New Assistant Director Named for Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the promotion of Captain James McLaughlin to Lieutenant Colonel. Lt. Col. McLaughlin will serve as the new Assistant Director of the Law Enforcement Division under Colonel Mike England. As the Assistant Director, he will oversee all field operations for the Law Enforcement Division.

“Lt. Col. James McLaughlin has demonstrated great leadership, loyalty, and trust throughout his career, and we are honored to have him serve as our Law Enforcement Division’s second-in-command,” said Walter Rabon, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. “He brings a great deal of experience that I believe will generate positive influence within the Law Enforcement Division.”

Lt. Col. McLaughlin is a 23-year veteran of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, spent a large amount of his career as a game warden in Region 4, where he was assigned to Telfair County. On September 1, 2011, he was promoted to Corporal and then promoted to Administrative Sergeant in 2013. McLaughlin’s dedication and worth ethics was recognized, and he was promoted again as Field Sergeant in 2014, and rose to the rank of Captain in 2021. As Captain, he supervised the northwest Georgia Region of the DNR’s Law Enforcement Division. McLaughlin has been awarded numerous local, regional, state, and even national awards relating to his service.

“James has consistently raised his hand to take on more responsibility and I know he will be a tremendous asset in this leadership role,” said Col. Mike England, Director of Georgia DNR’s Law Enforcement Division. “His work across all levels of the division, coupled with his knowledge and leadership abilities, will benefit Georgia and our natural resources.”

In his new role, Lt. Col. McLaughlin will work out of DNR’s Law Enforcement Division Headquarters in Social Circle. He is newly married to his wife BreAnna.