JULY 2021 Blues Vol 37 No. 7

Finally, a Role Model

Finally, a Role Model for Young Girls With the march of progress for women in America still going strong, there are some women (a few former men now choosing to identify as women) that think they are role models for young women and in my mind, they are wrong. Some got into the limelight by being scourges to society, or at least drains on it. A few advanced bad causes that left dead bodies in their wake, treated their underlings terribly, stole vast of money and in short were just shitty people. Many agree that Megan Rapinoe, soccer player turned Subway spokesperson, is a bad role model for girls because, “They look up to her and see not a disciplined, respectful sports icon, but a groundlessly bitter, petulant celebrity who is totally ungrateful for the opportunities she’s had.” Not to mention she kneels for the National Anthem. Others are judged, not by their abilities, but rather how many followers they have on social media or how much of an ‘influencer’ they are. Oftentimes, it’s just their good looks and lack of clothing that earn them this ‘superstar’ status. Regardless of how they rose to fame, they are not role models. At least not the type I want my daughter to aspire to be. There are however REAL role models out there and one is on our cover this month. Jennifer Provaznik is not only a celebrity on a reality show on Animal Planet, but she’s also one bad ass game warden. On TV she goes about her job of enforcing Texas’ hunting and fishing laws with a veracity that makes her one of the most popular game wardens on the show. On the show, she’s a ‘take no bullshit’ kind of cop. In real life, which by the way, is the same as the show, she’s a ‘take no bullshit’ kind of cop.” In other words, there’s no special performance for the cameras. Provaznik loves what she does, and it shows both on and off the camera. Her “job” is way more than writing tickets for fishing without a license and keeping undersized fish. On any given day, she might be saving people on a sinking boat, recovering bodies of children who went missing the day before, arresting murder suspects with open warrants, stopping a fight in progress on the Texas City Dike and yes, writing a few tickets. And sometimes, all in the same day. While she is no doubt one of MICHAEL BARRON the favorites on Lone Star Law, it wasn’t something she volunteered for. Her bosses announced one day back in 2016, “Oh, by the way, a TV crew is filming a new series and they will be riding with you.” Uh, OK. But despite 5 years under her belt as a “Reality TV Star,” Provaznik’s number one priority is doing her job to the best of her ability. A job she gives 110% every day. I caught up with Provaznik at Moody Gardens last month during the TSDCA (police chiefs) conference. Ironically the hotel was filled with young girls and their moms checking in for a cheer conference. From the minute she walked in, people began to recognize her and of course most wanted a selfie. As she graciously interacted with the public, I couldn’t help thinking, what a great role model she was to all these young girls running around the hotel. A larger-thanlife TV star that is one hell of a game warden who’s also a woman. Born in West Virginia, the daughter of Tim and Gwen Provaznik, Jennifer graduated with a degree in Marine Science from Coastal Carolina University in 2007. Shortly after her degree, she joined the research institute Bimini Biological Field Station, in the Bahamas and researched sharks. During this time, she also worked as a contractor fisheries biologist for NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Jennifer eventually transferred to the NOAA labs in Pascagoula, MI where she conducted research on Bluefin tuna, plankton, and red snapper. In 2013 she applied and was accepted into the 58th academy class of Texas Game Wardens in Hamilton Texas. After graduating, she was assigned to the Galveston area and has been here ever since. To read the entire story of this amazing woman, turn to page 46. If you have a son or daughter considering a career as a Texas Game Warden, our feature story begins on page 52. Role models for young girls and women are hard to come by these days. But Jennifer Provaznik is one perfect example of what a TRUE role model can be. We thank you for your service and your dedication to your job protecting our states valuable resources. 4 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE 5