FRANKFORT — More than two dozen Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources employees were honored at a special awards luncheon earlier this month in Frankfort, including Jason Russell of Martin County.

Russell, the Eastern Fisheries District Program coordinator, received the Kerry Prather Award of Distinction.

Russell has more than 23 years of service with the department.

According to Fisheries Division Director Dave Dreves, Russell’s initiative and work ethic helped him rise through the ranks in the Fisheries Division to his current position.

Russell has completed the tasks required of his position while being short-staffed and trying to backfill his previous position. Dreves said this is a testament to Russell’s leadership and the respect that he has among his peers, who are eager to offer their assistance.

Dreves added that Russell had demonstrated his abilities as an effective communicator, providing anglers with more information and understanding of fisheries management in eastern Kentucky.

“Jason represents the department well and serves anglers in a very professional manner,” Dreves said.