ST. PAUL - A new generation of conservation officers with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources have joined the ranks responsible for statewide natural resources and recreational law enforcement.
The 13 officers completed the 12-week conservation officer academy at Camp Ripley in October, 16 weeks of field training with experienced conservation officers on Jan. 26, and now report to their first duty assignment -- some aqt vacant field stations.
The new officers and their stations include Chelsey Collette, Remer; Andrew Dirks, Redwood Falls; Luke Gutzwiller, Madison; Jeremy Henke, Albert Lea; Michael Krauel, St. Cloud; Dustin Miller, Windom; Philip Mohs, Center City; Kyle Quittschreiber, Black Duck; Trent Seamans, Rochester; Eric Sullivan, Walker; Jamie VanThuyne, Mankato; Shane Vernier, Willmar and Leah Weyandt, Mound.
More multiple conservation officer retirements are anticipated in 2016. A conservation officer academy with about 12 to 15 candidates gets underway in April.
The DNR’s Enforcement Division currently employs about 215 licensed peace officers to serve the public and protect the natural resources of Minnesota.
