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 across the state with certificates of merit and appreciation last night. This year’s award ceremony was unique in that the Officer of the Year, the Conservation Officer of the Year, and the Boating Safety Officer of the Year for both 2006, and 2007 was formally recognized at the event.

DNR Secretary John R. Griffin attended the ceremony along with Deputy Secretary Eric Schwaab, NRP Superintendent Col. George F. Johnson IV and NRP Deputy Superintendent LTC. Alphonso W. Hawkins. Also attending were Maryland Park Service (MPS) Superintendent Nita Settina, MPS Deputy Superintendent LTC. Chris Bushman and William Boyd of Shikar-Safari Club International. NRP Capt. Robert Davis was the emcee for the evening and NRP Lt. Joe Offer gave the invocation and benediction.

“Tonight we celebrate your sacrifices and your accomplishments as we recognize just a few of the many acts of bravery, sacrifice and generosity that occur everyday.” Superintendent Johnson said. “Leadership is easy in an agency with so many motivated and dedicated professionals.”

Corporal John Myszka (ret.) of Snow Hill received the 2006 Conservation Officer of the Year Award for his efforts toward preserving and protecting Maryland wildlife.

Corporal Michael Leishear of Leonardtown received the 2006 Boating Safety Officer of the Year Award for his efforts towards creating and maintaining a safe boating environment on Maryland waters.

Corporal Michael Friend of Keyser, W.Va. received the 2006 Officer of the Year Award for his efforts toward meeting the missions of both the Department and the NRP in an exemplary fashion. Corporal Friend also was the recipient of the 2006 Shikar-Safari Club International Wildlife Officer of the Year Award.

Corporal Darryl Riley of Hollywood received the 2007 Conservation Officer of the Year Award for his efforts toward preserving and protecting Maryland wildlife.

Officer First Class James Satterfield Jr. of Frostburg received the 2007 Boating Safety Officer of the Year Award for his efforts towards creating and maintaining a safe boating environment on Maryland waters.

Corporal Walter May of Westernport received the 2007 Officer of the Year Award for his efforts toward meeting the missions of both the Department and the NRP in an exemplary fashion. Corporal May also was the recipient of the 2007 Shikar-Safari Club International Wildlife Officer of the Year Award.

The following individuals received a Certificate of Merit.

Corporal James Clise of Lonaconing
Officer First Class Curt Dieterle of Rawlings
Officer First Class Timothy Kraemer of Great Mills

The following individuals received Superintendent’s Commendations.

Corporal Barry Ball of Milford, Del.
Officer First Class Mike Berry of Accident
Corporal Paul Carey of Salisbury
Officer First Class Timothy Kraemer of Great Mills
Lieutenant David Larsen of St. Leonard
Sergeant David Marple of Oakland
Corporal William Thomas of Oakland

The following individuals received a Certificate of Appreciation.

Corporal Tracy Campbell of Easton
Corrine Parks, Director of the Carrie Murray Nature Center
Marguerite Whilden, Founder and Co-Director of the Terrapin Institute

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March 5, 2008

The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) is the enforcement arm of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). With an authorized strength of 280 officers and a dedicated staff of civilian and volunteer personnel, the NRP provide a variety of services in addition to conservation and boating law enforcement duties throughout the State of Maryland. These services include homeland security, search and rescue, emergency medical services, education, information and communications services on a round the clock basis. NRP is the only police force aside from the Maryland State Police that has statewide jurisdiction.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 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 12 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