Minnesota Conservation Officers Honored for Heroic Rescues

Several conservation officers from Minnesota will receive recognition this month for their lifesaving actions performed in 2025. These officers, some with years of experience and others newer to the force, responded effectively to emergencies while individuals were recreating outdoors. Their swift actions highlight the critical nature of their training and the unpredictable situations they often face.

Col. Rodmen Smith, director of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) enforcement division, emphasized the urgency of their work. When officers receive a call for assistance, they have little time to plan. “Time is of the essence,” he stated, underscoring the importance of their rapid response. Joe Albert, communications coordinator with the enforcement division, echoed this sentiment, noting that the officers not only protect natural resources but also assist individuals in distress, often through no fault of their own.

The DNR operates with approximately 150 conservation officers, providing extensive coverage across Minnesota. Recognition of their efforts occurs throughout the year, with nine officers set to receive awards on January 21, 2026. Smith expressed pride in acknowledging their lifesaving contributions.

Life-Saving Rescues in Challenging Situations

In one notable incident on September 1, 2025, conservation officer Coby Fontes was on duty during the Labor Day weekend when he received a distress call about a capsized boat on Lake of the Woods. Two individuals were stranded in the water, unable to return to shore due to a strong evening breeze. Fortunately, one of the men managed to retain his cellphone, allowing Fontes to locate them quickly.

Fontes arrived at the scene just 20 minutes after receiving the call. He found one man atop the overturned boat and the other clinging to it in the water. Concerned about the man’s exposure, Fontes provided life jackets and dry clothing. He later met with emergency crews to recover the men’s equipment. Reflecting on the incident, Fontes stated, “I’m so glad they had a cellphone,” highlighting the role technology played in the rescue.

Another significant rescue occurred on November 8, 2025, the opening day of Minnesota’s firearms deer season. Officer Nick Bruesewitz responded to a report of a man who had been shot in the thigh in Marshall County. Arriving within five miles of the incident, he quickly applied a tourniquet to control the bleeding. Despite the severity of the injury, the man remained conscious until an ambulance arrived to transport him for further treatment. Bruesewitz noted, “I’m just glad it didn’t hit the ephemeral artery; otherwise, the outcome would have been different.”

Collaborative Efforts to Locate a Lost Hunter

On November 21, 2025, conservation officer Brice Vollbrecht was training a colleague when they received a call about a lost hunter on a large island in Beltrami County. With the hunter’s phone dead, his family provided a general location. Vollbrecht and trainee Danielle Reuss quickly coordinated with local law enforcement and utilized a drone for aerial assistance.

After locating the hunter through the drone’s guidance, Vollbrecht and Reuss navigated the challenging terrain on foot. The hunter had been lost for nearly eight hours without food or water and was in a weakened state. The officers helped him over the last half-mile to their ATVs, where he was eventually reunited with his family and assisted by paramedics. Vollbrecht remarked on the effectiveness of the teamwork, stating, “Finding the lost man was a team effort, and I appreciate the help I received.”

Vollbrecht has a personal connection to such rescues, having previously helped another individual who had wandered off due to dementia. “There’s nothing better than taking somebody to a waiting family, alive,” he remarked, contrasting it with the heart-wrenching experience of dealing with fatalities.

The dedication and swift actions of these conservation officers not only affirm their commitment to public safety but also demonstrate the vital role they play in Minnesota’s outdoor community.