Environment DEC
From the October 2006 issue
Schuyler County ECO Named Officer of the Year
DEC Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan announced recently that Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Michael J. Brazauskas has been named the 2005 Wildlife Officer of the Year by the Shikar-Safari Club International.
From the left, Lt. Dale Balmer; Major Charles Johncox; Division of Law Enforcement Director, Robert Lucas; Major Walt Heinrich; ECO Michael Brazauskas; Michael's daughter, Sarah Brazauskas; Robert Stackler; Director of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources, Gerry Barnhart; Colonel Peter Fanelli; Lt. Colonel Steven Gerould and Colonel Les Wilson
About the Award
In 1966, the Shikar-Safari International Foundation was formed to support various wildlife conservation projects with funds raised by club members. Acknowledging the important part ECOs play in local, national, and international wildlife conservation, this worldwide club recognizes one ECO each year.
ECO Brazauskus, a 23-year veteran of the DEC's Division of Law Enforcement (DLE), was praised by Commissioner Sheehan for his long career of outstanding service. "ECO Brazauskas is an excellent choice for this award," the Commissioner said. "He has continued to enthusiastically pursue his duties as his responsibilities have expanded and changed throughout his career."
About ECO Brazauskas
After graduating from the University of Massachusetts with a BS in Wildlife Biology, Mike began his career in conservation law enforcement as a Deputy Natural Resources Officer with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. He joined DEC as an ECO in April 1982. After completing the DEC Training Academy, ECO Brazauskas was first assigned to New York's Great South Bay area in Region 1 on Long Island, transferring to Region 8, Wayne County in 1984. In 1986, he transferred within Region 8 to Schuyler County, where he works today.
Throughout his career, Mike has been known as dedicated, professional and hard working, gaining the respect of his peers, the public, and often even those who he arrests. He has a reputation for never taking the easy way out or being satisfied with superficial appearances when he investigates a case. His tenacious nature, contacts with the public and other police agencies, and intimate knowledge of his patrol sector enable him to solve and make arrests for serious crimes committed against New York's natural resources.
A Champion of K-9 Teams
ECO Brazauskas with K-9 Jazz
In 1992, Mike was selected as a Division of Law Enforcement K-9 handler. First assigned K-9 Joe, then K-9 Jazz, he is now working with his third dog, K-9 Lasar. ECO Brazauskas and Jazz have gained a reputation among fellow ECOs and other police agencies as a dependable and welcome team for dealing with a variety of law enforcement tasks. Mike's wealth of experience and dedication to the K-9 program resulted in him becoming an instructor in K-9 handling. ECO Brazauskus and his K-9 partners have been invaluable in spreading the word about the important tasks that face the Division of Law Enforcement in protecting our state's natural resources. Over the nearly 14 years that Mike has been part of a K-9 team, thousands of citizens have witnessed demonstrations by the team.
Commissioner Sheehan added, "In this, the 125th year anniversary of New York State's oldest statewide law enforcement agency, I cannot think of another officer more deserving of this award. The Division of Law Enforcement is our first line of contact with the public, and DEC's first line of defense in dealing with the environmental issues that face us. Dedicated officers of the caliber of ECO Brazauskas insure that we can continue to successfully carry out our mission and responsibilities."
ECO Michael Brazauskas lives in the Town of Hector in Schuyler County with his wife Ellen, his daughters Sarah and Laura, and K-9 Lasar.
