Jotham Dumesnil of the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Guelph Enforcement Unit has been recognized by his peers for his leadership, initiative, and motivation in being named 2025 Ontario Conservation Officers Association – Officer of the Year.
The active and respected conservation officer, who regularly mentors newer officers, “demonstrates the utmost levels of professionalism when dealing with members of the public, stakeholders, and his co-workers,” association president Bill Ingham stated in the Sept. 24 announcement.
Outside of work and on top of commitments to his young family, Dumesnil is a dedicated community volunteer who spends hours every winter working with the Mount Pleasant Optimist Club to maintain an outdoor ice rink at a local park, Ingham stated. Dumesnil also volunteers to tie lines, bait hooks, and provide advice during the Mount Pleasant Fishing Derby each June.
CO dedicated volunteer
“His work and personal accomplishments make him an ideal selection for the 2025 Officer of the Year. These successes can be highlighted through exploration of his contributions to our team and volunteer activities in his community outside of work,” CO Ben Sumner stated in support of the nomination.
“Jotham’s unwavering dedication to the people of Ontario, his work unit and continuous success have made this nomination a pleasure to write,” CO Steven Savoie added. “Jotham has nothing but my respect and appreciation from both a work and personal perspective.”
Dumesnil was also selected as the 2025 MNR Enforcement Branch Officer of the Year and won the OCOA Excellence in Service award in 2022.
“Because of Jotham’s character and consistent efforts to promote natural resource law enforcement in a professional manner, Jotham has not only earned this nomination for the 2025 Officer of the Year but also the respect and gratitude of his peers and the public,” area enforcement manager Adam Norton added.
Past winners of the top award include Colin Langford, Drew Pegrum, Jeff Milloy, Pete Koskela, and Mike Schenk.
Originally published in the Nov.-Dec. 2025 issue of Ontario Out of Doors
