This is in response to Sandi Dumont’s letter saying shame on wardens whose sole job is dealing with animals (Aug. 25).

Maybe the shame belongs to this individual and so many others who do not really know what a game warden’s job is. Possibly the fault is with our school system for not teaching state government adequately.

The wardens belong to a branch of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Department; in fact, it is the law enforcement branch. Wardens are certified law enforcement officers whose primary duty is to enforce fish and game laws, but also to enforce all state laws. Wardens are also charged with search and rescue.

The Gray Animal Park is also a branch of the Fisheries and Wildlife Department, and the employees’ sole job there is all about animals. The game biologists also belong to a branch of the Fisheries and Wildlife Department and their job is all about animals.

There are several other branches that space will not allow me to mention, but my point is that game wardens are not the animal department.

To reiterate, a game warden’s job is to enforce laws. They deal with people, not animals.

Year after year, wardens get a bad rap for things because of a misinformed public.

Let’s not point fingers unless we know what we are talking about.

Gayland Brackett, Bethel