ATLANTA, GA (October 12, 2023) ­­­– The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the appointment of Mike England to Colonel and director of the Law Enforcement Division (LED). Col. England assumes the role following the vacancy created by former Col. Thomas Barnard’s appointment to the position of Deputy Commissioner of Georgia DNR.

“Col. England’s promotion from Lieutenant Colonel is well-deserved and I know that he will continue to build on the positive impact he made as assistant director,” said Walter Rabon, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. “His wealth of knowledge derived from his decades of service with Georgia DNR, coupled with his leadership attributes, will greatly benefit the Law Enforcement Division and DNR as a whole.”

Col. England began his career with the Law Enforcement Division of DNR more than 30 years ago, starting out as a Game Warden in Richmond County in 1991. From 2001 to 2003, he rose quickly through the ranks, being promoted to Corporal, Sergeant, and Captain of Special Projects. England then moved to the Wildlife Resources Division (WRD), overseeing the Licensing and Boat Registration Unit. In 2010, he moved back to Law Enforcement as Captain over Special Projects and climbed to the position of Major of Special Operations in 2019. On September 27, 2021, he was named assistant director of the Law Enforcement Division and received the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Much of Col. England’s career has been spent at DNR Law Enforcement Headquarters in Social Circle.

“I am confident Col. England will lead with honor as he takes over as the next director of the Law Enforcement Division,” said Thomas Barnard, Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. “His time with WRD and LED, and his unmatched work ethic will benefit the state, our natural resources, and the public we serve.”

Col. England resides in Oconee County with his wife Amber. They have three children, Jordan, Emma, and Wyatt.