01/23/2008
Massachusetts Wildlife Officer Wins Award from NWTF
WARE, Mass. — Continuing their commitment to law enforcement, the National Wild Turkey Federation will honor Sergeant Charles Ziemba with the Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) for his efforts in conserving America's wildlife.
Ziemba will be recognized as the NWTF's Massachusetts Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year during its 32nd annual Convention and Sport Show held Feb. 21 to Feb. 24, 2008, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga.
The NWTF initiated the State Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award in 2000 to highlight the contributions from wildlife officers across the country.
"Without the tremendous level of support for wild turkey conservation from wildlife officers such as Mr. Ziemba, restoration efforts and wildlife management strategies would never have succeeded," said NWTF CEO Rob Keck. "We wanted to ensure that they receive the thanks and recognition they so richly deserve."
By earning the State Wildlife Officer of the Year award, Ziemba and other state winners are eligible for the NWTF's National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award, which will be presented during the NWTF's Awards Banquet Saturday, Feb. 23 at the Convention and Sport Show.
Serving the MEP for almost 25 years, Ziemba is known for his aggressive enforcement of Massachusetts' game and fish laws. Major Bruce Bennett of the MEP noted that Ziemba is "well-respected among local, state and federal agencies for his cooperation and assistance."
In addition, Ziemba is an instructor for hunter education classes in his district, and Bennett said he typically graduates more than 100 students per year.
"Sergeant Ziemba is our go-to guy when a mission needs to be accomplished," added Bennett. "He is an excellent investigator, has a high conviction rate for wildlife criminals and we're proud to have him representing the great state of Massachusetts."
