For Release: Friday, May 14, 2004
ECO Larry Johnson Named Conservation Officer of the Year
Peers Select 24-Year Veteran To Receive Shikar-Safari Annual Award
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty today announced that Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Larry Johnson of Fulton County has been named the 2003 New York State's Wildlife Conservation Officer of the Year by the Shikar-Safari Club International.
"DEC's Environmental Conservation Officers continue to carry out the important duties of protecting New York's citizens and natural resources. Their tireless efforts in safeguarding our environment help us carry out our mission and make New York's environment and citizens better protected," Commissioner Crotty said. "I extend my congratulations, and congratulations from the entire Department to Larry Johnson on this prestigious award. I want to thank him for his years of distinguished public service. This is a well-deserved honor."
The award will be presented to ECO Johnson tonight at a ceremony hosted by Shikar Safari member Robert Stackler at his home on Brant Lake in Warren County. ECO Johnson was selected by a statewide committee of New York State Environmental Conservation Police Officers and Investigators to receive this recognition.
Shikar-Safari International Club is an organization that was formed in 1952 by an international group of hunters to promote the ethical and conservation minded hunting of big game animals, primarily in Asia and Africa. The group makes annual awards to an officer of the year in all 50 states. It has awarded DEC staff the wildlife officer of the year award since the 1960s.
"This award is a tremendous honor and I'm flattered to receive this recognition. What makes it most meaningful is that it comes from my peers," ECO Johnson said. "Serving the citizens of New York State and the experiences gained while protecting our natural resources has been rewarding both professionally and personally."
Johnson is a 24-year veteran of the Division of Law Enforcement, serving his entire career in DEC's Region 5. In addition to patrolling Fulton County, ECO Johnson is a Division of Law Enforcement K-9 handler. During his 24 years, Johnson has gained the respect of his peers, program personnel, members of other agencies and the public.
His dedication and professionalism is reflected in the quality of his duties as a K-9 handler. In 1984, ECO Johnson graduated from the New York State Policy Academy as a certified handler. DEC's K-9 program was the first in the nation for fish and wildlife law enforcement. Many states were interested in the program and the possibility of starting their own. ECO Johnson served as a liaison, traveling to Vermont, Massachusetts, and Quebec, giving demonstrations and lectures on the training and workings of the Division K-9 Program. Because of these efforts, ECO Johnson and his K-9s have given demonstrations and lectures to thousands and have been featured in Deer & Deer Hunting Magazine, BuckMasters Magazine, Whitetails Unlimited Magazine, as well as in books written about hunting in the Adirondacks.
ECO Johnson and his K-9s have handled many cases, from routine venison detection, firearm detection and tracking, to tracking and locating a burglar, searches for missing persons, lost hunters, and lost hikers. Since 1989 ECO Johnson has also equipped every K-9 vehicle with all the specialized equipment needed and required. In 1992, the Division of Law Enforcement held the first ever K-9 Academy, with ECO Johnson as administrator and administrative counselor for the K-9 Academy.
Larry and his wife, Mary, reside in the Town of Caroga Lake. Larry has two grown sons who have pursued careers in law enforcement. His oldest son, Jason, is a Deputy Sheriff for Kennebec County, Maine, and his youngest son, Eric, is a Police Officer for New York City Department of Environmental Protection Police.
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