COLORADO - Eric Harper
Eric Harper is currently a Criminal Investigator with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. He was hired by the (then) Colorado Division of Wildlife in 1993 as a wildlife officer and District Wildlife Manager. Eric worked seasonally for (then) Colorado State Parks and Outdoor Recreation before his permanent appointment with CDOW. In 2012, those agencies merged into one (CPW)- Eric has the unique perspective of working for both. As a professional, Eric has been part of investigations for two decades, assisting the field, participating in covert operations, and playing an important role in agency training and instruction. He has worked to bring tasers into the agency, and been a cog in Active Attack Incident Response training and the Marine Evidence Recovery Team for Colorado. In 2021, Eric was awarded the John D. Hart Wildlife Officer of the Year award for his efforts.
ILLINOIS - Cory Skelton
CPO Cory Skelton is a 3-year veteran of the Illinois Conservation Police. During that period, he has advanced as a firearms committee member/instructor, waterfowl committee member/instructor, and commercial fish committee member/instructor. He instructs within his District of assignment and at the IDNR Conservation Police Academy. Beyond his training duties, CPO Skelton has proved very effective as a field officer and in investigating large cases. One of CPO Skelton's cases has proven to be one of the largest wildlife investigations in Illinois history. Investigating this case, CPO Skelton utilized modern techniques including cellular phone and social media search warrants. CPO Skelton discovered 2 juveniles unlawfully killed in excess of 20 deer in Illinois and Indiana during the 2020-2021 season. Many of the deer were shot from pickup trucks using spotlights and rifles and many others were intentionally run over by pickup trucks. A total of 8 deer, 2 rifles, 1 muzzleloader, 1 bow, and a string of hawk talons were seized as evidence in this case. The 2 pickup trucks the offenders poached from and used to run the deer over were also seized and 1 has been forfeited to the IDNR. After approximately 2 months of processing digital evidence and conducting follow-up interviews, CPO Skelton documented numerous felony and misdemeanor offenses in Illinois and Indiana including felony resource theft, felony animal abuse, falsification of records, numerous counts of unlawful take of deer, hunting by use/aid of a vehicle, spotlighting, hunting deer with a rifle, hunting deer at night, wanton waste of game meat, failure to tag deer, failure to report harvest of deer, shooting from a roadway, transportation of loaded and uncased firearms, FOID violations, and unlawful feeding/baiting deer. Many of these charges are still pending in both states.
INDIANA - Andrew Harmon
Indiana Conservation Officer Andrew Harmon has been selected as the AMFGLEO Officer of the Year, which honors the state's top officer that demonstrates professional ethics, attitude, and service to the public while demonstrating dedication to the principles of the conservation of natural resources and the enforcement of those laws affecting the department.
Harmon is assigned to Wells County and has been a conservation officer since 2012.
In addition to his normal duties as a field officer, he has served as a public safety diver, background investigator, standard field sobriety test instructor, and field training officer.
District 2 includes Adams, Allen, Dekalb, Huntington, Lagrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells, and Whitley counties.
IOWA - Marlowe Wilson
In his 23 years of service as an Iowa State Conservation Officer and Recreational Marlowe Wilson has consistently strived to provide programs and mentored experiences to the public, especially youth. Like most of you, he has taught countless Hunter Education classes and attended innumerable hunting, fishing, trapping, and other outdoor programs. He has consistently worked with County Conservation Board and NGOs to provide opportunities to people of all ages and abilities. Throughout his career, he has attended, taught, or worked at virtually every DNR sponsored event including but not limited to Hunting and Conservation Camp for Boys, Outdoor Journey for Girls, Becoming an Outdoors Woman, Youth Hunter Education Challenge, National Archery in the Schools Program, and the Scholastic Clay Target Program. He has prided himself on presenting a wide variety of programs such as bowfishing, and squirrel, dove, pheasant, turkey, and deer hunting events. In addition to those programs, he works annually with a local individual to deliver and set up the "Huntmaster" blind for a physically challenged hunter. His passion is evident in the dedication he has committed to each of these programs.
Whether it is showing up to a winter workday at the Southwest Iowa Fishing Club to help the young anglers build fish structures or organizing the longest-running DNR sponsored youth duck hunt in the State of Iowa, you will find Marlowe Wilson passing on the legacy of hunting, fishing, and trapping that he loves so much.
KANSAS - Jason Harold
Jason Harrold started his career as a Game Warden in Kansas as a part-time officer in 2003 working for AmeriCorps at Milford Park. He also worked as a part-time Game Warden in Geary and Clay counties, prior to working full time for the Dept. of Army as a full-time Game Warden on Fort Riley, Kansas.
Jason returned to his hometown in 2008 and was hired on as a full-time Game Warden in 2010, covering Pratt and Kingman counties. In 2011 he elected to do additional duties as performing as a Defensive tactics instructor. In 2015 he became a K-9 handler for the Department and has served in that capacity since. Jason and his K9 Gypsy have been instrumental in several large cases in Kansas. Jason is always willing to assist and travel where needed to get the job done. He is a great asset to the Department and the Law Enforcement Division. Jason's current assigned district is Pratt and Barber counties. Jason has been the recipient of several awards from the Department including the Richard Harrold Investigator of the Year Award which was named after his father.
MANITOBA - Matt Mangin
Conservation Officer Matt Mangin is a young Officer, who upholds the values and professionalism of the Manitoba Conservation Officer Service. Since receiving his first full time posting in 2018, Conservation Officer Mangin has proven himself a strong leader. He is well respected throughout the service for his integrity, poise and professionalism. His passion for the outdoors and natural resources is evident through the initiative he displays in determining patrols and taking on complex investigations. His attention to detail is impressive and has been instrumental in securing successful prosecutions. In addition to his duties, Conservation Officer Mangin has taken an active role in mentoring seasonal officers and participating in Youth Hunter Education Courses. He recognizes the importance of leading by example and mentoring our seasonal officers. Conservation Officer Matt Mangin is an exemplary member of the Manitoba Conservation Officer Service and our chosen 2021 AMFGLEO Officer of the Year.
MICHIGAN - Casey Pullam
Casey Pullum is a seven-year veteran who graduated from the Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division Recruit Class 6 in 2015. He obtained a Bachelor of Business degree from Bob Jones University in South Carolina in 2007 and went on to obtain his paramedic certificate from Baker College in 2008. Casey was assigned to Alcona County when he graduated from the academy but transferred to Oscoda County in 2016 where he continues his career efforts today.
Conservation Officer Pullum excelled in his career as a conservation officer and quickly became a leader. He is always more than willing to get involved and be a part of the team, as well as being the first to volunteer. Additionally, his immense knowledge of first aid and the medical field led to the division seeking him out to become a lead first aid instructor in 2016. With four years on, Casey was chosen to become a field training officer, which again, showed his level of skill and knowledge as a CO as well as his exceptional abilities beyond those of his peers. Not many officers with the same amount of time are chosen to be field training officers due to the immense responsibilities that position holds. Casey has demonstrated his ingenuity from very early on in his career with the ability and
willingness to learn new investigative tools and ways to locate other criminal violations. He can take a minor lead and follow it to discover a great case. His interview skills are at
an impressive level you expect to see from someone who has several decades of experience. He continually gets people to speak freely to him which allows him to gather valuable information. In addition to all this, CO Pullum has established an outstanding working relationship with all area law enforcement, court systems, and other divisions within the department. He has embedded himself in the community and made a tremendous impact.
MINNESOTA - Kipp Duncan
Duncan, who began his career in law enforcement as a sheriff's deputy, has been a conservation officer since 2001. In the years since, he has been stationed in Two Harbors and Duluth East, both of which are on Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior. Duncan grew up in the area and is well known and highly respected among the people who live in and visit the area. He's known as a dependable, knowledgeable, and trustworthy officer and deals well with adults and youth alike. In addition to Duncan's normal work protecting Minnesota's people and natural resources, he is a field training officer, conducts background investigations, and serves on the Enforcement Division's mobile response and CART teams. During the course of his career, Duncan is a two-time Turn in Poachers officer of the year and also has been the Minnesota Trappers Association officer of the year. He's also received a lifesaving award for actions he took when someone attending a firearms safety field day had a major medical event.
MISSOURI - Adam Strader
Corporal Adam Strader graduated from Missouri State University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Minor in Chemistry. In 2006, he was accepted into the Missouri Department of Conservation's Agent Training Academy, whereupon completion he was assigned to McDonald County. He has been a dedicated conservation agent in McDonald County for 16 years and is a consummate professional with a positive attitude and ability to "look at the big picture". He is willing to identify, tackle, and solve any problem within the Department. He is well known and respected by his peers and supervisors within the Protection Branch and throughout the Department. Corporal Strader is a dedicated professional who exemplifies the very best attributes of all areas of responsibility required of the Conservation Agent position. In addition to resource law enforcement, he is a very active member of his community, he serves as a Defensive Tactics Instructor in Spontaneous Knife Defense and Ground Avoidance/Ground Escape and works with local schools to provide them with quality programs and outdoor activities. In 2019 Corporal Strader and his wife (Marie) bought and moved to a farm near Noel, Missouri where they reside today with dogs, tortoises, goats, and other animals that they have acquired through the years. His hobbies include fishing the McDonald County streams, riding motorcycles, and collecting cars/trucks.
NORTH DAKOTA - Andrew Dahlgren
Warden Dahlgren has been a District Game Warden with the North Dakota Game & Fish Department since 2009. Dahlgren has resided in the same district his entire career and currently lives in Edgeley, where he resides with his family. Warden Dahlgren lives in one of the busier outdoor recreation use areas of southeast North Dakota. Within Warden Dahlgren's district are numerous lakes and public use areas that provide many hunting, fishing, and boating opportunities. The varied opportunities attract a plethora of outdoor enthusiasts to the area. Warden Dahlgren regularly monitors his district by vehicle, boat, and ATV. Warden Dahlgren is focused on public safety and regularly patrols his district monitoring the lakes and rivers to ensure boaters and recreationists are following regulations. Warden Dahlgren is very skilled at detecting those who are operating watercraft while intoxicated. Warden Dahlgren dedicates considerable time to monitoring and educating the public on ways to avoid the spread of aquatic nuisance species in the state. Warden Dahlgren is an accomplished investigator who thoroughly follows up on complaints and reports of possible illegal activities within his district. Warden Dahlgren also assists neighboring wardens with investigations. Recently Warden Dahlgren was credited with helping to successfully solve a major deer poaching case in Barnes County. Warden Dahlgren is the type of Game Warden who seldom asks for nor needs assistance to properly complete an investigation. In summary, Warden Dahlgren patrols both day and night to ensure compliance with regulations and the safety of the public. Warden Dahlgren communicates regularly with landowners, sportsmen, and the public to keep them up to date on outdoor issues. Warden Dahlgren is often called upon to assist local law enforcement agencies with any issues that arise. Warden Dahlgren is active in his community. He is involved with the instruction of Hunter's Education, water safety, and other youth activities.
OHIO - Bill Bullard
Bullard began his career as a wildlife officer in 1993 and was promoted to supervisor in 2012. Bullard has been an admirable representative of the Division of Wildlife and his profession. He has developed and maintained working relationships with communities, NGOs, and government entities. Bullard is the point of contact for various issues ranging from human-wildlife coexistence and user conflicts to recruitment and retention. Bullard is a field training officer and serves not just as a supervisor but also as a mentor to probationary wildlife officers. He has demonstrated his commitment to the most critical undertaking of our profession; ensuring that new officers are correctly skilled, trained, and prepared to serve as the face of conservation for future generations. Bullard is a member of our officer support team. He avails himself to both commissioned and non-commissioned coworkers at all hours, 365 days a year, as a resource to work through some of the most challenging things we encounter in our personal and professional lives. Bullard is an engaged listener and carries his cell phone even when on vacation. Everyone knows that they can call Bullard anytime, day or night. This past year, Bullard assumed additional responsibilities to sustain operations in his district while his counterpart was deployed overseas, and the district supervisor had been reassigned. He also helped his officers cover a vacant county while the assigned officer was on extended leave. During this time, Bullard performed parts of several positions in addition to his duties. He served without complaint and without additional compensation. Bullard routinely and selflessly assumes responsibilities to help others. Bullard's selfless service and dedication to his fellow officers, the agency, and the unsullied tradition of wildlife law enforcement is the example that we should exalt. While his efforts this past year certainly merit my nomination, he has demonstrated these virtues over a career and a lifetime in the field. Wildlife Officer Supervisor Bill Bullard is very deserving of the AMFGLEO Ohio Officer of the Year award.
OKLAHOMA - Blake Pearson
Warden Pearson exceeds the standards and expectations for this prestigious recognition. His passion, talent, integrity, and professionalism in every aspect of wildlife conservation make him incredibly worthy of this award. Pearson would be a shining addition to the group of past Wardens honored by the AMFGLEO Agencies. Warden Pearson has spent his career operating at the highest standards of the job. He works efficiently, with a high energy work ethic, and a second to none work attitude. His leadership in those categories encourages and motivates others around him to seek the same efficiency. His leadership skills include being an excellent communicator and motivator. He seeks to assist aspiring Wardens and less experienced Wardens by sharing the knowledge that he has worked hard to acquire over the years to help them accomplish their goals as quickly as possible without errors or setbacks. Warden Pearson is a joy to be around making work hours seem short with his work ethic and humor. He does not require a leadership label to excel at inspiring others. He is a natural leader who will always draw the respect and admiration of other members of the team. Pearson leads by example and others follow because they know that he has the ability and the work ethic to get the job done regardless of what it takes.
ONTARIO - Jeff Milloy
Jeff Milloy has been a Conservation Officer since 2001 working in the Pembroke, and Kenora Offices. Jeff is currently the Enforcement Operations Specialist (Sergeant) for the Kenora/Red Lake enforcement unit. While maintaining his own caseload, Jeff regularly provides a leadership and mentor role to his fellow officers and to new recruits. Jeff has facilitated training sessions including working on ice and FleetNet radio training for not only an officer he is mentoring but for other officers new to the profession. Jeff continuously serves as a role model and is often the first point of contact for these new officers. They are routinely able to speak to him regarding job specifics, from their equipment and uniform fitting, training, and any day-to-day operations in the Kenora office. Jeff is constantly stepping up to help other officers with any aspect of their roles. Jeff has worked in multiple work locations and as such has developed a large network of officers across the province. Jeff is frequently in contact with his peers in other work locations, maintaining communication avenues across the province. This exemplifies Jeff's enthusiasm and dedication to natural resources law enforcement. Jeff is continually pushing the envelope with his leadership and dedication to the job, this instills a positive attitude among the local work unit and further extends to officers across the province which serves to make everyone strive to do better.
SOUTH DAKOTA - Ryan Pearson
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks nominate Wildlife Conservation Officer Ryan Pearson as the Association of Midwest Fish and Game Law Enforcement Officers Officer of the Year for the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP). Officer Pearson has been with the GFP for approximately 9 years and is stationed in Sturgis. Officer Pearson is assigned to a vast and diverse district and is responsible for an extremely large area. There are many challenges associated with this district ranging from landlocked public lands to the encroachment of urban areas into the Black Hills. Officer Pearson has done outstanding work in establishing meaningful relationships with landowners, community members, and GFP Commissioners. Officer Pearson is a defensive tactics instructor, and honor guard team member and was recently selected to be a wildlife training officer. His commitment to training, mentoring, and representing conservation officers within the Department is unmatched. Officer Pearson is part of a select group of officers that supports and patrols the snowmobile trails in the Black Hills. This is truly a remarkable network of trails that brings in riders from across the United States and Officer Pearson works tirelessly to keep these trails safe and secure. Officer Pearson is stationed in Sturgis which is home to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and brings in an extra 500,000+ people into his community. Officer Pearson works closely with other law enforcement agencies to help with the conflicts and concerns associated with such an influx of people. Officer Pearson is a dedicated, professional, and committed officer and we are proud to nominate him as the 2021 Association of Midwest Fish and Game Law Enforcement Officers Officer of the Year.
TEXAS - Royce Ilse
Game Warden Royce Ilse began his career in 2009 stationed in South Texas. Warden Ilse worked with the communities surrounding Falfurrias, TX, conducting patrols primarily in Brooks County, but also assisted in law enforcement missions at Falcon Lake, Baffin Bay, and the Laguna Madre. During this time, Warden Ilse worked on poaching cases of all types, captive deer breeding violations, gill netting, human smuggling, and drug smuggling. Warden Ilse worked alongside a team of other TPWD employees in the transformation of enforcement and reconciliation of captive deer breeder violations throughout the state. Other notable cases involved assisting in the interdiction of over 3,000 lbs. of marijuana during several events of trafficking through private ranches attempting to blend in as hunters or ranch hands. In 2013 Warden Ilse was selected to join the first-ever Game Warden K9 Team. He joined 4 other Wardens who all traveled to Salt Lake City Utah to attend their K9 Handler training program. Warden Ilse and K9 Rusty, a driven male yellow lab, began their career in September of 2013 certified in narcotics detection. In 2014 they would return to Utah to get trained and certified in search and rescue, tracking, and article recovery. Over the next 5 years, Warden Ilse continued his education and received his certification as a K9 instructor and judge. Ilse and Rusty have traveled all over Texas assisting Game Wardens and other agencies in tracking missing persons and criminals, locating articles of evidence, and detecting narcotics. Warden Ilse has been instrumental in the acquisition of new canines, and training of new K9 Teams. He has led the training and certification of 5 new handlers and 9 dogs. With K9 Rusty's retirement looming, Warden Ilse has trained his new partner, K9 Izzy a 1-year-old female black lab. Working to return to more traditional Game Warden work and combat the ever-growing illegal wildlife trade, K9 Izzy has been trained for wildlife detection, along with search and rescue, tracking, and article recovery.
WISCONSIN - Mike Neal
Mike Neal is a WI Marine Warden, hired in 1994, who works in northern Lake Michigan. He is a true public servant and has developed great relationships with citizens and is a friendly face to many tourists. When he sees kids wearing life jackets, he gives them a roll of lifesaver candies, at his expense. He is reliable, engaged, able to think and react quickly, and cares for people. He will always drop what he's doing to help others. He's worked with the Historical Society to place buoys at shipwreck sites and used his diving skills to assist Fisheries by installing pit tag readers for research. He attends outdoors group meetings and fundraisers, assists with Shop with a Cop, and is a hunting mentor. At least 10 citizens provided positive feedback on his efforts and their positive interactions in 2021. Mike had 126 violations assigned in 2021 in 54 different categories. His ability to bounce between commercial fishing, sport trolling, general fishing, waterfowl hunting, deer hunting, and much more in a given year is impressive. Some think that since he logs 300+ hours on his boat, he must spend all of his time doing boating enforcement. However, he has a well-rounded program and makes wildlife, fisheries, environmental, state property, and rec. vehicle enforcement cases. He's WI's 2021 Warden of the Year, 2021 local Legislature's First Responder of the year, and a previous Boating Officer of the Year. Mike is NASBLA's lead instructor and our lead instructor for boat accident investigations, boat and airboat operation, and sound testing. Beginning in 2019, Mike was requested through the USCG to travel to the Cayman's Islands and assist with investigating a high-profile double homicide boat accident. No one has been charged with boating homicide in Caymans and Mike has been the lead investigator. Mike and a coworker used the DNR airboat to respond to two ice rescue calls of anglers stranded on ice floating away miles from shore. They rescued 43 people one day and 20 another day. Mike is a standout in the DNR and has made a significant effort to ensure the public is safe while recreating in Wisconsin and he's committed to protecting our natural resources and making a difference in his community. Thanks for considering Warden Mike Neal for this award.
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