Officer Dustin Whitehead

INDIANA — Indiana conservation officers held their annual awards program May 19 in the South Atrium of the state capitol building.

Officer Dustin Whitehead, Elkhart County, was named the 2015 James D. Pitzer Indiana Conservation Officer of the Year.

Whitehead received this honor after his nomination was read aloud by DNR Law Enforcement Director Danny L. East. The nomination was prepared by Officer Whitehead’s peers and highlighted his high profile arrests, mental attitude, physical fitness, high energy toward public appearances, professional demeanor and outstanding public service.

The officer of the year award is named in memory of fallen Indiana Conservation Officer James D. Pitzer, who was shot and killed Jan. 2, 1961. Pitzer’s son, daughter and great-grandson presented Whitehead with the award on stage.

Corporal Dale Clark and Corporal Pete Slaven, district five, were named the Director’s Leadership Award recipients. East acknowledged that both corporals displayed characteristics of integrity, knowledge, courage, decisiveness, dependability, initiative, tact, justice, enthusiasm, endurance, loyalty and judgement.

Corporal Eric Doane, district seven, was named the William J. Nattkemper 1926 Brotherhood Award recipient.  This award is in memory of fallen Indiana Conservation Officer William J. Nattkemper, who died in the line of duty April 27, 1926. Doane was recognized in the nomination for extraordinary commitment, encouragement, accountability and patience to fellow officers.

Sandra Abel, central dispatch, was named the 2015 Civilian Employee of the Year. Abel’s nomination highlighted her commitment, dedication and loyalty to serve the citizens of Indiana.

Two men from Terre Haute were awarded Citizen’s Meritorious Service awards for their selfless and courageous response to a crisis on Turtle Creek Reservoir that rescued three people who had capsized their boat during extreme winds.

Officer Jon Watkins was named the 2015 Boating Enforcement Officer of the Year. Watkins was highlighted for his enforcement efforts, boater safety courses, service to the public and commitment to excellence. Watkins will attend the 2016 National Association of State Boating Law Administrators conference in Seattle, Wash., where he will be recognized for his sate award and in the running for the national award.

Officer Gordon Wood, district seven, received the 2015 Indiana Bowhunters Phil Ohmit Award. Wood was recognized for his professionalism, dedication and commitment throughout his many years of service as an Indiana Conservation Officer.