Ohio Wildlife Officers Matt Roberts and Houston Wireman have been assigned to Highland and Shelby counties, respectively, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
Roberts has served in Clinton County since his 2005 graduation from the Wildlife Officer Academy. Roberts, 41, graduated from Greenfield McClain High School. He then graduated from Hocking College in 2001 with a degree in wildlife management, and earned a second degree in 2002 in forest management. Roberts started his career with the Division of Wildlife in 2003 at Rush Run Wildlife Area. He also spent two summers working with the fish management section in southwest Ohio as a creel clerk on Acton and Rush Run Lake. He replaces recently retired Ohio Wildlife Officer James Carnes.
Wireman, 31, graduated from Wapakoneta High School. He graduated from the Wildlife Officer Academy in 2019 and was assigned to Adams County until 2021. Wireman most recently served in Champaign County. Officer Wireman graduated from Hocking College in 2013 with a degree in natural resources law enforcement. Wireman started his career as a natural resources specialist at Wolf Creek Wildlife Area, and then served as a natural resources officer with the Ohio Division of Parks and Watercraft. He replaces recently retired Ohio Wildlife Officer Timothy Rourke.
Ohio wildlife officers have statewide authority to enforce wildlife regulations and protect state lands, waterways, and property. They also contribute to public safety locally and in Ohio's vast outdoors. Each year, Ohio's wildlife officers speak to hundreds of clubs and groups about conservation and wildlife programs, perform fish and wildlife surveys, and provide technical advice and instruction about hunting, fishing, and other outdoor-related recreation.
To reach Roberts, call (937) 205-3020. Wireman can be reached at (937) 545-5849. To report suspicious activity involving wildlife, call 800-POACHER (762-2437). Reports may remain anonymous.
Categories: Ohio, Government & Policy