Master Officer Michael Paxinos is this year’s recipient of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation’s Wildlife Enforcement Officer of the Year. Over the years, Paxinos has become a fixture in the Lenoir County community, where he both works and resides.

Recognizing that teamwork and collaboration are imperative to creating positive change, Paxinos consistently seeks out partnerships to further his commitment to conservation and law enforcement. He also routinely advises and assists his fellow officers, particularly those who are new to the agency. His knowledge, skills and willingness to help others has regarded him as a leader to many Commission employees.

During his career from 2010 to early 2019, he issued 942 charges and 739 warnings and patrolled more than 3,500 hours at night. He checked thousands of fisherman and boats, caught dozens of deer poachers and dove baiters, participated in multiple search and rescue missions and provided more than 130 documented programs to the public.

Master Officer Paxinos is a well-rounded team player whose focus on his community has made him an integral part of Lenoir County, and a credit to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Law Enforcement Division.