ODNR Division of Wildlife Officer Cadets Graduation 2009

By Larry S. Moore

The Wildlife Officer Cadet Class of 2009 graduated July 2, 2009. The graduation ceremonies were held in Columbus at the Ohio Department of Transportation Headquarters. A luncheon reception followed at the ODNR Division of Wildlife District 1 Offices. The graduation ceremonies were attended by family and friends of the cadets as well as officials from ODNR and the Division of Wildlife.

Following completion of the Ohio Peace Officers Basic Training course on May 1, the cadets were provided with nine weeks of additional specialized training by the Division of Wildlife. In addition to wildlife law enforcement procedures and agency policies, the cadets received training in areas such as wildlife and fish management, communications, public relations, administration, education, hunter safety, and special projects.

Jim Quinlivan, the Division Training Officer, performed the master of ceremony duties. Following the presentation of the colors by the Division of Wildlife Color Guard and opening invocation, Officer Quinlivan commented about the class. He noted, "The first wildlife officer class was in 1951. Many things have changed since that first class. The first wildlife officers provided their own vehicle and firearm. Today the vehicle is provided plus a modern semi-automatic handgun along with such things as a computer and GPS in the vehicle. In 1951 we marveled at seeing deer and today we are concerned about hitting them on the highway. The first class was two weeks but the training today is twenty-six weeks. Those twenty-six weeks provide intensive training in the variety of skills needed to perform as a professional wildlife officer today. After today they will begin a six month field training on the job."

Quinlivan praised the cadets saying, "While those things have changed since the 1950s what has always been consistent is their motivation and dedication to their chosen profession, as well as our agency support for them and the vital role they play in the conservation and wise use of our state's natural and wildlife resources. This is a class that on occasion came to me and asked if they could get up earlier so they could run further and longer in physical training. Regrettably I said fine and set my alarm even earlier. This is a class that tried to motivate fellow classmates from other agencies who they felt were not meeting the academy standards and were falling short while they tried even harder. This is a class where instructors at the academy routinely stopped me in the last couple of weeks and said 'wow, what a great group of cadets. I wish all the students here were this professional'. What a great group of cadets and what a great day for them."

ODNR Director Sean Logan next addressed the cadets, noting that there were 513 applicants when the selection process started. Logan commented, "Twenty-six weeks of training and out of all the applicants you are the ones who made it all the way. On behalf of Governor Strickland, congratulations. Each of you has memories when you were young of things that caused you to fall in love with the outdoors and to appreciate the beauty of nature. As you go about your new career I hope you never have a reason to regret the decision you have made. Make no mistake about it we need you. We need you to help create more of those kinds of decisions in young Ohioans.

"Nationwide the number of sportsmen has been decreasing. Ohio is the noteworthy exception. I believe this is due to the emphasis we have placed on getting Ohioans involved at an early age. We know that our best chance of getting them to make a lifetime commitment to the outdoors is to give them a chance to have the same experiences just like the ones that brought you here today. While we have a lot of programs and support many partners, nothing can compare to the one on one connection that will help a young person to find that connection. It is that connection that makes a lifelong commitment to conserving our natural world.

"Just as we are here to give you recognition you deserve, I ask that you give that same level of recognition to every young person that you met who is ready to start their lives as sportsmen and women. Just as your first weeks on the job will shape the rest of your career remember how a young person's first experience with nature will shape a lifetime of love of nature. Congratulations and know that you have the full support of the department behind you and we welcome you to the ODNR Ohio Division of Wildlife."

Division of Wildlife Chief David Graham addressed the cadets saying, "This is absolutely a red letter day in the Division of Wildlife. Welcome to the best of the best to become part of our family at the Division of Wildlife. I especially welcome family and friends. I know how proud you are of these cadets. We are proud of these cadets as well. Ten years from today you may not remember much of what is said today. I hope you remember how proud I am of what you've accomplished.

"This is a great Division of Wildlife. When you make a commitment conservation and public service you take a different turn in life. You have chosen to live in a glass house the rest of your life. Everything we do is under public scrutiny. You have reached a significant milestone in your life. You've ended a point of struggle from the time that you decided to get into the field of wildlife and conservation. You've reached the point today where you have graduated from a very rigorous program. Now you are opening another door into the public arena and making a commitment to serve the people of Ohio. We are proud to have you as part of our family and look forward to working with you."

Cadet Thomas Frank was nominated by his peers as class speaker to make a statement on behalf of his class. Cadet Frank remarked, "It is a great honor as I stand before you today as we step forward to follow in the footsteps of past and present officers. I would like to thank the Director, the Chief Division of Wildlife, family and friends and distinguished guests here today to share the experience.

"The journey started some time ago and has not always been easy. There are hardships that come with separation and distance from family. We propped each other up when we could. Family and friends, I must caution you that we will never be quite the same as we now hold the responsibility and authority that being an officer with the Division of Wildlife requires. Don't worry about the future, for worrying is about as effective as chewing bubble gum to solve hunter incidents.

"To the families, please do not waiver in your love and support as we continue in our careers. As we face things we cannot or should not bring home and talk about it will likely still be on our mind in the background. Be patient, especially if we have to leave on Thanksgiving Day. As far as my peers, try to bridge the gaps in geography to maintain the friendships made here. To the officers 2009 God Bless."

Chief Graham then led the cadets in the official public oath of office for the new officers. Wildlife officers have statewide jurisdiction to enforce fish and game laws, investigate allegations of waterway pollution and serve warrants. They also conduct educational programs, advise landowners on dealing with wildlife and keep local conservation organizations updated on wildlife projects and regulations. They frequently work alone and can be assigned to any county in the state.

The wildlife officer graduating class of 2009:

Brent M. Allen, 21, Toledo
Matthew D. Clark, 22, Evansville, Indiana
John T. Coffman, 22, Waynesville
Brennan M. Earick, 21, Ashland
Wesley C. Feldner, 25, Salesville
Hollie J. Fluharty, 21, Crooksville
Thomas M. Frank, 32, Marysville
Stephen G. Harvey, 30, Huron
Jason W. Keller, 21, New Bremen
Cody A. Klima, 21, Ottawa
Eric S. Lamb, 33, Wilmington
Eric M. Moore, 26, Conesville
Michael A. Ohlrich, 22, Liberty Center
Joshua L. Shields, 25, Zanesville
Adam M. Smith, 25, Lewistown
Matthew A. Teders, 24, Ottawa
Nicholas W. Turner, 21, Medina

(NOTE: the names above are from a Division press release)

Outdoor writer and hunter education instructor Larry S. Moore is a long-time volunteer leader for Buckeye Firearms Association and winner of the 2005 USSA Patriot Award and 2007 League of Ohio Sportsmen/Ohio Wildlife Federation Hunter Educator of the Year.