Brookston officer recognized

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officer Jake Willis, who is stationed in Brookston and has been a conservation officer since 2016, was honored with the DNR’s Enforcement Education Achievement Award last month.

Willis has prioritized safety education and training since becoming a law enforcement officer more than 15 years ago. He works hard to provide outdoor safety education to youth and adults, and is active in training his law enforcement peers to ensure they have the knowledge they need to stay safe while doing their jobs.

“Conservation officers aren’t traditional educators, but teaching is one of the most important roles they play,” said Col. Rodmen Smith, director of the DNR Enforcement Division. “There are many people in Minnesota who will be safer going forward because of Jake’s efforts.”