Ohio Wildlife Officer Nolan Johnson, of Marblehead, has been assigned atlarge in northwest Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. His district encompasses 20 counties in northwest Ohio including Lucas and Wood.
Officer Johnson, 21, graduated from Danbury High School and Hocking College in 2022 with a degree in natural resources law enforcement. During his downtime, he enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing and woodworking.
Prior to becoming a wildlife officer, he worked for the Division of Wildlife’s Sandusky Fisheries Research Station as a wildlife technician.
Officer Johnson is one of 13 Ohio wildlife officer cadets who completed the 32nd Wildlife Officer Training Academy and was sworn in as a commissioned wildlife officer during a March 15 graduation ceremony.
In addition to the 21week Ohio Peace Officer basic training, the cadets completed 10 weeks of specialized wildlife officer training by the Division of Wildlife. They learn wildlife law enforcement procedures and agency policies, receive training in areas of wildlife and fisheries management, communications, outdoor education, all-terrain vehicle operation, hunter safety, advanced firearms and self-defense topics.
As a wildlife officer, he has statewide authority to enforce regulations and protect state lands, waterways and property.
As a state law enforcement officer, he also contributes to public safety both locally and in Ohio’s vast outdoors.
Each year, wildlife officers speak to hundreds of clubs and groups about conservation and wildlife programs; perform fish and wildlife conservation duties; and provide technical advice and instruction about wildlife management issues, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor-related recreation.
Officer Johnson is now in the field and will continue his training with experienced wildlife officers for the next six months.
