Conservation Officer Denver Earlington Tabor

I only had the privilege of working directly with Officer Denver Taybor a few times. Our assigned areas were a 2 to 3 counties apart. However, Denver had such an impact on me that I am compelled to write this tribute. As a former U. S. Marine, Denver exhibited the highest standards. He was a giver. His positive attitude was contagious. I was 10 to 15 years younger than he, so it was natural for me to view him as a mentor. Fish and Wildlife officers give up a lot of time away from home, if they do their job properly. Denver helped me see my responsibilities more clearly. First night that we patrolled areas under our watch, we were talking when I noticed on his key chain was a small tool that was made like a key, but instead of having teeth, it was a handy screwdriver. I commented that I liked it and before I could blink, he popped it off his key ring and handed it to me. I protested, but he laughed and said that he never used it and preferred that I have it. For the past 50 years, I have cherished that screwdriver key. After serving as a Fish and Wildlife Officer for a year, I was in debt. Nobody told me that Wildlife Officers had to have second jobs in order to make a living. My father approached me and offered me double my salary, a vehicle to drive and all insurance and health care to return to the family business. I had to accept. The week after I fulfilled my notice with the Wildlife Dept, Denver and Haskell Chambliss grandson drowned in a freak accident. Haskell told me that Denver's last words were, "I'll get him, Hack." With no thought of his own safety, Denver dove into the dark water of the Ohio River.

I still have that key. I still weep at the loss of a child and such a great man. I will soon pass that key on to my son. I'll tell him about one of the finest men I have ever know... Retired U.S. Marine, Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer Denver Tabor. Semper Fi, Salute.