DNR graduates 24 new conservation officers to protect Michigan's natural resources, ensure public safety

Twenty-four new conservation officers have joined the ranks of some of the most highly trained law enforcement professionals in Michigan. One of the most selective law enforcement academies in Michigan, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Academy held graduation Friday, Dec. 21, at the Michigan State Police Training Academy in Lansing. Thirty candidates initially were selected from nearly 500 applicants to be a part of Recruit School #9 the DNR's 23-week training academy. "This is the hardest academy in the state of Michigan not many people get selected and fewer make it through," said Conservation Officer Timothy Barboza, a Recruit School #9 graduate. The graduating six women and 18 men were challenged mentally and physically as they underwent training to qualify for the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards testing, in addition to specialized training in conservation law. "Conservation officers have chosen to not only protect our people and local communities as first responders they have devoted their career to being front-line defenders of our natural resources," said Chief Gary Hagler, DNR Law Enforcement Division. "Our division selects the most highly qualified candidates to receive additional training that no other law enforcement agency in the state offers. Our officers are molded into quality people who are embedded within the communities they serve." "Conservation officers must be honest with their actions and with the public, passionate about helping Michigan's natural resources and humble in their authority as an officer," said Conservation Officer Anna Cullen, a Recruit School #9 graduate. While their primary mission is to enforce fish, game and natural resource protection laws, conservation officers serve a unique role as certified peace officers with authority to enforce all of Michigan's criminal laws. Because of their specialized training and versatility, conservation officers often are first responders to situations involving medical emergencies, missing persons and public safety threats. "This job will give me the opportunity to talk to people who have been hunting and fishing for longer than I have been alive and learn from them," Barboza said. "It will also allow me to help improve the public's view of law enforcement." "I am very passionate about being able to teach younger generations to enjoy and respect our natural resources, as well as passing on the traditions and heritage that I was taught at a young age especially today, with technology consuming most young people's time," said Conservation Officer Jesse Grzechowski, a Recruit School #9 graduate. The academy began each morning with physical training, building the recruits' strength to prepare them for physical fitness testing and the career demands of a conservation officer. Following physical training and room inspections, recruits received classroom instruction and various skills training. Each week recruits were tested through both written exam and mock scenarios. In the scenario testing, recruits entered staged situations in which they had to demonstrate their learned skills to resolve a conflict. The academy involved off-road training to operate specialized vehicles, such as four-wheel-drive trucks, ORVs and patrol boats everyday tools used by conservation officers to patrol Michigan's natural resources. Recruits took several trips to specialized training locations throughout Michigan, including the Camp Grayling Training Center, the GM Proving Grounds in Milford and Ingham County Jail, in addition to completing scenario testing at several parks. In January, Michigan's newest conservation officers will begin their probationary field training, partnered with veteran officers, and receive additional training prior to reporting to their permanent county assignments. "There are people who have lived in a county for generations and know more about it than a new conservation officer would," said Recruit School #9 graduate Nathan Beelman. "These contacts can be a good way to learn about my new community." Founded in 1887, the DNR Law Enforcement Division is Michigan's oldest statewide law enforcement agency. Learn more about the work of conservation officers and explore the Recruit School #9 weekly blog posts and photos at michigan.gov/conservationofficers. Published: Wed, Jan 02, 2019