Twenty-three recruits successfully completed Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officer training and graduated today, June 13. Ceremonies were held at the training academy in Lansing, involving the recruits’ families and academy staff.
conservation officer shieldThe 23 new officers now enter 18 weeks of field training partnered with more experienced conservation officers in the counties in which they have been assigned. The academy and ongoing support for the graduates is funded in the DNR budget through a General Fund appropriation approved by the Legislature and Gov. Rick Snyder.
“These new officers will fill critical vacancies in areas of the state for natural resources protection, and in some rural areas, they will contribute to general law enforcement coverage,” said DNR Director Keith Creagh. “Providing a safe recreation experience for our residents and visitors and enhanced public safety in our communities are top priorities for the DNR.”
“These new officers will now join our well-trained force in the field, helping us increase the contact we have with customers,” said DNR Law Enforcement Chief Gary Hagler. “In addition to creating a safer place for residents and visitors enjoying Michigan’s natural resources, they also will provide more public education opportunities and an increased law enforcement presence across the state, including in rural areas that sometimes have limited public safety resources.”
The new officers and the counties they are assigned are:
Jeremy Beavers, Genesee County
Jason Becker, Macomb County
Brad Bellville, Montmorency County
William Brickel, Gratiot County
Kyle Bucholtz, Sanilac County
Jon Busken, Mackinac County
Richard Cardenas, Oakland County
Brett Delonge, Menominee County
Paul Fox, Presque Isle County
Robert Freeborn, Schoolcraft County
Saykham Keophalychanh, Genesee County
Josiah Killingbeck, Lake County
Christopher Knights, Monroe County
Brian Lasanen, Ontonagon County
Michael Mansell, Ontonagon County
Matthew Page, Branch County
Christopher Reynolds, Hillsdale County
Timothy Rosochacki, Alpena County
Joshua Russell, Iosco County
David Schaumburger, Wayne County
Andrew Sutzko, Washtenaw County
Justin Ulberg, Lenawee County
Robert Watson, Luce County
The recruits completed 22 weeks of training at the academy, including 14 weeks of required general law enforcement training and eight weeks of specialized conservation officer training. Instructors were current, experienced conservation officers.
DNR conservation officers serve a distinct role in Michigan’s law enforcement community. They are certified police officers with the authority to enforce Michigan’s criminal laws. As conservation officers, they also have unique training in a wide variety of other areas related to the protection of Michigan’s citizens and natural resources.
For more information on Michigan conservation officers, including how to apply for a future training academy, go to www.michigan.gov/conservationofficers.
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