DNR officer honored by the Minnesota Wildlife Society

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DNR officer honored by the Minnesota Wildlife Society
(Released February 16, 2012)

Solving a high-profile poaching case involving a record 8-point buck. Responding to major floods in Minnesota and North Dakota. Being among the first responders following the 35W bridge collapse.
These are just a few of the activities that led the Minnesota Chapter of the Wildlife Society to recently name Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officer Tyler Quandt of Red Wing as their 2011 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

“Whether it’s been a natural disaster, poaching incident or bridge collapse, these types of response efforts require a real desire to step out of your comfort zone to help others in need or to protect our natural resources,” said 1st Lt. Dean Olson, Rochester area enforcement supervisor. “Officer Quandt is always one of the first to respond.”

Quandt has managed to make many life-saving rescues since joining the DNR in 1991.

“Consistent, dependable and a good partner to work with.” Olson said. “Those are the comments from emergency first-responders that work with him.”

Those attributes are also reflected in Quandt’s reputation among conservation officers while serving as a primary field training officer for many years, passing along his knowledge, skills and positive attitude for others to model.

“He develops confidence in each new conservation officer through demonstration and encouragement as a highly respected trainer,” said Olson. “He is a model officer in every way and someone to emulate.”

Quandt’s other honors include 2007 DNR Boat and Water Safety Officer of the Year, 2009 National Wild Turkey Federation Officer of the Year, and 2009 DNR Enforcement Education Officer of the Year.

The professional accolades and respect also mirror Quandt’s community involvement, particularly on two projects.

The first project was a massive undertaking that Quandt carried solely on his shoulders. It included working with the Army Corps of Engineers, the DNR, the city of Red Wing and a

nonprofit group. The result was a large fishing pier used by anglers, sightseers and walkers year-round. The pier also provides a great opportunity for eagle watching.

The second project speaks volumes of Quandt’s connection to the city of Red Wing. With his family and a small core group of volunteers, $520,000 was raised within one year for a playground specifically designed for special needs children.

“Officer Quandt is worthy of this prestigious award from the Minnesota Chapter of the Wildlife Society,” Olson said. “He is simply one of the best conservation officers Minnesota has to offer.”

Quandt said he’s proud to receive the award and thanked the many people he’s worked with during his career. “I have always appreciated working with all of the other wildlife professionals within and outside the DNR over my career,” Quandt said. “The people who make up the Wildlife Society are a very dedicated and talented group of people. It is a great honor to be recognized by them.”