STATE WILDLIFE OFFICER BEGINS DUTY IN CENTRAL OHIO

COLUMBUS, OH –Hollie J. Fluharty, 21, of McConnelsville, Ohio has been assigned as a new at-large state wildlife officer in central Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Officer Fluharty is one of the 17 new wildlife officer cadets who underwent extensive training and was sworn in as a commissioned state wildlife officer during recent ceremonies in Columbus.

Following completion of the 16-week Ohio Peace Officers Training course May 1, the cadets were provided with nine weeks of additional specialized training by the Division of Wildlife.  In addition to wildlife enforcement procedures and agency policies, the cadets received training in areas such as wildlife and fish management, communications, public relations, administration, education, hunter safety, and special projects.

As a state wildlife officer, Fluharty will have statewide jurisdiction to enforce wildlife regulations, investigate allegations of waterway pollution and protect state property.  She will also conduct educational programs, advise landowners on dealing with wildlife and keep local agencies and conservation organizations updated on wildlife projects and regulations.

“It is an honor to serve the sportsmen and women of Ohio,” said Hollie Fluharty, state wildlife officer.

Fluharty is a 2005 graduate of Morgan High School in Morgan County.  In 2007, she received an Associate’s Degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Resources from Hocking College.  Before being hired as a state wildlife officer, Fluharty was enrolled at West Virginia University where she is finishing a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Resources.