Several Texas State Parks Police Officers received awards from the Park Law Enforcement Association and were recognized at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Meeting, according to a March 30 statement.
Chief Wes Masur was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Park Law Enforcement Association. Masur has served as Chief of Texas State Park Police for over two decades, leading approximately 150 officers and serving more than 85 state parks with more than 9.6 million visitors per year. “Chief Masur’s leadership has been visionary and transformative. He led a complete organizational restructure, secured Schedule C pay status for his officers, modernized equipment and technology, strengthened recruitment and training standards, and elevated professionalism across the agency. Under his guidance, officers gained access to premier training opportunities and advanced tools necessary for modern law enforcement,” said Dale Steele, Executive Director of the Park Law Enforcement Association.
Sergeant Lynn Kuenstler and Officer Gary Carter were honored with the Life Saving Award after responding to a medical emergency on July 11, 2025 in Garner State Park. Officer Carter found an unresponsive park visitor in the Pecan Grove camping loop, removed them from their vehicle, and began administering CPR. Sergeant Kuenstler arrived with oxygen and an AED so they could continue life-saving measures as a team. The visitor regained responsiveness after being unresponsive for two minutes before their arrival.
Sergeant Neal Kocurek and Officer Ryan “Price” Blalock also earned the Life Saving Award following an incident near Sheldon Lake State Park on October 31, 2025. Officer Blalock observed smoke coming from a vehicle partially aflame with an 18-year-old driver trapped inside. Blalock attempted rescue efforts while Sergeant Kocurek joined him; together they used fire extinguishers to suppress flames until firefighters arrived. Both officers assisted further until the man was extricated and airlifted to a trauma center.
Both Blalock and Kocurek were exposed to heavy smoke, toxic fumes, extinguisher powder, and risk of explosion during their rescue efforts without breathing apparatus or respirator protection but fully recovered after decontamination. The victim suffered no burns but was treated for physical trauma.
More information about these recognitions is available according to the official roster page.