Meet some of Maine's Game Wardens

Tyler Leach

Tyler’s interest in a law enforcement career began in high school – with his love for the outdoors naturally drawing him to the Maine Warden Service. The idea of working in the woods around the activities he loved was a dream.

Despite his interest, he attended WyoTech in Laramie, Wyoming, where he received an associate degree in diesel technology. Tyler worked in the heavy equipment industry for 12 years, working his way up to field service technician for a reputable dealer. He made a good living but was continually reminded of his dream to be a Maine Game Warden. When he turned 30, Tyler realized he would not be satisfied working as a technician for another 35 years if he did not pursue his dream.

Like many others who have already established a career, Tyler had concerns about the process and giving up the security of his existing career. After discussing it with his wife and coming up with every possible excuse, she made it clear he was the only thing standing in the way of pursuing his dream.

For those interested in joining the Maine Warden Service, Tyler believes there is no better time than the present, and it will never get any easier than today. He recommends surrounding yourself with the people that are going to support and encourage you. Reach out to your local warden, ask questions, discuss the process, and determine if this is the right career for you.

Tyler patrols the East Grand Lake region. He loves the freedom to perform his duties and believes that freedom exists because Game Wardens receive some of the best training available to law enforcement today. For Tyler, every day is a new adventure. He appreciates the opportunity to be outside and experience and see things he never would otherwise.

When Tyler is not working, he enjoys fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and fixing up old tractors and trucks.

Maddie Killian

Often, people assume Maine Game Wardens longed to become wardens since childhood and grew up hunting and fishing. Maine Game Warden Maddie Killian took a different path to get there.

Maddie, originally from Massachusetts, attended Unity College where she majored in wildlife and fisheries management. She started her career as a fisheries biological technician at Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and at a non-profit aquaculture association in Alaska.

As a fisheries technician, Maddie was frustrated by the number of violations she encountered during her day-to-day duties, which put the resource at risk. She began talking with a Maine Game Warden in the same region who encouraged her to apply for the summer deputy game warden position. Maddie found protecting Maine’s fisheries and wildlife so rewarding in this seasonal role that she applied to become a full-time Maine Game Warden.

Maddie had a lot of self-doubt when she decided to apply... Becoming a Maine Game Warden seemed out of reach at first. Although she grew up canoeing, hiking, and camping, she didn’t begin hunting and fishing until college. She also knew she needed to prove herself as a valuable part of the agency, and that she would be one of few females in the role. But that didn’t stop her.

Maddie’s advice for those interested in joining the Maine Warden Service is to work hard physically and mentally, don’t doubt yourself. Join local wardens for a ride along, immerse yourself in hunting and fishing in this state, and try everything. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and fail at things, and never let your lack of experience in certain areas hold you back. Everyone had to learn sometime.

Maddie credits her fisheries management experience to allow her to explain why rules and regulations exist and how they protect Maine’s natural resources.

Maddie patrols the scenic Rangeley Lakes region. In her free time, Maddie enjoys exploring with her pup Midge, mountain biking, skiing, hunting, hiking, and fishing.

Kris MacCabe

Growing up in Maine, Game Warden Kris MacCabe always had a love for the outdoors whether he was hunting, fishing, or out on recreational vehicles. His enthusiasm for the outdoors inspired him to want to help protect Maine’s resources for future generations. 

Although a college degree is not required, Kris attended the University of Maine where he received a bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology. While in college he worked for the State of Maine Department of Marine Resources for three summers on the stock enhancement of anadromous fish in the Kennebec River.  After graduating college, he worked for the USDA Wildlife Services on several different projects including avian bird flu and nuisance wildlife control. He then served as a volunteer for the MDIFW’s Canada Lynx study for three months while going through the Maine Warden Service hiring process.

Kris patrols the Farmington area. His favorite part of the job is the diversity. One day he could be working on a boat, and then riding an ATV or climbing some of the most secluded hiking trails checking small remote trout ponds the next.  He believes every day is an adventure when you are a Game Warden and couldn’t ask for more.

For those interested in becoming a Maine Game Warden, Kris recommends becoming a well-rounded individual. A Swiss Army Knife is the tool of choice for most because it allows for so many options.  To stand out in the hiring process, you need to be the Swiss Army Knife that has many tools to offer. He hopes Game Wardens in the future are just as determined to catch the intentional violator protecting the abundant wildlife we are so fortunate to have.

When Kris is not working, he enjoys hunting, fishing, looking for antlers, and skiing.