Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (second from right) and Department of Natural Resources Director Keith Creagh (far left) talk with instructors as they observe a training exercise at the DNR’s 8th Conservation Officer Recruit School. Recruits spend 23 weeks at the academy where they are tested academically and physically in their bids to become Michigan conservation officers. The class was in its seventh week.
– Photo courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Gov. Rick Snyder last week visited the Michigan Department of Natural Resources 8th Conservation Officer Recruit School in Lansing, offering encouragement to the class and observing a training scenario.
Twenty-four recruits from across Michigan and out of state were in the seventh week of the 23-week academy. They were selected from more than 500 applicants. Snyder and DNR Director Keith Creagh offered words of motivation to the class, which faces several more weeks of rigorous academic and physical challenges before graduating in December.
"The job of a conservation officer is challenging, because they have a unique role within Michigan's law enforcement community," Snyder said. "Whether it's protecting our natural resources or serving as first responders, conservation officers are vital to the safety of our residents and the well-being of our state."
Michigan conservation officer candidates face some of the longest and most comprehensive law enforcement training in the nation. In addition to general law enforcement training, recruits must learn specialized skills and areas such as conservation law. Recruits who graduate from the academy still aren't guaranteed the right to call themselves conservation officers. Graduates serve in a probationary capacity for one year, which includes additional specialized training. In all, it takes about 52 weeks before recruits officially make the grade.
To date, recruits have been trained in areas such as precision driving, self-defense tactics, communications, water safety, conservation law, computer use and report writing. During his visit, the governor observed recruits as they practiced evidence-gathering techniques.
Creagh said the governor's support of the DNR and its conservation officers benefits Michigan's natural resources. For example, the fiscal year 2018 state budget contains funding for additional conservation officers to conduct Great Lakes enforcement activities, which includes the battle against invasive species; and additional detectives to conduct special investigations.
"We're fortunate to have a governor who is committed to the protection of our natural resources, and who appreciates the recreational and quality of life value they provide," Creagh said. "In partnership with the governor, Legislature and our many stakeholders, the DNR is proud to continue its leadership in the professional management of Michigan's natural resources for the benefit of residents and visitors alike."
Gary Hagler, chief of the DNR's Law Enforcement Division, expressed his gratitude for Snyder's commitment to natural resources protection and for his visit to the academy. He also commended recruits for their success to date and offered his appreciation to academy instructors for going above and beyond their routine duties.
"The academy is staffed by conservation officers from every corner of the state," Hagler said. "Despite the hardships of extended time away from their homes and families, these men and women volunteer to serve as instructors and help shape the next generation of conservation officers. That says a lot about their dedication to duty and each other."
Published: Fri, Sep 08, 2017
