West Virginia’s 2014 Natural Resources Police Officer of the Year is J.R. Casto of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) District 6. Col. Jerry Jenkins, chief of the DNR Law Enforcement Section, presented Officer Casto with the award during a recent ceremony at the DNR District 6 Office in Parkersburg.
Each year, one officer from each of the six DNR districts is nominated for the award. The nominations are reviewed by an awards committee and the final selection is made based on several categories, including attitude, leadership, teamwork, public outreach, achievements and accomplishments.
“Officer Casto’s nomination noted that he is an excellent role model for new officers and routinely assists others in investigations,” said Col. Jenkins. “Officer Casto has been an asset in working investigations initiated by the Internet and social media. He never ceases to volunteer for new assignments and goes above and beyond the call of duty.”
Officer Casto, who is assigned to Wood County, traveled to Destin, Florida, in October to represent West Virginia at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. At the meeting, Officer Casto received a plaque and pin during two separate awards ceremonies in recognition of his distinguished service.
