The 32nd Ohio Wildlife Officer Training Academy is working to prepare the next class of 14 cadets. The 14 cadets were hired from a pool of 993 applicants and will complete 21 weeks of Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training and 8-10 weeks of specialized training from the Division of Wildlife. According to the Division of Wildlife, training includes law enforcement procedures as well as skills for wildlife and fisheries management, communications, ATV and vehicle operations, as well as advanced firearms and self-defense. The newest Ohio wildlife officers will graduate in April 2024 and be assigned to individual counties or serve in an at-large capacity in the wildlife districts.
Locally, Manchester native Chase McDonald was selected to be in the 32nd Ohio Wildlife Officer Training Academy. “Wildlife officers are essential for the conservation of Ohio’s wildlife resources and to serve the public. These cadets are receiving top-notch training and will soon be in the field. We are proud to have such dedicated individuals serving sportsmen and women,” said Chief of Wildlife Kendra Wecker.
