COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Watercraft is training their 14 new cadets this week as they start the work to become full-fledged Natural Resource Officers.

What You Need To Know

  • The 14 ODNR cadets have started their training

  • They were selected from a pool of 594 applicants

  • They will be assigned to a state park when they graduate in January of next year

“Natural Resources Officers are crucial to enhancing our guests’ experiences,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said in a press release. “We are excited to welcome these cadets, who will receive comprehensive training to ensure they are well-prepared. Their role in maintaining safety and providing excellent customer service is essential to our mission.”

ODNR Cadets
(Courtesy ODNR)

The cadets, who were selected from a pool of 594 applicants, are as follows:

  • David Asterino of Dayton, Ohio
  • Dawson Bennett of Columbiana, Ohio
  • Levi Bollen of New Brighton, Pennsylvania
  • Dakota Braun of Athens, Ohio
  • Adrianne Cox of Nelsonville, Ohio
  • William Daneker of Kent, Ohio
  • Abigail Day of Sardinia, Ohio
  • Eric Gaskell of Uniontown, Ohio
  • Skyler Hayes of Little Hocking, Ohio
  • Andrew Horan of Fairport, New York
  • Avery Langenderfer of Bucyrus, Ohio
  • Kenton Nester of Rockbridge, Ohio
  • Kyle Polack of Valley View, Ohio
  • Matthew Polcyn of Strongsville, Ohio

They will take part in a “rigorous five-month training program at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Peace Officer Basic Training Academy.” After that they will be going through field training.

When they graduate in January of next year, they’ll be assigned to a state park.

“Natural Resources Officers play a crucial role in patrolling Ohio’s state parks, forests, preserves, and waterways,’’ the release reads. “Their responsibilities encompass law enforcement, public service, education, and public relations.”

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