Conservation officer ‘Officer of the Year’

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Scott Marshall, an Erie County Department of Environmental Conservation officer, has been named Officer of the Year by the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association.

“DEC’S environmental conservation officers are on the front line daily in their efforts to protect our wildlife, natural resources and citizens,” Commissioner Joe Martens said. “Throughout his career, ECO Marshall has demonstrated outstanding service that has earned the respect of both the public and his peers.”

NYSRPA recognizes one ECO each year, acknowledging the important role they play in hunter education and safe firearm practices. Officer Marshall was nominated by a statewide committee of environmental conservation officers.

Marshall, an Erie County native, completed his undergraduate studies in criminal justice at Hilbert College and Buffalo State College. After service as an ECO in Suffolk County for four years, he transferred to Erie County in 2000, where he has served with distinction since.

Marshall has taught at more than 150 hunter education classes throughout his career, reaching more than 6,000 youths and adults. In addition, since he first initiated DEC Region 9’s youth waterfowl and pheasant hunts, more than 150 youth participants have enjoyed learning firsthand the importance of safe hunting practices and conservation stewardship through mentored hunts. He also recently organized DEC Region 9’s first Conservation Police Operation Injured Soldier Spring Turkey Hunt, enabling injured soldiers to experience a guided turkey hunt at no expense.