Duncan named 2010 TIP Officer of the Year

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Duncan named 2010 TIP Officer of the Year
(Released February 10, 2011)


Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Kipp Duncan of Duluth was named the 2010 Turn in Poachers (TIP) “Joe Alexander” Conservation Officer of the Year during the annual TIP banquet held Feb. 7 in Grand Rapids.

TIP is a private nonprofit organization operating on private donations. TIP accomplishes its mission of protecting and preserving Minnesota’s natural resources by providing educational materials and by funding rewards paid directly to citizens who call in tips that lead to arrests of game law violators.

The award is presented to one conservation officer annually who best represents the mission of TIP during the course of their duties. The award is named in honor of past conservation officer and DNR Commissioner Joe Alexander, who was admired by his peers for his dedication and focused concern for natural resources.

A state conservation officer since 2001, Duncan is known as the face of TIP in the North Shore area as a result of the number of high-profile cases he has made through TIP calls and the six-figure amount he has helped raise in donations through TIP banquets. TIP calls referred to the officer are known as “A TIP for Kipp” by North Shore residents.

“Each candidate is nominated and brought before the TIP board for a vote,” said Doug Bermel, Minnesota TIP president. “Officer Duncan, a part of TIP for many years and a big part of the annual Lake Shore TIP Banquet, well earned the honor of being named the 2010 TIP Conservation Officer of the Year.”

Duncan’s selection was also praised by Col. Jim Konrad, DNR Enforcement Division director.

“Officer Duncan is a prime example of excellence within the ranks of Minnesota conservation officers,” Konrad said. “He is highly regarded by citizens and officers alike for his dedication and for his concern in protecting our natural resources.”