DNR honors top conservation officers (March 24, 2009)

“We honor these dedicated officers for their commitment to their duties, perseverance and professionalism,” said Col. 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 La Crescent was named Officer of the Year. This prestigious award is presented annually to an officer based upon overall career performance with an emphasis on the officer’s previous job evaluation period. The highlight of that time was CO Fritz doing rescues using an airboat in debris-laden, fast moving water. He made five rescue trips to save six people during the devastating floods in southeast Minnesota in August 2007.
 

Others honored include;

CO Scott Staples of Carlton received the Education Achievement Award. The award recognizes an officer based on overall career performance. It includes an 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 was honored with the 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 was selected winner of Willard Munger Wetland Achievement Award. The award is named after the long-time legislator who died in 1999, leaving a 43-year legacy of extraordinary environmental activism.
 

The Boat and Water Safety Achievement Award was presented to CO Tom Hemker of Winona. 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.




 

Capt. Mike Trenholm, DNR chief pilot, was named the 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.