Just about every conservation officer describes their work as incredibly rewarding – some would even call it a “dream career” – but the reality of harm is always present.
During National Police Week, May 11-17, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources joins communities across the United States to honor and remember those law enforcement officers who were killed or died as a result of incidents that occurred during the line of duty.
“We will never forget our fallen,” said Lt. Jeremy Payne, DNR law supervisor in Bay City, who helps coordinate the annual fallen officer events. “Our 17 brothers who paved the path before us went to work one day with the intent to return to their loved ones at the end of their shift. They were sons, husbands, fathers, brothers, grandfathers and friends, and they made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that, today, we all have the opportunity to enjoy Michigan’s vast natural resources.”
The memorial
In 2022, the Michigan Conservation Officers Association and DNR dedicated a memorial for Michigan's then 16 fallen conservation officers. The memorial is located at the DNR's Ralph A. MacMullan Center in Roscommon and is open to the public.
After being notified in 2024 by historians, who came across records for Conservation Officer Paul Durham, the DNR added Durham as the memorial's 17th officer. Durham passed away in his patrol car in 1972.
The DNR currently is aware of 17 fallen conservation officers. From time to time, historians, other law enforcement agencies or media throughout the United States will come across records that reveal a fallen CO who should be recognized. When the DNR receives these notifications, a thorough investigation is conducted to determine who the officer was and how they died and to interview any living relatives or identified acquaintances.
May 15 event
In honor of Peace Officer Memorial Day, the Michigan Conservation Officers Association and the DNR will host a ceremony, at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 15 at the RAM Center, 104 Conservation Drive in Roscommon, to honor Michigan's fallen COs.
Additionally, ahead of National Police Week, conservation officers throughout the state conduct gravesite ceremonies, placing flags and taking a moment of silence at each location where the 17 fallen officers are buried.
Learn more about the DNR’s fallen conservation officers.
Michigan conservation officers are fully licensed law enforcement officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety, and protect residents through general law enforcement and lifesaving operations in the communities they serve.
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