Indiana Conservation Officers ar asking for help in locating mobility track chairs stolen during recent break-ins at Fort Harrison State Park. There is a $5,500 reward offered for information leading to the recovery of missing items.

The break-ins occurred between 9 p.m. on April 30 and 6 a.m. on May 1. Six Department of Natural Resources (DNR) buildings were forcibly entered and vandalized.

Several items were stolen, including two AXIS Model 30 track chairs, which are black and orange with large tracks for wheels. Track chairs are all-terrain, electric-powered wheelchairs used to help people with limited mobility safely explore rugged, off-road environments. The chairs were recently purchased to expand access to the outdoors at all Indiana State Parks. Additionally, two Vietnam War-era helmets were also stolen.

Tips can be directed 812-837-9536 or emailed to ICODispatch@dnr.IN.gov.

Indiana Conservation Officers hold 

memorial and awards ceremony

On May 8, the Department of Natural Resources Division of Law Enforcement held a ceremony at to remember fallen conservation officers and recognize officers currently serving.

The ceremony started with a time of remembrance for fallen officers. 

Following the memorial ceremony, the division recognized current individual officers for their outstanding service.

District 10 Officer Tyler Brock, assigned to Porter County, was selected as the James D. Pitzer Indiana Conservation Officer of the Year. The award recognizes Brock as the top conservation officer of 2025, selected from the 10 district officer of the year recipients.

The Pitzer award is named for James Pitzer, who was killed in the line of duty in Jay County. The recipient of the award demonstrates professional ethics, attitude and service to the public while demonstrating dedication to the conservation of natural resources and the enforcement of laws affecting the department. The officer must also provide a positive influence, develop camaraderie within the ranks, and gain the confidence and respect of fellow officers.

Lt. Brent Bohbrink received the Director’s Leadership Award for his work overseeing the DNR Division of Law Enforcement’s statewide 24-hour dispatch center and the Turn In a Poacher (TIP) program.

District 9 Officer Steve Kinne was presented with the William J. Nattkemper Brotherhood Award. The award is named in remembrance of William J. Nattkemper who, along with William J. Peare, lost his life on April 27, 1926, on the Wabash River near Tecumseh. Officers L.B. Watson, John Pile and A.R. Hill, who were witnesses to the incident, remained at the scene until the bodies of their fallen comrades were recovered. The award recognizes the commitment and inseparable bond of brotherhood displayed by those men which has become the hallmark of Indiana Conservation Officers.

Retired Officer Jeff Wells was presented with the Honorary Lt. Colonel Award, recognizing his significant lifetime contributions shaping the integrity and professionalism of the Division of Law Enforcement through his continued support and advocacy for the DNR.

District 2 Officer Erick Bolt was recognized by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) as the state’s Boating Enforcement Officer of the Year for his leadership in boating education.

District 8 Officer Zach Howerton was presented with the 2025 Waterfowl Protection Officer of the Year award for his enforcement of waterfowl regulations and his related performance in public education and community interaction.

District 9 Officer Josh Thomas was selected as the National Turkey Federation Wildlife Officer of the Year. Considerations for the award include an officer’s case involvement, public relations outreach, and service to the community.

District 8 Officer Rob Klakamp was selected as the International Wildlife Crimestoppers Game Warden of the Year for his demonstration of outstanding conservation law enforcement, excellence in response to TIP information, heroic service, and meaningful engagement with youth and outdoor communities.

Officers Matt Landis, of District 5, and Kendrick Fuhrman and Kenny Tincher II, of District 7, were honored with Life Saving Awards for their exceptional actions saving lives.

Communications specialist Stephanie Hovious received the Dispatcher of the Year Award for her work in the Indiana Conservation Officers Central Dispatch Center.

William Haus received the 2025 Civilian Employee of the Year Award for his dedication, competence, and exceptional attention to detail in assisting the division to carry out its mission and responsibilities.

‘till next time, 

Jack

Readers can contact the author by writing to this publication or e-mail Jack at jackspaulding1971@outlook.com. Spaulding’s books, “The Best Of Spaulding Outdoors” and “The Coon Hunter And The Kid,” are available from Amazon.com as a paperback or Kindle download.