This week the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that Capt Casey Krueger will replace retiring Chief Todd Schaller as the new Chief Conservation Officer.
Krueger, a 22-year veteran of the DNR will step up to the new position in Janurary, filling the seat of the top DNR law enforcement position. Hired in January 1998, Krueger served as a field warden in Oconto and Columbia counties. In 2008, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant/warden supervisor of the Park Falls Warden Team based in northern Lincoln County. In 2012, the Langlade County native then was promoted to captain of the South-Central Region and moved to Dane County. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
In a public statement, Krueger said
I’m extremely honored to step into the role of chief warden to continue working with our dedicated, passionate men and women who encompass the Department of Natural Resources. I also look forward to our continued partnerships with the public we serve which will no doubt lead us to success in protecting our natural resources through integration, education and community involvement.
Incoming Chief, Casey Krueger served as a field warden for Columbia county until the end of 2008, when he was promoted to a supervisory position covering Rusk, Taylor, Price, Lincoln, and Langlade counties. Commenting on his departure from Portage, Krueger said
From the sheriff’s department, to the judges, to the paper, to the people, it’s been a joy to go to work because you are surrounded by good people, and that was tough for me to leave behind. Portage is a great station, the people are fantastic and for that, I will always be grateful. It was an honor to be here.
A native of Antigo, Krueger graduated from UW Stevens Point in 1997, and a year later became a field warden working at the MacKenzie Center in Poynette.
I was inspired by a warden during my gun safety class. When he spoke with us, I saw how passionate he was about his work, and it was a natural fit for me. I knew I wanted to be outside, I loved wildlife, the change of the seasons and every day, every minute is different.
Previous colleagues describe Krueger as someone they respect,who is approachable, active in the community, and an asset to both the DNR and Wisconsin’s conservation efforts.
Editor-in-Chief
A Lodi native, Blaze attended the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay where he graduated with a degree in theatre technology & design. He has traveled extensively throughout the United States and the world–including a 6-year stint in China. He has been a teacher, a writer, a designer, and is the founder of the Redleaf Consulting Group.
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