Maryland Natural Resources Police Honor Their Own and Others

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ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP), the law enforcement arm of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), honored both officers and private citizens from around the state with certificates of merit and appreciation last night. The ceremony also honored those officers who were promoted.

DNR Secretary John R. Griffin attended the ceremony along with Deputy Secretary Eric Schwaab, NRP Superintendent Col. George F. Johnson and Maryland Park Service Acting Superintendent Col. Rusty Ruszin. NRP Capt. Robert Davis was the emcee for the evening and NRP Lt. Joe Offer gave the invocation and benediction.

“The Maryland Natural Resources Police is truly an exceptional organization with exceptional people, and this ceremony illustrates that position.” Superintendent Johnson said. “I am honored to be here this evening to recognize your outstanding service to the state and its citizens. To those of you who are being honored this evening, congratulations. I salute you and wish you the very best for continued success and professional satisfaction.”

Corporal Leonard Scuikas (ret.) of Waldorf received the Boating Safety Officer of the Year Award for his efforts towards creating and maintaining a safe boating environment on Maryland waters.

Corporal David Bailey of Leonardtown received the Conservation Officer of the Year Award for his efforts toward preserving and protecting Maryland wildlife.

Officer First Class Norris H. Shannon of Laurel received the Officer of the Year Award for his efforts toward meeting the missions of both the Department and the NRP in an exemplary fashion. Officer Shannon also was the recipient of the Shikar-Safari Club International Wildlife Officer of the Year Award.

Officers who received promotions are listed below. Each officer’s hometown is listed in parentheses.

Sergeant Shawn A. Garren (Lusby)
Sergeant John C. Massey (Salisbury)
Corporal Mary Ann Cantwell (Preston)
Corporal Robert D. Ford (Denton)
Corporal Raymond A Griggs (Waldorf)
Corporal Timothy W. Grove (White Hall)
Corporal Jerry D. Henshaw (Elkton)
Corporal John K. Josenhans (Mardela Springs)
Corporal Kevin M. Kuhn (Abingdon)
Corporal Robert P. Mayles (Swanton)
Corporal Darryl L. Riley (Hollywood)
Corporal Brenda J. Rohrback (Big Pool)
Corporal Melissa M. Scarborough (Pasadena)
Corporal Scott C. Simmons (Berlin)
Corporal Steven P. Stauffer (Elkton)
Corporal Jeffery W. Sweitzer (Swanton)
Corporal Darlene C. Tustin (Lusby)
Corporal Mark Alan Wright (Preston)
Corporal Daniel W. Yankie (Montgomery Village)

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May 18, 2007

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 446,000 acres of public lands and 18,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov