OHIO — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources recently welcomed 14 new Natural Resources Officers.

ODNR Director Mary Mertz recognized the officers during a ceremony at ODNR Headquarters after they completed their state peace officer program through the Ohio State Highway Patrol. 

“We are proud to welcome this new class of Natural Resources Officers, each of whom has demonstrated a passion for conservation, public service, and law enforcement,” said Mertz. “Their dedication will help protect Ohio’s parks, forests, nature preserves, and waterways, ensuring these cherished spaces remain safe and accessible for all who enjoy them.”

Natural Resources officers (NROs) are commissioned peace officers who protect and promote the state's outdoors. These officers provide law enforcement services across Ohio at state parks, forests and other nature preserves. NROs also teach public safety to visitors, including boating safety and natural resources conservation. 

Officers must also respond during floods, natural disasters and rescue/recovery operations.

“These officers are stepping into an important role—not just as law enforcement professionals, but as stewards of Ohio’s natural resources,” said Glen Cobb, ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft Chief. “I look forward to seeing them build relationships in their communities and make a lasting impact on the people and places they serve.”

Beyond their peace officer training, these 14 NROs completed an additional four weeks of training related to ODNR operations. They were trained in ATV use, communications, vessel operation, advanced firearms and self-defense.

Meet the new NROs and see where they come from, and which park they are being assigned to below: 

 David Asterino:

  • Dayton, Buck Creek State Park

Dawson Bennett:

  •  Columbiana, Guilford Lake State Park

Levi Bollen:

  • New Brighton, Pa., Geneva State Park

Dakota Braun:

  • Athens, Hocking Hills State Park

Adrianne Cox:

  • Nelsonville, Scioto Trail State Park

William Daneker:

  • Kent, East Harbor State Park

Abigail Day:

  • Sardinia, East Fork State Park

Eric Gaskell:

  • Uniontown, Lake Milton State Park

Skylar Hayes:

  • Little Hocking, Hocking Hills State Park

Andrew Horan:

  • Fairport, N.Y., West Branch State Park

Avery Langenderfer:

  • Bucyrus, East Harbor State Park

Kenton Nester:

  •  Rockbridge, Hocking Hills State Park

Kyle Polack:

  • Valley View, Cleveland Watercraft Office

Matthew Polcyn:

  • Strongsville, Wingfoot State Park