New Wildlife Officers Assigned to Southeast Ohio

ATHENS, OH – Allen S. Patton, 29, of Athens, Ohio and Nathan S. West, 27, of Logan, Ohio will be assigned as new state wildlife officers in Southeast Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Officers Patton and West are among 16 new wildlife officer cadets who have been undergoing extensive training and were sworn in as commissioned state wildlife officers during ceremonies July 3rd in Columbus. They began their new duties the following day.

Following completion of the 17-week Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training course May 9th, the cadets had eight weeks of specialized wildlife officer training by the Division of Wildlife. In addition to wildlife law enforcement procedures and agency policies, the cadets received training in areas of wildlife and fisheries management, communications, outdoor education, ATV operation, hunter safety, and advanced firearms and self-defense topics.

As state wildlife officers, Patton and West will have jurisdiction to enforce wildlife regulations, investigate allegations of waterway pollution, protect state property and make arrests. They will also conduct educational programs, perform fish and wildlife management duties, and advise landowners on dealing with wildlife. Wildlife officers serve an important role as a point of contact with law enforcement and other agencies on topics of mutual interest, providing assistance and expertise.

Officer Patton is a graduate of Stonebridge High School in Ashburn, Virginia. He has an Associate’s Degree in Wildlife Management from Hocking College. Before being accepted into the cadet academy, Officer Patton was a creel clerk at Burr Oak Lake, and served in the United States Marine Corps from 2003-2007. He is a 2-time Iraqi Veteran.

“It has always been a lifelong dream to become a wildlife officer,” said Officer Patton. “I am very excited to serve the people of Ohio and protect wildlife.”

Officer West is a graduate of Logan High School in Logan, Ohio. He has an Associate’s Degree in Wildlife Management from Hocking College, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Management from the University of Rio Grande. Before being accepted into the cadet academy, Officer West held seasonal positions with Hocking Hills State Park and the Division of Wildlife. He completed an internship with Columbus Metro Parks, and most recently worked fulltime for the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department as a Park Maintenance Supervisor.

“Growing up in the country and then going to college for wildlife management, this is a career I have always dreamed of,” said Officer West. “I feel extremely blessed to be given this opportunity to protect natural resources. As a father, I know my favorite part of this job will be passing on my passion for the great outdoors to Ohio’s youth.”