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Apr
19
Written by:
news editor
4/19/2010 1:00 AM
04/16/10 Park Officer Russ Knepper has been named Ohio State Parks Law Enforcement Supervisor of the Year for 2009.
Ohio State Parks Regional Law Enforcement Supervisor Recognized
COLUMBUS, OH – Park Officer Russ Knepper, who oversees law enforcement operations in the Cowan Lake State Park region, has been named Ohio State Parks Law Enforcement Supervisor of the Year for 2009, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
Officer Knepper has served as the law enforcement supervisor for the Cowan Lake region for the past four years, and served as a park officer in the region for more than 25 years before being promoted to the supervisory position. Throughout his career, Knepper has served Ohio State Parks as a statewide firearms instructor. Knepper currently resides in Waynesville.
This is the first time Ohio State Parks has awarded this statewide award, which recognizes outstanding leadership and support of law enforcement staff in the region, as well as service to the division’s law enforcement program.
“Officer Knepper’s commitment to his profession, his staff and our state park visitors is second to none,” said Ohio State Parks Acting Chief John Hunter. “He maintains excellent relations with local law enforcement agencies, and he makes sure that officers receive the training they need to get the job done.”
Last year, park officers in the region, which includes Cowan Lake, Caesar Creek and Little Miami state parks, issued 146 citations and conducted 47 investigations. Under Knepper’s leadership, park officers conducted successful plain clothes operations to prevent thefts from docked boats and curtail criminal sexual activity. The Cowan Lake region hosted more than 4.5 million visitor occasions last year.
In addition to the law enforcement award, Knepper also received a lifesaving award recently for resuscitating a toddler who nearly drowned last summer. “Knepper’s quick action and skill in doing just the right thing to get the child breathing again was crucial in saving the two-year-old’s life,” Hunter remarked. “He prevented a tragedy, and we join the child’s family in extending our appreciation.”
Ohio’s 74 state parks encompass nine resort lodges, six golf courses, more than 500 cottages and 56 family campgrounds with more than 9,000 campsites.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
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For more information, contact:
Jean Backs, Ohio State Parks
614. 265. 7077
Heidi Hetzel-Evans, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860
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