September 9, 2025 – COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Troy Poe, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Coordinator, was sworn in as a Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement additional duty officer today.
As an additional duty officer, Poe will assist in investigating Texas wildfires, predominantly in South Texas.
Poe will also continue his full-time role as a Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Coordinator in Beeville, Texas, coordinating response to wildfire and all-hazard events with local, state and federal partners and serving in a unified command.
“With over 12 years of experience in law enforcement and investigations, Officer Poe will be a valuable asset to our department by supporting local communities in wildfire investigations,” said Connor Murnane, Texas A&M Forest Service Chief Law Enforcement Officer. “The coordinated effort between our officers and local officials is critical to protecting the natural resources, landowners and citizens of Texas.”
The Law Enforcement department is comprised of 11 officers and investigators, including Poe—all licensed peace officers by the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement and approved by the Texas A&M System Board of Regents.
For over 110 years, the department has investigated the cause of wildfires throughout the state. In 1977, the department also assumed the responsibility of investigating timber theft cases and carrying out justice under the Texas Natural Resources Code.
Following wildfires, local law enforcement and investigators initiate investigations but often request assistance from Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement officers.
During the cause and origin investigation of a wildfire, investigators examine contributing factors such as weather conditions, vegetative fuel consumption, as well as macro and micro burn pattern indicators. Grass stems, scorching patterns on tree bark and ash color are all indicators that allow investigators to determine the origin of a fire. Based on the totality of the circumstances and evidence, investigators will conduct a criminal investigation into the cause of the fire and any potential arson suspects.
In 2025, the department has recovered over $131,000 for landowners who were victims of timber theft and investigated 84 wildfires.
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