MONTPELIER — Middlebury Union High School graduate Asa Sargent was one of two Vermont game wardens recognized by Gov. Phil Scott and Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter recently for exceptional performance. Sargent, who now resides in Hartland, received the 2019 Warden of the Year Award.

A game warden since 2016, Sargent received the award for his high motivation and effort, positive attitude, public outreach achievements, and outstanding casework resulting in a 100% conviction rate as of 2019. He is a certified Wilderness First Responder assisting in remote search and rescue operations.

Gov. Scott thanked Sargent and his fellow Warden, Travis Buttle of Shaftsbury, for their outstanding efforts to protect Vermont’s fish and wildlife resources and to serve the people of Vermont. “Wardens Sargent and Buttle were chosen for their integrity, professionalism and commitment, and they have earned respect from other wardens and the public. These awards are very well-deserved,” Sargent said.

Commissioner Porter called the pair great role models for upcoming wardens, calling them “consummate professionals who effectively and fairly enforce hunting, fishing and trapping laws.”