Chris Johnson, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge officer for the past 19 years, was recognized for his outstanding work when he was awarded the USFWS Alaska Region's Officer of the Year for 2008.  Johnson leads the law enforcement program at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge as well as acting as a defensive tactics instructor and field training officer for the Service.  He is also an assistant team leader for the Alaska State Troopers Special Emergency Response Team. 

Jim Hjelmgren, USFWS Alaska Region Chief of Law Enforcement, noted that Chris was in the running with 25 other officers in Alaska from other Refuges.  Johnson's accomplishment is also impressive considering the size of the Alaska Region.  Hjelmgren added that, "Chris is a great example of the high quality refuge officers we have protecting our lands throughout the country, and he is well deserving of this award."