Forest Service honors Nelson for his efforts responding to last year's landslide

U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officer James Nelson was honored at the 2024 Law Enforcement and Investigations Director's Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 11, for his actions responding to the deadly landslide in Wrangell last November.

Nelson was presented with the Award for Bravery, Valor or Heroic Act.

"It was well earned and he's very deserving of the award," said Patrol Captain Bill Elsner, Nelson's supervisor out of Ketchikan.

Nelson, who will have been with the Forest Service eight years as of January 2025, said the awards ceremony "was kind of a whirlwind," and "overwhelming ... definitely a lot of emotions, some are still pretty fresh."

He said it was a couple of months earlier that he received word about the award. "Somewhere around July I got notification that I had been selected."

While honored to have received the recognition, Nelson stressed that his actions were part of a collaborative effort with other first responders after the Nov. 20 slide near 12-Mile Zimovia Highway.

"We did what we had to do that night," he said. "Between the volunteer fire department, search and rescue and Alaska State Trooper (Chadd Yoder) that responded, it was pretty amazing, the support that was put into that."

He went on to praise the outpouring of assistance during and after the disaster, not just from within the community but also from outside. "I had phone calls from people as soon as I got into cell service asking what we need," he said. "It was amazing to have that much support from Southeast and truly national. I had friends calling me up from down south saying, 'Hey, what do you guys need? I can send guys up there.'"

Nelson's wife Tyla announced the news of the award on the Wrangell Community Group Facebook page. "It was heartwarming to see others recognize Jimmy for his commitment to his community and have them hear about the great guy that we get to know and love," she said in the post.

"It is wonderful," Wrangell District Ranger Tory Houser said of Nelson receiving the award. "We at the district are so proud and grateful to get to work with somebody of his caliber."

According to the Forest Service website, employees and law enforcement partners are annually nominated in 12 award categories based on dedication and outstanding achievements in support of the agency's priorities and core values.

Wildlife Trooper Yoder also received a commendation from the Alaska State Troopers on Jan. 18 for his actions responding to the landslide.