News Releases

FWC recognizes captain, artist for outstanding work

News Release

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Media contact: Capt. Richard Moore, 850-410-0656; Wendy Dial, 850-519-4301 or 488-9477

Capt. Alan Richard dedicated his career of more than 32 years to boating safety. Because of his many accomplishments, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recognized him Wednesday at the beginning of its two-day meeting at the Florida Public Safety Institute, northwest of Tallahassee.

The agency also recognized artist Brian Chamberlain for his beautiful wildlife paintings and sculptures, which reflect a deep understanding of the issues related to wildlife conservation.

The FWC's Richard spent so much time educating himself, the public and other officers about boating laws and safety that it's a wonder he also was able to devote time to his wife, children, civic activities and hobbies, which include recreational boating, snorkeling and scuba diving.

"He taught me a lot," said Col. Jim Brown, director of the FWC's Division of Law Enforcement.

Before Richard retired in March, he worked in the FWC General Counsel's office as an attorney representing the agency's law-enforcement efforts. He was often behind the scenes drafting rules and regulations, laying groundwork for safer boating experiences. He also spent time explaining it all to the public and to candidates at training academies.

His career started in 1977 as a law enforcement officer in Dade and Broward counties. Richard transferred to Northwest Florida in 1984. While working as a lieutenant and then a captain, he earned a juris doctorate with highest honors in 1994 from the Florida State University College of Law and became the Boating and Waterway Management Coordinator for the state of Florida in 1999.

"Richard's vast experience and training, as well as his degree in law, made him a valuable expert in boating law," Brown said.

Besides being a staff attorney for the FWC, throughout his career Richard has been an instructor. He still teaches law at FSU and classes at the Institute of Police Technology and Management at the University of North Florida. Richards also serves on statewide professional committees and advisory councils, and is a member of the Boating Advisory Council. The list of presentations and training he provided covers several pages of his curriculum vitae.

One career highlight was being a leader in BUI laws. In his "spare" time, Richards wrote or co-authored numerous articles and manuals about boating laws and safety.

Chamberlain received a plaque for his outstanding, real-to-life wildlife artwork, which helps people gain a greater appreciation of Florida's rich wildlife heritage.

"As a youth, he participated in many out-of-doors activities, and he caught the fever like all of us," said Greg Holder, FWC assistant executive director.

Countless museum-goers have seen Chamberlain's murals and sculptures. The artist grew up in Fort Green, near Wauchula, where he began drawing at age 3 and developed an interest in wildlife during his pre-teen years. To enhance his skills, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife ecology and conservation at the University of Florida. He painted murals and created sculptures for habitats while working with the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville.

"Your sense of nature is marvelously portrayed in your art," Commission Vice Chairman Richard A. Corbett added.

For the past five years, he has worked with the South Florida Museum in Bradenton, creating more murals and sculptures.

While at home near Monticello with his wife and two children, Chamberlain creates more wildlife paintings and sculptures, which grace many people's residences.