The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Law Enforcement Division has recognized its 2024 New Hampshire Conservation Officers of the Year as follows:

Conservation Officer Richard Crouse Honored with the 2024 Northeast Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association Officer of the Year Award

Conservation Officer Richard Crouse has served with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Law Enforcement Division since December 2017. He does not shy away from challenges and serves as a physical fitness instructor, field training officer, and defensive tactics trainer. He also played a key role in establishing the Department’s new Tactical Incident Reconstruction Team. Members of this team are trained to recreate critical or technical accident and shooting scenes to assist with complex investigations and prosecutions.

Recently joining the K-9 team, Officer Crouse and his K-9 partner, Koda, successfully met all the rigorous standards required to become part of the unit. This included an intensive six-week training program and a year-long effort working with other Fish and Game K-9 teams. They are now certified in scent-discriminant tracking, obedience, evidence detection, gunpowder detection, and fish and wildlife detection.

“Conservation Officer Richard Crouse is an outstanding officer whose dedication to duty is a testament to his loyalty to this agency,” said NH Fish and Game Law Enforcement Chief Colonel Kevin Jordan. “I personally feel very fortunate to work with such a devoted and hardworking officer who is continually committed to wildlife conservation and enforcement.”

The Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association (CLECA) comprises Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs from states ranging from Virginia to Maine, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement, and Canadian provinces. Its primary purpose is to encourage and promote conservation law enforcement cooperation among the eastern states represented. Each year, CLECA recognizes an officer from each state for outstanding contributions to the protection of our nation’s natural resources.

Sergeant Kevin Bronson Named the 2024 Shikar-Safari International Wildlife Officer of the Year

Sergeant Kevin Bronson was hired in November 2012 and, after serving in various assignments across the state, was promoted to District Four Sergeant, where he continues to serve. Sergeant Bronson is an asset to his district and the Law Enforcement Division. He consistently meets challenges with high energy and a collaborative mindset.

In addition to his core duties, he serves as an active member of the Advanced Search and Rescue Team and the Side Scan Sonar Team, and is a field training officer dedicated to preparing new officers for success. He has also served on the Law Enforcement Division Honor Guard and is both a defensive tactics and physical fitness instructor.

The Department has greatly benefited from Sergeant Bronson’s interpersonal skills and his commitment to public outreach. He became a well-known figure during the production of North Woods Law and has successfully used his visibility to help recruit future officers.

“What I enjoy most about Kevin is the fact that he is not at all afraid of a long, hard day—and he embraces those days with a positive attitude and level of professionalism that I am very proud to see,” said Colonel Kevin Jordan. “He is a tenacious investigator, and I have received many letters and emails from his constituents complimenting his efforts in his patrol area.”

The Shikar-Safari Club International was founded in 1952 by a group of international hunters who shared experiences and ideas about hunting. In 1973, the Shikar-Safari International Club Foundation was established to fund conservation projects worldwide.

Conservation Officer Ronald Arsenault Honored with the National Wild Turkey Federation New Hampshire Chapter Officer of the Year Award for 2024

Conservation Officer Ronald Arsenault began his career with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department in 2008. After serving in various districts, he was assigned to District Two in 2011—the area where he grew up.

CO Arsenault is well known in his patrol area. Constituents often describe him as approachable and easy-going. His sincere and respectful demeanor encourages the public to share valuable information about violations and concerns. A true sportsman and champion of fair chase, he is a tenacious investigator and prosecutor of wildlife crimes. He recently closed one of the largest night-hunting cases in New Hampshire history, involving multiple suspects across the state.

“The loyalty and commitment we see from Officer Arsenault every day are a true reflection of his character and integrity,” said Colonel Kevin Jordan. “These traits, while difficult to teach, are critical for becoming a successful investigator. He treats people with respect and dignity, regardless of the circumstances, and exemplifies the standard we hope all Conservation Officers strive to meet.”

Lieutenant James Kneeland Named Recipient of the 2024 Law Enforcement Division Command Staff Award of Excellence

Lieutenant James Kneeland began his career with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department in May 1992. In 2011, he was promoted to Lieutenant of District Three, a role in which he has excelled for the past 14 years. He has served as a field training officer, Joint Enforcement Team member, background investigator, physical fitness instructor, and former Dive Team member.

His leadership of the elite Advanced Search and Rescue Team has been instrumental in saving lives. His critical thinking, sound decision-making, and deep understanding of human behavior in the wilderness have led to many positive outcomes in what could have otherwise been tragic situations.

“While Lieutenant Kneeland always ensures others receive recognition when it’s due, his own efforts throughout his career have gone far beyond the call of duty,” said Colonel Kevin Jordan. “We are proud to present him with the Law Enforcement Division’s prestigious Command Staff Award of Excellence for maintaining the highest standards of leadership throughout a remarkable career.”

George Tombarello Honored with the Law Enforcement Division 2024 Distinguished Appreciation Award

Lieutenant Scott Lacrosse joined the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department in 1988 and served with distinction in District Five for 22 years. He was promoted to District Five Sergeant in 2011 and later to District Five Lieutenant in 2015, a position he held until his retirement in July 2018. During his career, Lacrosse built many friendships, including one with George Tombarello. Their shared love of the outdoors led to a close relationship, and Tombarello fondly recalls their time together.

The Tombarello family has supported New Hampshire Fish and Game for many years. To honor his friend, George reached out to the Law Enforcement Division to offer resources that would assist field officers in their duties. Over the years, he has made numerous generous donations that have enabled the purchase of critical equipment previously unattainable due to budget limitations.

His contributions include funding to restore the Sewalls Falls Fish and Game storage facility in Concord, donations to the Search and Rescue account for first-aid supplies for K-9 teams, and additional first-aid kits for field officers. After the passing of Conservation Officer Levi Frye, George commissioned memorial pins in his honor, which officers wear in remembrance. One of his most impactful gifts funded the purchase of state-of-the-art forensic mapping equipment for accident and shooting scene reconstructions.

“Lieutenant Lacrosse was an outstanding example of a dedicated Conservation Officer, and it is admirable to receive such valuable and much-needed equipment in his memory,” said Colonel Kevin Jordan. “The Law Enforcement Division sincerely thanks George Tombarello for his friendship, generosity, and unwavering support of our field Conservation Officers.”