For Release: Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Suffolk County Environmental Conservation Officer Named "Officer of the Year" by the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association
Officer Rescues Woman in Respiratory Arrest Following Awards Ceremony
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens today announced that Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Liza Bobseine of Suffolk County has been named New York State ECO of the Year by the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association (NYSRPA).
"In a short period of time, ECO Bobseine has proven to be a vital asset to DEC's Division of Law Enforcement and is very deserving of this recognition," Commissioner Martens said. "Her dedication to the state's natural resources, outdoors and education of the public both on and off duty are to be admired."
The NYSRPA recognizes one ECO each year, acknowledging the important role ECOs play in hunter education and safe firearms usage among sportsmen, women and youth. The NYSRPA is the state's leading organization in promoting rifle marksmanship and competition which strives to recognize those who promote and personally participate in marksmanship competitions, and who encourage such participation by New York's youth. Officer Bobseine was selected by a statewide committee of New York State ECOs to receive this recognition.
ECO Bobseine originally hails from Cattaraugus County. She received a Masters Degree in Natural Resource Management and worked as a Forester for eight months prior to training as an ECO in 2007. Following her academy graduation in July 2007, Officer Bobseine was assigned to Suffolk County and currently covers sectors in East Hampton and Southampton.
ECO Bobseine is a Life Member of the National Rifle Association, a state Lifetime Sportsman License Holder, and a member of the NYSRPA. Having been introduced to shooting by her parents at an early age, she began competing in the State High Power Rifle team at the age of 18 and for the past 12 years has competed and won several awards in rifle and pistol skills at the state and national level.
ECO Bobseine has also donated much of her professional and personal time to firearm instruction and education through the Woman's Outdoor Adventure program and teaching firearms law and safety at hunter education courses. In her free time, Officer Bobseine is an avid hunter and enjoys mentoring people new to the world of shooting and hunting.
Following the ceremony on the night she received her "Officer of the Year" award in Wallkill, Ulster County, NY, ECO Bobseine was approached by a gentleman in the parking lot who was requesting help for a friend who was feeling unwell. Upon approaching the 66 year-old woman who was sitting in a car, Officer Bobseine determined that the woman was not breathing and quickly administered rescue breathing. Due to her quick response, the woman regained consciousness and was able to be transported to the hospital in stable condition.
This case is a testament to one of many individuals that are forever grateful for ECO Bobseine's dedication and aid.
