WILDLIFE OFFICER HONORED AS OFFICER OF THE YEAR

AKRON, OH – Division of Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer Wade Dunlap, who oversees Ashtabula County, was honored as the 2007 Turn in a Poacher (TIP) “Officer of the Year.”

“While the demands of the largest county in the state are great, Wildlife Officer Dunlap effectively manages all of his county responsibilities, while excelling in the field of law enforcement.  He has successfully utilized the TIP program to assist him in locating those individuals who show little respect for our wildlife resources,” said Jeff Herrick, district manager for the Division of Wildlife in northeast Ohio.  “He has arrested several poachers who committed serious deer violations such as killing deer out of season and other illegal methods of take. Wildlife Officer Dunlap has developed a positive working relationship with the law enforcement agencies and court system in his county. He serves the citizens of Ashtabula County well by providing solutions for their wildlife-related needs and inquiries,” Herrick noted.

Officer Dunlap began his career with the Division of Wildlife in 2003 when he was accepted into the Wildlife Officer Cadet Academy. In 2004, Officer Dunlap accepted the position as the Ashtabula County Wildlife Officer.

Ohio’s Turn In a Poacher, or ”TIP” program curtails poaching throughout the state. TIP is designed to involve the public in anonymously reporting wildlife violations. Citizens who observe wildlife violations are encouraged to call the TIP hotline at 1-800-POACHER. See TIP form