Conservation Police Officer Jim Patrillo and his K9 partner, Bailey.
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) is pleased to announce that K9 Officer Jim Patrillo has been named the 2019 Conservation Police Officer of the Year.
Each year, DGIF regions (I-IV), along with DGIF Special Operations, nominate outstanding officers who deserve extraordinary recognition and praise for their accomplishments. This year, the nominees were RI, Senior Officer Tyler Bumgarner, RII, Officer Brett Clawson, RIII, Officer Matthew Arnold, and RIV, Officer Tim Bostic.
Officer Patrillo, who works with the K9 Unit, received 13 recommendations through our Office of Professional Standards. Just a few of Officer Patrillo’s accomplishments are included in the list below.
- Initiated/responded to over 200 calls for service throughout the Commonwealth.
- Participated in over 70 educational and/or outreach events with K9 Bailey throughout the Commonwealth.
- A member of three instructional cadres for the DGIF Training Unit.
- Worked with varying corporations and vendors to obtain funds for the K9 program through grants, financial aid and donations.
- Assisted numerous law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth with K9 Bailey for lost/missing persons and criminal cases.
- Provided K9 assistance to our conservation officers that helped with investigations and evidence recovery.
The time, effort and dedication to his K9 partner, Bailey has created a strong bond and has led to Bailey’s many successes. Jim’s ability to foster and build relationships, while showing his passion and enthusiasm for the job, is the reason for his many recommendations. The qualities shown make him a model conservation police officer and invaluable asset to the Commonwealth.