Top conservation officers receive honors

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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Division of Enforcement recognized six State Conservation Officers for outstanding performance and service in 2008.

"We honor these dedicated officers for their commitment to their duties, perseverance and professionalism," said Colonel Jim Konrad, DNR Enforcement chief. "This agency and the State of Minnesota are indeed fortunate to have officers like them ensuring the safety of the public while enforcing the state’s natural resources laws."

Conservation Officer Scott Fritz of LaCrescent, Officer of the Year. This prestigious and coveted award is presented annually to an officer based upon overall career performance with emphasis on the officer’s previous job evaluation period. The highlight of that time was CO Fritz using an airboat in debris-laden, fast moving water to make five rescue trips to save six people during the devastating floods in southeast Minnesota in August 2007.





Other honors included:

CO Scott Staples of Carlton, Education Achievement Award. The award recognizes an officer based on overall career performance with emphasis on involvement in the division’s education programs; support and involvement with volunteer instructors; and educational efforts through the media and special presentations.

CO Mitch Boyum of Rushford, Waterfowl Enforcement Achievement Award.  The annual award is presented to a Conservation Officer dedicated to protecting Minnesota’s natural resources, serving the public and preserving our waterfowl heritage.”

CO Darrin Kittelson of International Falls, Willard Munger Wetland Achievement Award. The award is named after the long-time legislator who died in 1999 leaving a 43-year record of extraordinary environmental activism to the people of Minnesota.

CO Tom Hemker of Winona, Boat and Water Safety Achievement Award. The honor is based on demonstrated leadership abilities and outstanding achievements in boating safety education, Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) enforcement, and service to other law enforcement agencies.

Captain Mike Trenholm, DNR chief pilot, Safari Club International Foundation’s 2009 Conservation Officer of the Year. This award is given every year to someone who dedicates themselves to work on behalf of sportsmen and sportswomen. The SCI Conservation Officer of the Year Award will be presented in May in Washington D.C.