Ten New State Wildlife Officers
Ready to Serve Ohioans

COLUMBUS, OH – Ten new state wildlife officers from the 29th Wildlife Officer Pre-Service Training Academy were sworn in at a ceremony in Columbus Friday, March 15, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Graduation requirements included completing seven months of training in a multitude of law enforcement and conservation topics. Ohio’s newest wildlife officers were hired from a pool of almost 600 applicants from more than 12 states.

Wildlife officers have statewide authority to enforce wildlife regulations and protect state lands, waterways and property. As state law enforcement officers, they contribute to public safety both in their local areas and in Ohio’s vast outdoors. Each year, Ohio’s state wildlife officers speak to hundreds of clubs and groups about conservation and wildlife programs; perform fish and wildlife surveys; and provide technical advice and instruction about hunting, fishing and other outdoor-related recreation.

The new officers will be assigned to a county and will continue training by working with experienced officers in their area of assignment during the next six months.

The new state wildlife officers, their hometowns, and assignments:

• Ethan J. Bingham, Wauseon, assigned to Seneca County
• Michele E. Butler, Sandusky, assigned to Erie County
• Nathan J. Cass, Galion, assigned to Crawford County
• Levi M. Farley, Antwerp, assigned to Paulding County
• Evan J. Huegel, Westfield Center, assigned to Stark County
• Antoinette M. Jolliff, Cardington, assigned to Hancock County
• Matthew J. Madgar, Cuyahoga Falls, assigned to Cuyahoga County
• Ryan M. Pawlus, Mantua, assigned to Lake County
• Brock P. Williamson, Bucyrus, assigned to Van Wert County
• Houston J. Wireman, Wapakoneta, assigned to Adams County

For more information about the ODNR Division of Wildlife, including how to become a state wildlife officer, visit wildohio.gov

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

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Editor’s note: A photo of the graduates of the 29th Wildlife Officer Academy is attached. Please credit the ODNR Division of Wildlife.

For more information, contact:
John Windau, ODNR Division of Wildlife
614-265-6325
Sarah Wickham, ODNR Office of Communications
614-265-6860