FWP's Deboer Receives Enforcement Award

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Sheridan Game Warden Jim DeBoer, a 29-year veteran of FWP’s Enforcement Division, has been named the 1998 recipient of the prestigious Shikar-Safari Club International Wildlife Officer of the Year award for Montana. The Shikar-Safari award winners are selected based on their professional relationship with hunters, anglers and landowners in their districts, their dedication to the wildlife law enforcement profession and their participation in activities outside of daily enforcement work. "Jim DeBoer is an exemplary model of what a field game warden should be," said Warden Captain Jim Kropp of Bozeman. "Not many of our employees can maintain the long, faithful and enthusiastic service he has emulated throughout his career. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated wildlife professional working for our state." DeBoer, based in Sheridan since 1975, was recognized for his outstanding work related to officer safety and critical-incident survival. "Jim is deeply concerned and attentive to the dangers and hazards of the law enforcement profession and is committed to helping other wardens become more prepared," Kropp said. "He’s been active in the training and enhancement of the Law Enforcement Division’s professionalism and credibility for his entire career." DeBoer, a certified Swift Water Rescue Technician frequently called upon by other wardens to assist in water-related emergencies, offers his expertise to local schools, other agencies, and to fellow employees. He is also a long-term member of FWP’s Safety Committee, and was recognized with the agency’s "Above and Beyond Safety Award". He and his wife, Becky, annually operate a blacksmith and Dutch-oven cooking demonstration during FWP’s Bannack Days at Bannack State Park to provide hundreds of people with a new understanding of Montana’s pioneer heritage while helping to integrate the Montana game warden into community activities.