Department of Natural Resources welcomes 12 candidates

Twelve conservation officer candidates, including Brent Grewe, deputy, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office were selected from 800 applicants to spend the next 12 weeks at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Enforcement Conservation Officer Academy at Camp Ripley.

The candidates will receive instruction on fish and wildlife laws, rules of evidence, patrol procedures, search and rescue, and fish and wildlife investigation. Upon graduation, the new conservation officers will spend 16 weeks in field training with a veteran officer before receiving their initial assignment.

The officer candidates represent the 14th academy class of Minnesota conservation officers, celebrating 125 years of service to the people of Minnesota.

Tom Landwehr, DNR commissioner, added that being a conservation officer is not a job but a lifestyle, demanding on family, inherent with the dangers associated with natural resources law enforcement.

Despite the personal and professional challenges, Col. Jim Konrad, DNR enforcement director, said being a conservation officer can be a very rewarding and satisfying career.

Conservation officers ensure the future of natural resources opportunities for the people of Minnesota through responsible enforcement of appropriate laws, regulations and rules.

A normal field station covers 650 square miles, so conservation officers usually work alone and cover extensive and often remote areas of Minnesota.

Unlike most other law enforcement agencies, conservation officers seldom have backup support when they encounter potential lawbreakers.

Currently, 25 of DNR’s 155 conservation officer field stations are empty.

Tags: local news, news, dnr