March 15, 2024: Conservation Officer Appreciation Day

WHEREAS, the State of Michigan considers the protection of its citizens, environment, and cultural and natural resources to be among its highest priorities; and,

WHEREAS, our state is fortunate to have the leadership and protection of conservation officers in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division in these noble pursuits; and,

WHEREAS, the DNR Law Enforcement Division was created in 1887, making it Michigan’s oldest statewide law enforcement agency; and,

WHEREAS, conservation officers continuously adapt to successfully meet emerging challenges, accept new missions, and deliver premier customer service; and,

WHEREAS, conservation officers are motivated, highly trained, and fully commissioned law enforcement officers, working every day to protect our cultural and natural resources, ensure recreational safety, and protect residents by providing general law enforcement duties and lifesaving operations in the communities they serve; and,

WHEREAS, the men and women who serve as conservation officers can be found in every county of our state, serving with bravery, honor, and distinction in locations ranging from urban communities to the deep woods and the Great Lakes; and, 

WHEREAS, this day marks the opportunity to show our state’s appreciation for those who currently and previously served as conservation officers, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 15, 2024, as Conservation Officer Appreciation Day in Michigan.