Indiana Conservation Officers hold memorial, awards ceremony

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Law Enforcement held a ceremony  at the Indiana Government Center in Indianapolis to remember fallen Conservation Officers and recognize those who are currently serving for their achievements.

Indiana Conservation Officers are law enforcement officers for the DNR. The DNR Division of Law Enforcement is the oldest law enforcement agency in Indiana and has a total of 214 officers.

The ceremony started with a time of remembrance for fallen officers. The seven conservation officers who have died in the line of duty since the division’s inception in 1911, listed with their end of watch date, are: Sgt. Ed Bollman, Feb. 13, 2018; F/Sgt. Karl E. Kelley, April 17, 1998; Officer Thomas Deniston, Oct. 16, 1990; Officer James D. Pitzer, Jan. 2, 1961; Officer Robert S. Perkins, May 27, 1958; and Wardens William J. Nattkemper and William J. Peare, who both died on April 27, 1926.

After the memorial ceremony, the division recognized current individual officers for their outstanding service.

District 7 Officer Joe Haywood, assigned to Dubois County, was selected as the James D. Pitzer Indiana Conservation Officer of the Year. The award recognizes Haywood as the top officer of 2024, selected from the 10 district officer of the year recipients.

The Pitzer award is named for James Pitzer, who was killed in the line of duty in Jay County. The recipient of the award demonstrates professional ethics, attitude, and service to the public while demonstrating dedication to the conservation of natural resources and the enforcement of laws affecting the department. The officer must also provide a positive influence, develop camaraderie within the ranks, and gain the confidence and respect of fellow officers.

Lt. Col. Terry Hyndman received the Director’s Leadership Award for his work temporarily filling the role as district commander in District 7 and his liaison work with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. 

District 5 Officer Matt Landis was presented with the William J. Nattkemper Brotherhood Award. This award is named in remembrance of William J. Nattkemper who, along with William J. Peare, lost his life on April 27, 1926, on the Wabash River near Tecumseh. Officers L.B. Watson, John Pile, and A.R. Hill, who were witnesses to the incident, remained at the scene until the bodies of their fallen comrades were recovered. This award recognizes the commitment and inseparable bond of brotherhood displayed by those men that has become the hallmark of Indiana Conservation Officers.

Steve Dickover was presented with the Honorary Lt. Colonel Award recognizing his significant lifetime contributions that have shaped the integrity and professionalism of the Division of Law Enforcement through his involvement in hunter education. 

District 1 Officer Nick VanderMolen was recognized by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) as the state’s Boating Enforcement Officer of the Year for his leadership in boating education.

District 4 Officer Draven Browning was presented with the 2024 Waterfowl Protection Officer of the Year award for his enforcement of waterfowl regulations and his related performance in public education and community interaction.

District 8 Officer Zach Howerton was selected as the National Turkey Federation Wildlife Officer of the Year. Considerations for this award include an officer’s case involvement, public relations outreach, and service to the community. 

Officers Max Winchell and Nick Hartman of District 5, Ryan Blackman of District 3 and Kendrick Fuhrman of District 7 were honored with Life Saving Awards for their exceptional actions that saved lives.

Communications specialist Kaleb King received the Dispatcher of the Year Award for his work in the Indiana Conservation Officers Central Dispatch Center.

April Chappell received the 2024 Civilian Employee of the Year Award for her dedication, competence, and exceptional attention to detail in assisting the Law Enforcement Division carry out its mission and responsibilities.