The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced that the Conservation Officer of the year for 2007 is Shannon Martiak. Shannon came to the Bureau of Law Enforcement in 2000 and is currently assigned to Middlesex County in the Central Region. He was formerly the officer assigned to Northern Warren County in the Northern Region.

Shannon is a first-aid instructor for the Bureau, is president of the NJ Conservation Officers Association and is active in promoting a positive image for the Conservation Officer profession. He regularly makes presentations to scouts and civic groups in his Region. Shannon has spent a considerable amount of his own time preparing a brochure, display and DVD to further recognition of the role of Conservation Officers. He has also compiled historical information on the Bureau (see Shannon's article, New Jersey's Wildlife Law Enforcement - A History). He is a positive role model for officers State-wide. In the spring of 2007, Shannon worked tirelessly to assist our Wildlife Services Section with the control of coyotes that attacked two children in Monmouth County. Many off-duty hours were spent ensuring the safety of the community. Shannon is aggressive in his pursuit of habitual violators of our wildlife laws. Shannon was also involved in the apprehension of several unlawful hunters during the 2005 black bear season.

CO Shannon Martiak receives his award from (l-r) Asst. Director Larry Herrighty, Law Enforcement Chief Tim Cussen and Director Dave Chanda. Click to enlarge

Possibly Shannon's most important contribution to date came about on the morning of September 11, 2001. After hearing of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Shannon assisted victims of the attacks at Ground Zero. An accomplished emergency medical responder, his unselfish act eased the suffering of many. It is for these reasons, and dozens more that Shannon Martiak was selected as the 2007 Northeast Chiefs of Conservation Law Enforcement and the Shikar-Safari New Jersey Conservation Officer of the year.