Special to 1812Blockhouse
Recognized for their quick thinking and fast action, 12 Natural Resources Officers (NRO) were recently honored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for their life-saving efforts over the past year. ODNR’s officers are often the first to arrive on the scene of an emergency at Ohio’s state parks, forests, nature preserves, and waterways.
Included was one who serves at Mohican State Park.
“Our Natural Resources Officers are dedicated to keeping all Ohioans safe,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “I am grateful to these courageous men and women for their life-saving actions and their ongoing efforts to not only protect visitors, but to improve their experience each and every day.”
ODNR officers also routinely serve communities as first responders, especially in Ohio’s rural counties. An officer from northeast Ohio was recognized for his quick thinking and brave actions in 2022.
- After Natural Resources Officer Jered Moran ended his shift at Mohican State Park at nearly 3 o’clock in the morning, he saw a house on fire as he was driving home. When he arrived, flames were spreading from the garage to the living areas. He pounded on the door and when there was no answer, he forced his way in to look for occupants. He found an elderly man in the kitchen who he told to go outside, and then he proceeded to wake the rest of the home’s residents. Officer Moran saved seven people, including children, from their burning house.
Natural Resources officers are commissioned peace officers who protect Ohio’s natural resources. These highly trained law enforcement personnel patrol Ohio’s state parks, forests, nature preserves, and waterways to keep them safe for the enjoyment of all visitors.
ODNR is currently recruiting for the next class of Natural Resources officers. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 20, at this link.
Source: ODNR; Image by succo from Pixabay
