By 1808Delaware
Ten new Natural Resources Officers (NROs) officially took their Oath of Office recently, completing months of training and stepping into assignments across Ohio’s state parks, forests, and waterways. The commissioning ceremony at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) headquarters in Columbus marked the end of their academy training and the start of careers dedicated to protecting both people and the outdoors.
Delaware County Assignment at Alum Creek
Among the new officers, two are reporting to Alum Creek State Park in Delaware County: Dylan Kaylor of Gahanna and Neil Sofranec of New Middletown. Alum Creek is one of the state’s busiest parks, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year for boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking. The park’s size and popularity make it a significant assignment, offering the new officers an immediate opportunity to serve in a dynamic and diverse environment.
Training and Responsibilities
The officers began their journey in January at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy, where they completed basic Peace Officer instruction. From there, they underwent specialized training focused on ODNR’s unique mission, including ATV and vessel operation, advanced firearms, self-defense, and communications.
Now commissioned, they will continue their training in the field, paired with veteran officers at their posts. Their duties will extend beyond law enforcement to include educating visitors on conservation and boating safety, responding to emergencies such as search and rescue, and protecting Ohio’s natural resources.
Voices from ODNR
“These new officers are ready to serve the people of Ohio in a truly unique way,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “They will patrol our lakes, forests, and parks, not only protecting these special places, but also ensuring families and visitors can enjoy them safely.”
Division of Parks and Watercraft Chief Glen Cobb added, “They will spend their careers keeping visitors safe, protecting our natural resources, and being a trusted presence in Ohio’s outdoors. I’m confident this group will bring energy, integrity, and compassion to every community they serve.”
The Full List of Assignments
- Patricia Cesario, East Liverpool – Beaver Creek State Park
- Jakob Dillon, Union Springs, NY – Cleveland Watercraft Office
- Dylan Kaylor, Gahanna – Alum Creek State Park (Delaware County)
- Cory Mills, Elyria – Sandusky Watercraft Office
- Cody Paugh, Painesville – Punderson State Park
- Jacob Sattelmaier, Creston – Mohican State Park
- Sophia Schroeder, Put-in-Bay – Indian Lake State Park
- William Smith, Cleves – Hueston Woods State Park
- Neil Sofranec, New Middletown – Alum Creek State Park (Delaware County)
- Joel Thompson, Amanda – Buckeye Lake State Park
Looking Ahead
For Delaware County residents, the addition of two new NROs at Alum Creek promises a stronger presence at one of the area’s most treasured natural destinations. With summer crowds, water safety concerns, and the year-round need to balance recreation with conservation, their work will be visible from the shoreline to the back trails.
Source: ODNR
