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Senior Officer Dan Smith Conservation Police Officer of the Year
Richmond, VA — The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) announces that Conservation Police Senior Officer Dan Smith is the department’s 2024 Conservation Police Officer (CPO) of the Year.
Smith began his career with DWR in 2014 and during his tenure, the Norfolk native has demonstrated outstanding commitment to teamwork and outreach, organizing district-wide operations and collaborating with multiple agencies. His leadership abilities have led to increased professional responsibilities including becoming a field training officer, responsible for guiding the next generation of Conservation Officers, and becoming his region’s lead firearms instructor.
“Senior Officer Smith’s dedication to teamwork and ability to collaborate in a multi-jurisdictional investigation and prosecution earned him the Colonel’s Challenge Coin,” said Colonel John J. Cobb. “And, his continuous efforts to engage with the local community, stakeholders, and youth has earned him the respect of his colleagues and Department constituents alike.”
In addition to receiving the CPO of the Year Award, Senior Officer Smith, who’s assigned area includes Sussex County, was presented as the Shikar-Safari Club International Wildlife Officer of the Year for Virginia at the May meeting of the Virginia Board of Wildlife Resources. The award honors a state officer who shows exemplary performance and achievement among sworn conservation law enforcement personnel.
For more information about the annual DWR Conservation Police Awards Ceremony, including winners of several other awards and photos of the event, please visit the department webpage.