Thomas is District 9 Officer of the Year

Indiana Conservation Officer Josh Thomas serves Jefferson County.

INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana Conservation Officer Josh Thomas, who serves Jefferson County, has been selected as the 2025 District 9 Officer of the Year. 

"Across Indiana, conservation officers are on the front lines promoting public safety in the outdoors and protecting our state's vital natural resources,” said Governor Mike Braun. “I congratulate the officers from each of the 10 districts who have earned this distinguished honor for their exceptional service on behalf of Hoosiers in 2025." 

Thomas, a former U.S. Marine, has served as a conservation officer for 13 years. He previously served in Fayette County before transferring to Jefferson County in 2015.

In addition to his normal duties as a field officer, Thomas serves as a field training officer, use of force instructor, division armorer, and honor guard member for the Department of Natural Resources Division of Law Enforcement.

District 9 includes Jennings, Rush, Fayette, Union, Franklin, Decatur, Ripley, Jefferson, Switzerland, Ohio, and Dearborn counties.

The district award puts Thomas in the running for the Pitzer Award, which is presented to the top overall conservation officer in the state and is selected from the 10 district winners. 

The Pitzer Award is named after Conservation Officer James D. Pitzer, who was fatally shot while investigating illegal hunting activity on Jan. 2, 1961, in Jay County. 

More from Local News

Events

Rep. Bascom, Sen. Maxwell Speak at Post Legislative Session

The state legislators touched on some hot topics impacting southeast Indiana.

UPDATE: Tractor Trailer Accident Impacting NKY Traffic

The accident happened in the Erlanger area.

Congresswoman Houchin Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition

The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students in Indiana’s Ninth District.

IBCA Announces Academic All-State Teams

Individual and team recognition.

Former East Central Star Named NE10 Championship Most Outstanding Player

Hope Fox and the Southern Connecticut State Owls are a No. 1 seed heading into the DII Tourney.

SEI Hoops Stars Earn HBCA All-District Honors

Senior All-District players will be on the ballot for the All-Star Game in April.

On Air

Rick Bernius playing
Frankie Ballard - Helluva Life

Shenandoah If Bubba Can Dance 15:41
LoCash Hometown Home 15:38
Thomas Rhett and Riley Green Half of Me - EAGLE ONLY 15:34
Tyler Farr Guy Walks Into A Bar 15:31