DeKalb County Wildlife Officer Tony Cross is retiring after 33 years serving the citizens of Tennessee. Officer Cross is well known throughout his county and beyond for his commitment, work ethic, and sincere love of the job.
Cross was first hired with the agency in 1988 as a parttime fisheries, stream technician. Like the majority of TWRA employees, Cross grew up loving the outdoors and set his sights on higher education and an outdoor career. Upon graduation from Tennessee Tech in 1992, Cross moved into a boating officer position on Dale Hollow Lake. Cross met his wife and married in 1994 before taking the Dekalb County position in 1997. The two raised their family in the county, and Cross served the county and beyond for the rest of his profession.
Cross was awarded many accolades throughout his years of service including Southeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Officer of the Year and both District Officer of the Year and Hunter Education Instructor of the Year multiple times. Cross conveyed highlights of his career to include restocking turkey in several counties and being part of the bald eagle restoration on Dale Hollow, Centerhill, and Kentucky Lake. Cross also conveyed that working with his coworkers in the district was a highlight, claiming all of them as friends. Additionally, Cross shared gratitude for the county residents. “Thank you to the citizens of this county. I’ve developed wonderful friendships here, that I’ll continue to enjoy”.
Wildlife officers most often work weekends and holidays and often miss special occasions due to hours and urgency the job requires. Cross expressed sentiment that wildlife officers often voice, “It is a calling and not a job”. When asked what allowed him success in his career Cross stated, “I could never thank my family enough, especially my wife Shelly.” Cross continued, “Shelly and our children Eli and wife Madison, Ally, Isaac and wife Hannah, Silas, and Abby, I express my deepest gratitude for all you’ve sacrificed throughout the years.”
Captain Roy Cannon stated, “I consider Tony an asset to the district. His absence will be felt substantially. His character and dedication have been obvious in both the job and in his community. It is second to none I am happy for him and wish him well deserved, congratulations.” Cross plans on continuing his second career building, spending quality time with his wife and family, and hunting and fishing more. Agency employees are grateful for their time with Tony and wish him happiness and blessings in this next endeavor.
