Indiana Conservation Officers held their annual awards program on May 19th in the South Atrium of the State Capital Building. Officer Dustin Whitehead (Elkhart County) was named as the 2015 James D. Pitzer Indiana Conservation Officer of the Year.
Officer Whitehead received this honor after his nomination was read aloud by DNR Law Enforcement Director Danny L. East. The nomination was prepared by Officer Whitehead’s peers and highlighted his high profile arrests, mental attitude, physical fitness, high energy toward public appearances, professional demeanor and outstanding public service.
The Officer of the Year award is named in memory of fallen Indiana Conservation Officer, James D. Pitzer, who was shot and killed on January 2, 1961. Officer Pitzer’s son, daughter and great grandson (Pennsylvania) presented Officer Whitehead with the award on stage.
Corporal Dale Clark and Corporal Pete Slaven (District 5) were named as the Director’s Leadership Award recipients. Director East acknowledged that both Corporals displayed characteristics of integrity, knowledge, courage, decisiveness, dependability, initiative, tact, justice, enthusiasm, endurance, loyalty and judgement.
Corporal Eric Doane (District 7) was named as the William J. Nattkemper 1926 Brotherhood Award recipient. This award is in memory of fallen Indiana Conservation Officer William J. Nattkemper who died in the line of duty on April 27, 1926. Corporal Doane was recognized in the nomination for extraordinary commitment, encouragement, accountability and patience to fellow officers.
Sandra Abel (Central Dispatch) was named as the 2015 Civilian Employee of the Year. Sandra’s nomination highlighted her commitment, dedication and loyalty to serve the citizens of Indiana.
Two men from Terre Haute were awarded Citizen’s Meritorious Service Awards for their selfless and courageous response to a crisis on Turtle Creek Reservoir that rescued three people who had capsized their boat during extreme winds.
Officer Jon Watkins was named as the 2015 Boating Enforcement Officer of the Year.   Officer Watkins was highlighted for his enforcement efforts, boater safety courses, service to the public and commitment to excellence. Watkins will be attending the 2016 National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) conference in Seattle, Washington where he will be recognized for his sate award and in the running for the National award.
Officer Gordon Wood (District 7) received the 2015 Indiana Bowhunters Phil Ohmit Award. Officer Wood was recognized for his professionalism, dedication and commitment throughout his many years of service as an Indiana Conservation Officer.
