At their core, conservation officers are protectors of Michigan’s natural resources
Week 5: Aug. 13-19, 2017
Michigan conservation officers are among law enforcement’s most versatile professionals. Their extensive training with the latest equipment and tactics prepares them for virtually any situation. But at their core, those who wear the green  and gray uniform of a Department of Natural Resources conservation officer are protectors of Michigan’s natural resources. That message was driven home as Week 5 of the DNR Conservation Officer Recruit School got under way.
Learning conservation law
On Monday, the entire day was devoted to learning the ins and outs of conservation law. Conservation law is the rules, laws and orders that govern hunting, fishing, environmental and recreational activities. The class heard from Sgt. Bobbi Lively, who stressed that conservation law is something recruits will use every day during their entire careers. “The quicker you learn and understand it, the better you will be able to enforce it,” she said.
Elements of a crime
Tuesday saw the return of retired Michigan State Police inspector David Greydanus, who followed up his previous week’s instruction with lessons on crimes against people and property. A touch of realism was added when recruits participated in a scenario involving a two-vehicle crash that led to an assault.
Understanding the elements of a crime allows officers to establish the facts and ultimately piece together what happened. Since most situations involve “two sides to every story,” the officer must be able to look, listen and determine what occurred.
On the same wavelength
The following day, recruits eagerly unpacked boxes that contained their new hand-held radios and associated  equipment. Building on last week’s communications training, the class spent all of Wednesday with Conservation Officer Danny Walzak, a 39-year veteran who has seen radio technology evolve over the decades. He taught recruits correct radio protocol, usage and functions. He then led the class outside to practice their radio skills in real-world conditions.
Put to the test
Additional legal training was the order of the day Thursday, courtesy of retired inspector Greydanus. Recruits had a long, stressful day as they prepped for four tests awaiting them in the evening. Recruits who failed the tests will retake them Sunday night – but it’s their last chance.
Shaping up
As if the regular physical fitness routine isn’t tough enough, recruits rolled out of bed Friday to meet a special guest who would test their limits even further. Kathryn Robuck, owner of Fit Body Boot Camp in Lake Orion, volunteered her time to put recruits and instructors through her unique training regimen. Robuck was only too happy to lend a hand. After all, her brother – Jason King – is a DNR  conservation officer and school instructor. Recruits and academy staff welcomed her expertise and willingness to assist.
The class got a break from physical activity by getting further instruction in report writing. Under the supervision of Sgt. Jason Wicklund, Recruit School commander, and Conservation Officers Troy Van Gelderen and Richard Stowe, recruits reviewed different forms that will be used for everything from forensic examination requests to taxidermy inspections.
Something fishy
After two hours of learning about reports, recruits got some fresh air and a chance to use their knowledge of conservation law. They took a field trip to Lake Delta, a natural lake with good fishing opportunities near Lansing.
But they weren’t there to relax. Recruits put their conservation law education to use by participating in a scenario in  which an actor posing as a citizen was fishing without a license and possessed two undersized bass. Recruits were able to watch a conservation officer establish contact with the citizen. They then asked questions to determine the facts and prepared reports on what they observed.
Recruits spent the rest of Friday in the classroom learning about patrol operations from Conservation Officer King. Conservation officers encounter many things during patrols, including stolen property, evidence of crimes and lost property. Recruits learned the finer points of handling those instances. They also were educated on various joint operations with other agencies, and situations requiring an immediate response.
The week’s activities were welcomed by the class as being more varied than usual, with their new radio equipment, guest physical trainer and conservation law practice session at Lake Delta. With another week under their belts, recruits left Friday night with a clearer sense of how these lessons are slowly molding them into DNR conservation officers.
Subscribe to the weekly conservation officer academy blog, which also will be posted on the Michigan DNR Facebook page. View previous blogs from Recruit School #8.
/Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.
Voice_of_experience: Conservation Officer Danny Walzak shares his experience with recruits as they practice with their new radios. The ability to communicate with fellow officers and other agencies is critical, especially since conservation officers routinely work alone and backup assistance can be miles away.
Practice_makes_perfect: A recruit holds his radio as he and his classmates learn proper radio protocol. Communications was a major emphasis for recruits during Week 5 of the school, and the issuance of radios marked an exciting high point for the class.
Dispatch center: Conservation Officer Troy Van Gelderen and Jill Behnke, supervisor of the Report All Poaching (RAP) center, simulate a dispatch center operation as recruits familiarize themselves with their new radios and equipment.
Getting_answers: A recruit gets his questions on proper radio procedure answered by Conservation Officer Danny Walzak. Recruits soon found how much there is to know about correct radio protocol, usage and functions.
Learning_conservation_law: Despite their versatility as law enforcement professionals, the core function of a conservation officer is to protect Michigan’s natural resources. Pictured, Sgt. Bobbi Lively instructs recruits on the many facets of conservation law.
Something_fishy: Conservation Officer Troy Van Gelderen guides a recruit as she puts her new knowledge of conservation law into practice during a training scenario at Lake Delta near Lansing. In this session, the recruit had to interact with a citizen who was fishing without a license and possessed two undersized bass. The recruit then had to determine the facts and prepare a report based on what she observed./
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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