Cass Lake area conservation officer named 2025 Officer of the Year

CAMP RIPLEY — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Enforcement Division named Conservation Officer Patrick McGowan the 2025 Conservation Officer of the Year.

McGowan and four other COs received awards during a late February ceremony at Camp Ripley.

McGowan began work for the DNR in 2003 as a watercraft inspector, then worked as a police officer in Maple Grove before rejoining the DNR in 2008 as a conservation officer.

He currently patrols the Cass Lake station after a stint in Walker. He’s a familiar face on some of the state’s busiest waterways, including Leech Lake, and is known among outdoor recreationists as a thorough and fair conservation officer, the DNR stated in a news release.

McGowan also instructs at the Conservation Officer Academy, is a certified boating instructor, an arson investigator, and a field training officer who works with new conservation officers during their training.

In November 2024, McGowan rescued six young duck hunters on Leech Lake after their boat had overturned. He received a lifesaving award for that situation and has also been involved in several other rescues.

“Pat exemplifies what it means to be a great all-around conservation officer,” stated Col. Rodmen Smith, director of the DNR Enforcement Division, in the news release.

“He puts our state’s cherished resources first, ensures our newest officers are fully ready to carry on our proud tradition as conservation officers, and is always willing to prioritize others’ needs ahead of his own.”

Conservation Officer Troy Fondie, stationed in Orr, received the Willard Munger Wetlands Achievement Award, for his work upholding environmental laws such as the Wetland Conservation Act.

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MN DNR

“Troy is highly regarded within the DNR and by other agencies who deal with environmental protection, as well as among the people of his local area who appreciate his diligence in protecting resources now and into the future,” Smith stated.

“Doing this type of work successfully takes patience, monitoring and constant attention, and Troy has shown over the years that he’s up to the task.”

Other Northern Minnesota enforcement personnel were recognized for their service and dedication during the awards ceremony.

CO Anthony Bermel, who is stationed in Babbitt, was named the Turn in Poachers Officer of the Year. Kara Lefebvre, an office and administrative specialist senior in Grand Rapids, received a meritorious service award for her work with the DNR Aviation Unit.