Lt. Jane Gordon, a 23-year veteran of the Department of Natural Resources' Law Enforcement Division, received the Conservation Officer of the Year Award at the regular June meeting of the Natural Resources Commission Thursday in Lansing. The award was presented by the Safari Club International's Michigan chapter.

"Jane Gordon is not only committed to her law enforcement duties for the DNR, but she is committed as well to introducing people to outdoor recreation," said DNR Director Rebecca Humphries. "Lt. Gordon has especially devoted herself to our successful Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program, frequently teaching classes in snowmobiling, shooting and outdoor survival as a volunteer. She has taught at more than 20 sessions of the BOW program."

Gordon started her career with the DNR in 1985 as a conservation officer in Delta and Marquette counties. She worked in those counties for 12 years, working her way up to area law supervisor for the DNR for Delta and Marquette counties. She currently serves as the district law supervisor for District 8, which is the south central portion of the Lower Peninsula, at the DNR's Rose Lake Research Station outside of Lansing.

In her capacity with the DNR, Gordon also has taken on several additional responsibilities, including recruit school commander and supervisor of 14 probationary conservation officers and has served as the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards Academy director. Gordon also volunteers her time with her church's summer camp where she introduces children to outdoor activities, such as camping, outdoor survival and wildlife observing.

In its recommendation, Safari Club International noted that Gordon is an outstanding educator and that she takes the time to volunteer with programs that help introduce people to outdoor recreation activities.