SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) recently recognized conservation police officers across the state for acts of bravery, compassion and distinguished service to the people of Illinois during the 2025 calendar year.

Among those who were honored was Conservation Police Officer Austin Priest, who was named Officer of the Year for the second year in a row.

"One of IDNR's greatest strengths is our conservation police and support staff, and I am proud and honored to work alongside them," said IDNR Office of Law Enforcement Director Jed Whitchurch. "Public outreach, excellence in performance and leadership are the ethos these honorees live by. Thank you to all who serve the public and protect Illinois' wildlife and natural resources."

IDNR presented awards in several categories:

Officer of the Year

Conservation Police Officer Austin Priest, who serves in District 9, Central Zone, was recognized as the Illinois Conservation Police Officer of the Year for exceptional enforcement work, including 49 field reports, 100 citations, 144 warnings and multiple felony drug, driving under the influence, operating under the influence, and warrant arrests.

In addition to major deer investigations and search-warrant assistance, Priest twice responded to lifesaving incidents while off duty and has earned numerous honors, including 2025 Officer of the Year, the Award of Merit, Lifesaving Award, and the Illinois State Police Director's Award.

Awards of Merit

Awards of Merit recognize sworn law enforcement personnel who've made outstanding achievements as public ambassadors for IDNR and conservation police, and who consistently perform their duties with skill, diligence, productivity, judgment and responsibility. Seven conservation police officers received awards of merit:

Officer Logan Clayton | District 11, Central Zone

Clayton leads District 11 in enforcement activity and assists with complex investigations while pursuing additional training and supporting district morale. In 2025, he apprehended five suspects in three deer-hunting cases involving motor-vehicle violations, including one case resulting in a $9,000 fine.

Sgt. George "Chris" Johnson | District 9, Central Zone

Johnson has spent 16 years advancing timber enforcement through leadership, legislative improvements and specialized expertise. He chaired the department's timber committee, helped rewrite key timber laws, developed digital investigative tools and trained conservation police officers statewide.

Officer Dalton Kuffel | District 6, Northwest Zone

Kuffel handled significant cases involving night hunting, an alligator and endangered-species seizure, and illegal fish shocking that resulted in vessel forfeiture and multiple convictions. He also serves as an evidence officer and provides mentorship to junior officers.

Officer Amanda McKune | District 13, Southern Zone

McKune issued more than 240 citations in 2025 and developed significant enforcement cases resulting in substantial civil penalties. She also supports statewide investigations through permit-system research, search-warrant guidance and data-extraction expertise.

Officer James Olroyd | District 12, Southern Zone

Olroyd conducted a four-month investigation that uncovered more than 100 wildlife violations involving a Florida resident illegally hunting in Illinois, along with felony resource-theft and permit-fraud offenses. His investigation resulted in numerous charges and citations against the suspect and affiliates.

Officer Dustin Taylor | District 15, Southern Zone

Taylor led Illinois' largest environmental crime investigation, coordinating a multi-agency response to a major oil spill and uncovering repeated environmental violations. His investigation resulted in search warrants, the discovery of radioactive dumping and a grand jury indictment charging 16 felonies.

Officer Steven Vasicek | District 16, Southern Zone

Vasicek has spent 25 years specializing in nighttime wildlife enforcement and is recognized for his expertise, productivity and sound judgment. He mentors new officers and trains conservation police academy recruits in specialized investigative techniques used statewide.

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