks Ranger to 16 years as a Game Warden in Mendocino County, he built a reputation for doing the work the right way—no shortcuts, no noise, just results. His investigation into a transnational succulent poaching ring didn’t just make headlines, it changed the landscape, influencing legislation and exposing a growing threat.

In 2024, Pat retired. Months later, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma. Since then, he’s faced it the same way he handled his career—steady, tough, and forward.

This shirt represents that mindset: “Memento Mori; Amor Fati.” A reminder to face reality and still choose how you show up.

Every purchase from directly supports Pat and his family, with proceeds going to the .

Support him. Wear it with purpose.

12/21/2025

On August 17, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Officer Chad Volheim collapsed while responding to what should have been a routine call in Alpine County. He experienced numbness, dizziness, chest pain, and loss of consciousness. The episode was dismissed as heat stroke and he was sent home without answers. One week later, Chad collapsed again with severe chest pain, requiring another ambulance ride and a 10-day hospital stay. Even after transfer to UC Davis Health, no diagnosis was found.

Since then, Chad’s condition has continued to decline. He is now fully bedridden, unable to work, and suffering from debilitating neurological symptoms. His family has sought answers from UCLA Health, Stanford Health Care, and the Mayo Clinic, yet no specialist has identified the cause or a treatment plan. Many providers have turned him away.

The emotional and financial toll is severe. With Chad unable to work and insurance not covering many tests, travel, and consultations, the burden continues to grow.

Support is being coordinated through PORAC to help Chad and his family continue the search for answers and care. Chad dedicated his career to protecting California’s wildlife and natural resources. Now he needs support from the community he served.

Link in bio to support.
Please share.

11/12/2025

Today we honor every man and woman who has served our country. Your sacrifice, courage and commitment have allowed others to stand tall, free, and ready for what comes next. The freedom we enjoy is built on your shoulders. Thank you.

06/19/2025

🦦 “Wait… you haven’t applied yet?”
Just a gentle reminder from your local otter friend 🐾

🎓 If you’re the spouse or child of an active-duty California Wildlife Officer, the CalWOF scholarship is for YOU.

📆 Deadline: June 30
✅ Apply today at 🔥

05/30/2025

📣 Help Us Stop Devastating Cuts to California’s Wildlife Protection Force
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is already only funded to do a third of its mandated work. Now, proposed budget cuts could eliminate 164–190 critical positions — including game wardens, oil spill responders, biologists, and permitting staff. California can’t afford to go backward in its fight to protect wildlife, habitats, and public lands.
🗣️ Senator Blakespear said it best: “If you have a police department that is understaffed, you don’t assume you don’t need them.”
✅ Here’s how you can help:
1. Share this post to raise awareness.
2. Call your legislator and ask them to sign the Blakespear/Connolly letter rejecting the cuts.
3. Join advocates in Sacramento to urge lawmakers to protect these positions.
Together, we can defend the frontline protectors of California’s wild heritage. 💪🐾🌲

05/07/2025

🎓 The 2025 CALWOF Scholarship is officially LIVE!
If you’re the child or spouse of a California Wildlife Officer pursuing college or vocational education—this is for you. Over $100,000 in scholarships are awarded annually to help our wildlife families thrive in the classroom and beyond.
✅ Application is open now
🗓️ Deadline: June 30, 2025
📍 Apply today: linkinbio
Let’s invest in the future of those who protect our wild spaces. 🦅🌲

04/04/2025

📣 A Call to Support One of Our Own 💚
Kaleb Eye — California Game Warden, husband, new father, and friend to everyone he meets — has spent the past few months in the fight of his life. What began as a winter illness quickly turned into a rare neurological disorder known as Miller Fisher Syndrome, leaving Kaleb unable to walk and separated from his newborn son, George.
Kaleb has dedicated his life to protecting California’s wildlife and wild places. Now it’s our turn to protect him. 💪
With mounting medical bills, months away from work, and long travel days for his wife Katie, the Eye family needs our help more than ever. The California Wildlife Officers Foundation is proud to stand behind Kaleb and provide a way for others to do the same.
Let’s rally around Kaleb, Katie, and baby George and show them they’re not alone in this journey. ❤️ Every donation, share, and kind word makes a difference.
📍 Tap the link in our bio to learn more and donate today.

12/11/2024

Congratulations to Officer of the Year, Laura Decker, and her K9, Maverick, for their outstanding service with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife! This prestigious award recognizes an officer’s exceptional dedication, leadership, and commitment to protecting California’s wildlife, natural resources, and public safety. Honored to celebrate her achievements alongside the F&G Commission and fellow officers as she received this well-deserved recognition.

Did you know? The California Department of Fish and Wildlife manages over 1,000 species of wildlife and plants, as well as 164,000 square miles of ocean and inland waters, to ensure the state’s natural resources are preserved for future generations. They also oversee 110 wildlife areas and ecological reserves across the state!

09/05/2024

🌿 **Honoring the Legacy of R. Judd Hanna** 🌿

Today, we remember R. Judd Hanna, a founding member of the California Wildlife Officers Foundation. His dedication to conserving wildlife and supporting California’s game wardens has left an enduring impact on our mission. Judd’s passion for the outdoors, his service to the community, and his love for family continue to inspire us each day. We are proud to carry his vision forward as we protect California’s natural resources and support the officers who safeguard them. 🌎💚

Address

Menlo Park, CA
94025

Website

http://www.calwof.org/

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