Conservation Officer Honored

By Vicky Runnoe, Salmon Region Conservation Educator Senior conservation officer Rick Carlson of Salmon was recently honored with a Torch Award by the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officer's Association. Nominated by his fellow officers, this prestigious award is given to only six wildlife law enforcement officers each year, three in Canada and three in the US. It is presented to officers who have worked for less than five years and who have demonstrated a genuine desire to protect the wildlife resource and develop professionally. In addition, they have also shown exceptional ability and initiative in the performance of their duties. Becoming a conservation officer has been a lifelong dream for Rick. Following service in the United States Marine Corps, Rick served as an officer with the Salmon Police Department before joining the Idaho Department of Fish and Game in July 2001. Rick's love of wildlife and the outdoors, knowledge of the local area, and enthusiasm combined to make him a valuable asset to the regional staff. Rick's upbeat friendly attitude has helped him foster positive relationships with local hunters, anglers and landowners. They view Rick as someone they can rely upon for assistance, information or just a friendly chat. Rick's positive attitude also includes his fellow co-workers. He routinely volunteers to help out with additional duties such as greater sage grouse counts, winter big game counts, and talking with hunter education classes. In addition, Rick also takes time to spend with his wife, Lori, and their new baby daughter, Mikel Ann. The Salmon Region of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is proud to call Rick one of their own.