Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer (CO) Scott
Staples, Carlton, a K-9 officer, was named 2014 Conservation Officer of
the Year during a ceremony April 16 at Camp Ripley near Little Falls.
“He
trains officers from other agencies, helps educate court and county
attorney staff and above all educates the public in what we do, how we
do it and why it is important,” said Enforcement Director Col. Ken
Soring, who presented the award.
Staples has been described as a
reliable “field leader” by both his supervisors and field officers who
takes pride in his work and brings good common sense and roadside
manners when dealing with the public.
Over his 17-year career as a
conservation officer he has been involved as a use of force instructor,
academy instructor and a field training officer. He is also an
experienced investigator and K-9 handler.
“It’s really easy to
keep working and having fun at your job when you have great people to
work with, a supportive family, and a nice furry partner riding with you
all the time,” Staples said.
Other top officers were also
honored: Pat McGowan, Hastings, 2014 Boat and Water Officer of the Year;
CO Jeff Denz, Willmar, 2014 Waterfowl Enforcement Achievement Award;
1st Lt. Jackie Glaser, District 13 supervisor, 2014 Willard Munger
Wetland Achievement Award; and CO Scott Fritz of La Crescent, 2014
Enforcement Education Achievement Award.
Division of Enforcement
Lifesaving Award recipients include CO’s Bret Grundmeier, Hinckley;
Tony Musatov, Sauk Rapids; Rick Reller, Buffalo; Todd Langevin, Center
City; Jason Beckmann, Windom and Brandon McGaw, Mora.
Lt. Col
Rodmen Smith, DNR Enforcement assistant director, received the DNR’s
Meritorious Service Award for his work on producing the Enforcement
Division’s record management system. Other recent awards include CO Phil
George, Rochester, Turn In Poachers Officer of the Year Award and CO
Paul Kuske, Pierz, Shikar-Safari Club International Wildlife Officer of
the YearAward.
The awards recognize conservation officers with
superior work records or those who perform meritorious acts or services,
which contribute to the protection and preservation of Minnesota’s
natural resources and the people that enjoy them.
Soring praised
all of the officers, “These prestigious awards are not given out, but
earned through dedication, perseverance and hard work.”
