NWTF honors Darin Abbott as Wildlife Officer of the Year
ATHENS – The Ohio Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) recently honored Wildlife Officer Darin Abbott with the State Officer of the Year Award. Officer Abbott has been serving Ohioans as a wildlife officer since 2003 and is currently assigned to Lawrence County, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
A large part of the nomination is based on Officer Abbott’s close working relationship with NWTF and with other, local conservation clubs. Abbott was recently voted to be on the NWTF South Hills Longbeards Chapter’s Scholarship Committee, and assists them with teaching Hunter Education. He guides kids during the chapter’s JAKES turkey hunt and JAKES fishing event each year, and in addition he guides for both the Wheelin’ Sportsmen Fishing event and the Wheelin’ Sportsmen fall deer hunt. Officer Abbott is also dedicated to protecting Ohio’s fish and wildlife, demonstrated by his participation in numerous enforcement projects this year.
The NWTF initiated the State Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award in 2000 to highlight the contributions from wildlife officers across the country. This award recognizes that without the support for wild turkey conservation from wildlife officers, restoration efforts and wildlife management strategies would not have the success they do today.
By earning the State Wildlife Officer of the Year award, Wildlife Officer Abbott and other state winners are eligible for the NWTF’s National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award, which will be presented at the NWTF’s national convention.
Officer Abbott has been a wildlife officer with the ODNR Division of Wildlife for 14 years, and was previously assigned to Crawford County and Scioto County. He started his career with ODNR as a State Park Officer at Wolf Run State Park and Deer Creek State Park in 2001 and 2002.
ODNR ensures a balance between the wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
Category: Clubs & Organizations
