The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department announced that Major Justin Stedman will succeed Colonel Jason Batchelder as director of the Warden Service Division. Stedman, an 18-year veteran of the Warden Service, will be promoted to colonel on Sept 24.
“Leadership transitions can bring uncertainty in a law enforcement agency, but in Justin’s case this promotion will only strengthen the Warden Service’s culture and unity with the Fish and Wildlife Department as a whole,” said Batchelder. “Leaving the Warden Service in Justin’s capable hands fills me with great pride and anticipation for the future.
Stedman joined the Warden Service in 2004. After training, he was appointed district game warden in Chittenden County’s Burlington District, where he was promoted to senior game warden. He later served as senior game warden in Rutland County’s Poultney District, where he was promoted to central district lieutenant. Stedman was promoted to major in 2020.
Before joining the Warden Service, Stedman served with the Castleton and Montpelier police departments and the US Coast Guard Reserve.