COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Wildlife Officer Training Academy got underway January 9 for the 11 cadets hired from a pool of more than 650 applicants. The cadets will complete six months of training before becoming state wildlife officers

Wildlife officers have statewide jurisdiction to enforce wildlife regulations, investigate allegations of waterway pollution, protect state property, and make arrests. They conduct educational programs, perform fish and wildlife management duties, and advise landowners on dealing with wildlife. Wildlife officers also serve an important role as a point of contact with law enforcement and other agencies on topics of mutual interest, providing assistance and expertise.

Following completion of the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training course May 4, the cadets will have eight weeks of specialized training by ODNR, Division of Wildlife. In addition to wildlife law enforcement procedures and agency policies, the cadets will receive training in areas of wildlife and fish management, communications, ATV and watercraft operation, hunter safety, and advanced firearms and self defense topics.

The 2012 wildlife officer cadets are:

Jeffrey Berry, 43, Zanesville
Aaron Brown, 30, Wellington
Joshua Elster, 29, Williamsport
Jesse Janosik, 21, Warren
Augustus Kiebel, 22, Alexandria
Justus Nethero, 21, Dublin
Craig Porter II, 22, Cadiz
Markus Schemmel II, 21, Saint Mary's
Ryan Schock, 24, Beavercreek
Vincent Untied, 22, Granville
Eric Vonalmen, 26, Columbus Grove

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.