Maryland Natural Resources Police Honor Maryland Citizens And Officers

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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 on April 7, 2009, for life saving actions and their dedication to mission of the Natural Resources Police.

Those in attendance at the event were: Deputy Secretary Eric Schwaab, NRP Superintendent Col. George F. Johnson IV and NRP Deputy Superintendent LTC. Alphonso W. Hawkins. Also attending was Maryland Park Service Deputy Superintendent LTC. Chris Bushman. NRP Capt. Robert Davis was the emcee for the evening and NRP Lt. Joe Offer gave the invocation and benediction.

The following individuals were awarded Certificates of Appreciation for the designated actions:

Charles Shaffer – recognition for his heroism and life saving actions while responding to a vessel fire in the Chesapeake Bay, near Hart Miller Island. Mr. Shaffer, while in fishing in his own boat, responded to the area and located a person who had been in the water for 45 minutes without a life jacket.

Dino Martinez and Matthew John Dumps, both from Edgemere, Md– recognition for prompt and resourceful life saving actions in locating a swimmer that became lost in the Chesapeake Bay after being separated from his vessel.

Crew of the Vessel Beagle, from Annapolis Maryland – recognition for prompt and resourceful life saving actions during a race on the Magothy River. The crew of the Beagle responded to the area and administered CPR to the victim during a sudden and severe storm.

Crew of Fireboat #35, Anne Arundel Fire Company – recognition of their expertise and diligence in locating a victim that was lost in a storm in the Chesapeake Bay. The victim became separated from the vessel and was lost in the bay for an hour and twenty minutes without a life jacket.

Daniel S. Reumont, LaPlata, Md - In acknowledgment of his assistance in enforcing Maryland’s fisheries laws and regulations and his commitment to the protection of Maryland’s natural resources. Mr. Reumont assisted with the apprehension of two individuals that were illegally fishing and possessing trout on a catch and release section of Big Hunting Creek,

Art Cox, Marian Miller, Lisa Delfino - In recognition of the assistance and kindness provided to the Maryland Natural Resources Police during search and recovery operations. During the two-day operation, the above individuals provided equipment, resources and help that proved to be invaluable.

Rita Beal - In recognition of her dedication and the assistance to the Maryland Natural Resources Police canine unit. Ms. Beal decided to turn the old vests into specialized vests for law enforcement canine units. The cost of transforming one of these vests is less than $30 and provides an invaluable piece of equipment to a canine law enforcement officer.

Greg Schenck, from Deal Island, Md - In recognition of his cooperation and assistance to the Maryland Natural Resources Police and his dedication to conservation law enforcement efforts in Maryland. On many occasions he has worked with Natural Resources Police officers to support conservation law enforcement and augment enforcement operations. The Maryland Natural Resources Police proudly presented a Certificate of Appreciation.

Southern Region Reserve Officer Program - the Cops and Kids Outdoor Youth Event provided underprivileged and inner city youth the opportunity to experience outdoor activities found throughout the state. The Maryland Natural Resources Police proudly presented a Certificate of Appreciation.

Tina White, Clear Spring, Md - Police Communications Operator - In recognition of her invaluable assistance to the Maryland Natural Resources Police as the Western Region Police Communications Operator. The Maryland Natural Resources Police proudly presented a Certificate of Appreciation.

Barbara C. Stelzer-Herfel, Stevensville, Md - In recognition of her technical expertise and dedication to the operations of the Maryland Natural Resources Police Training Academy. The Maryland Natural Resources Police proudly presented a Certificate of Appreciation.

Corporal Barry Ball, Milford Del. - In recognition of his efforts in coordinating and managing the Bay Hundred HOTSPOTS/C-SAFE Initiative programs in Talbot County. In 1999, Corporal Barry Ball volunteered to assume the responsibility of coordinating the Bay Hundred HOTSPOTS Program as a component of the Governor’s Office on Crime Control and Prevention. The Maryland Natural Resources Police proudly presents this Superintendent’s Commendation.

Sergeant Brian J. Noon, Sparrows Point, Md - In acknowledgment of his management of the Tawes Communications Center and his efforts to improve communications operations. The Maryland Natural Resources Police proudly presents this Superintendent’s Commendation.

Lieutenant Gregory L. Bartles, Boonsboro, Md - In recognition of his time and effort in organizing the 2008 Maryland Natural Resources Police Fallen Officer Memorial Ceremony and serving as agency historian. The Maryland Natural Resources Police proudly presents this Superintendent’s Commendation.

Officer First Class Cynthia Kondo, Severn, Md – In recognition of her expertise, courage and professionalism during a life threatening boating emergency. While responding to a vessel in distress in extremely hazardous weather, Officer First Class Kondo was instructed to return to port until the storm passed by her supervisor. On her return to port, she observed a flare lit by the vessel and returned to the area. Despite extreme weather and sea conditions, she was able to maneuver her vessel alongside the vessel in distress and rescue five passengers from the vessel. The Maryland Natural Resources Police proudly presents her with A Superintendent’s Certificate of Merit.

The following individuals received awards for outstanding performance and dedication to in the following areas:

Douglas S. Iman, Baltimore, Md - 2008 Superintendents Special Achievement Commendation In recognition of his initiative, technical expertise, professionalism, and dedication to the mission and operations of the Maryland Natural Resources Police.

Corporal Michael Friend, Friendsville, Md – 2008 National Wild Turkey Federation Officer of the Year. In recognition of his efforts to enforcing the Wild turkey laws and regulations that assist in the management of the wild turkey species.

Corporal Jeffery Sweitzer, Swanton, Md – 2008 Boating Safety Officer of the Year – In recognition for his efforts in enforcing and promoting boating safety laws and regulations.

Officer First-Class Michael Dyson, St. Inigoes, Md – 2008 Conservation Officer of the Year – 2008 Conservation Officer of the Year Award for his efforts toward preserving and protecting Maryland wildlife.

Officer First Class David Leithren, Northeast, Md – 2008 Maryland Natural Resources Officer of the Year - for his efforts toward meeting the missions of both the Department and the NRP in an exemplary fashion. Corporal Leithren also was the recipient of the 2008 Shikar-Safari Club International Wildlife Officer of the Year Award.

The following Officers received Maryland Park Service Superintendent’s Commendations for their outstanding work with the Maryland’s Civic Justice Corp Program.
Captain William Schuler, Westminster, Md
Corporal Cameron Brown, Glen Burnie, Md
Corporal James Johnson, Jr., Odenton, Md
Corporal Walter May, Westernport, Md

The following Natural Resources Police Personnel received promotions to the designated rank and area of responsibility:

Major Wayne Jones, Millersville, Md– Field Operations Bureau Commander Region 1
Major Charles Santerre, Port Republic, Md– Field Operations Bureau Commander Region 2
Captain David Larsen, St. Leonard, Md – Commander of Special Operation Division
Captain Quincy Shockley, Crofton, Md – Commander of Records and Communication Division
Lieutenant Gerald Kirkwood, Monkton, Md – Area Commander for Area 2
Sergeant Christopher Sherman, Upper Marlboro, Md– Supervisor Criminal Investigations.

For information on particular individuals or awards, please contact Sgt. Windemuth at 410-713-8449.

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April 9, 2009

Contact: Sgt. Art Windemuth 410-260-8003 office awindemuth@dnr.state.md.us

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