Rhodes Named Shikar-Safari's Idaho Conservation Officer of the Year

OROFINO - Senior Conservation Officer Mark Rhodes of Orofino was recently presented with the prestigious Shikar-Safari Wildlife Officer of the Year award for Idaho. Rhodes was presented with a certificate, pewter plate and pin at the Idaho Fish and Game Commission meeting recently held in Orofino. Shikar-Safari award winners are selected based on their professional relationship with hunters, anglers and landowners in their patrol area, their dedication to the wildlife resources, law enforcement profession and their participation in activities outside of daily enforcement work. "Mark has a commitment to excellence that precedes everything he does," said his supervisor, District Conservation Officer Mark Hill. "Mark is the quintessential Conservation Officer. His contributions to the Department and the public he serves are immeasurable." Rhodes, based in Orofino since 2000, was recognized for his outstanding performance related to enforcement, commitment to Department public information and education programs and contributions to the Clearwater Region's wildlife and fisheries programs. While his patrol area contains some of Idaho's most diverse and popular hunting and fishing resources, Hill notes that Rhodes has taken command of the area's needs and challenges. "Mark's enforcement work is exceptional," said Hill. "His well rounded abilities, work ethic and his initiative to go the extra mile make him an exemplary officer." Rhodes is also a Police Officer Standard Training (POST) certified trainer and a Field Training Officer, where he takes extra time and effort to thoroughly review, document, and share his knowledge and wisdom to new recruits and veteran officers alike. He writes a bi-monthly newspaper column for Orofino's Clearwater Tribune entitled "On the Game Trail" and has developed strong relationships with area hunter education instructors. His thorough knowledge of his patrol area, relations with the public and his carefully thought out recommendations and contributions to fish and wildlife management are a very welcome asset in the Clearwater Region. Rhodes graduated from the Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife biology. He began his career with the Department in 1996 and has been stationed in Salmon and Orofino. Rhodes is the son of Kent and Kathy Rhodes of Salmon.