After covering two recent events — Fish Ohio and the Little Portage Wildlife Area Restoration Project — I’ve had the chance to interact with several Ohio Department of Natural Resources ODNR wildlife officers. I’ve found them to be helpful, patient, and knowledgeable.
This week, eight new officers graduated from their training and were sworn in to serve the public and protect Ohio’s wildlife. The ceremony took place at Deer Creek State Park Lodge & Conference Center, as reported by ODNR.
These officers are now commissioned peace officers, responsible for law enforcement at Ohio’s recreational areas and on its waters. Their duties range from educating boaters on safety to enforcing conservation laws.
The peace officer training was held at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy in Columbus.
Three of the new officers are from northwest Ohio: Michael Chandler from Oregon is assigned to Maumee Bay State Park; Mitchell Sturm from Sylvania is assigned to East Harbor State Park in Marblehead; and Konner Logston from Portage, Ohio, is also assigned to East Harbor State Park.
Since these officers are from the area, they are already somewhat familiar with their parks.
I’m a local and have visited Maumee Bay multiple times, Officer Chandler, 29, shared in an email.
Officer Sturm, 27, mentioned that he spent some time at East Harbor during training and has also visited other parks he’ll be working at, including Marblehead, South Bass, and Catawba Island State Parks.
Officer Logston, 21, is still getting to know his area but has visited East Harbor State Park a few times.
All three officers were inspired to join this field because of their love for the outdoors, wildlife, and public service.
I’ve been fortunate to be part of many humanitarian efforts as a pharmacy technician in the Navy, Officer Sturm said. “This showed me how much I enjoy public service and helping people. I also love the environment, so this job felt like a perfect fit.
Despite being an avid bird watcher, Officer Sturm didn’t see his first wild bald eagle until he was 24. In his free time, he enjoys fly fishing, hiking, bird watching, kayaking, and watching hockey, especially the Walleye — Let’s go Fish! he added.
Officer Chandler is also motivated by a desire to help his community.
“I wanted a career where every day is different, he said. I wanted to help my community and provide a service. I prefer working outside instead of staying in an office.
When he’s not on duty, Officer Chandler enjoys sports like football and wrestling, going to the range, and reading sci-fi and Western novels.
For Officer Logston, who became a DNR officer to be outdoors, you’ll find him either in the woods or on the water, as he’s really into hunting and fishing. His favorite pastime is working out, so you might also find him at the gym.
Currently, they are participating in a training exercise at Alum Creek State Park in Delaware, Ohio.