PIKE COUNTY CONSERVATION OFFICER AUSTIN PRIEST NAMED ILLINOIS OFFICER OF THE YEAR FOR SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — For the second consecutive year, conservation police officer Austin Priest, who serves the Pike County area, has earned the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Law Enforcement's Officer of the Year honor.

Priest was recognized for outstanding enforcement work, major investigations and lifesaving responses, reflecting duties that reach well beyond protecting wildlife and enforcing hunting and fishing regulations.

During 2025, Priest completed 49 field reports, issued 100 citations and 144 warnings, and made arrests involving felony drug offenses, driving under the influence, operating under the influence, and outstanding warrants, according to IDNR.

He also took part in major deer investigations and provided assistance with search warrants while serving in District 9 of the department's Central Zone.

Two of his most notable actions occurred when he was off duty. State officials said Priest responded to two lifesaving incidents, although the department's award announcement did not provide further details about those emergencies.

Priest has also received an Award of Merit, a Lifesaving Award and the Illinois State Police Director's Award. His latest Officer of the Year recognition marks a second consecutive year at the top of the department's honors.

IDNR Office of Law Enforcement Director Jed Whitchurch thanked the officers and support personnel recognized for their dedication to the public and Illinois' natural resources.

“One of IDNR’s greatest strengths is our conservation police and support staff, and I am proud and honored to work alongside them,” Whitchurch said.

“Public outreach, excellence in performance and leadership are the ethos these honorees live by. Thank you to all who serve the public and protect Illinois’ wildlife and natural resources.”

Conservation police officers are sworn law enforcement officers whose responsibilities include wildlife protection, criminal investigations, public safety and emergency response.

Priest's second straight honor highlights the importance of conservation law enforcement in Pike County and recognizes a record of service that includes helping people in emergencies, even outside his regular duty hours.

The awards announced by IDNR recognize service during the 2025 calendar year.