A state Environmental Conservation Officer has been presented with the Shikar-Safari Officer of the Year Award.  Shikar-Safari Club International promotes wildlife conservation and protection, recognizes an EnCon officer each year who has shown exemplary performance of their duties in the protection of wildlife, enforcement of game laws and implementation of conservation programs.

EnCon Officer Erin Flockhart joined the Division in October of 2005, and throughout her career has been assigned to the Western District.

Over the past year Officer Flockhart’s case load has been very diverse.

Flockhart is a member of the Division’s K-9 Unit as well as being a member of the Connecticut State Police K-9 search and rescue team. Over the past year she and her K-9 partner responded to over fifteen calls for service, with the majority being for missing persons and suicidal individuals. The most noteworthy case consisted of her assistance with the investigation of a missing Easton couple, whose bodies were ultimately recovered.

While patrolling in the town of Kent, off River Road and National Park Service Property, on December 8, 2015, Officer Flockhart observed a vehicle parked suspiciously. She and her K-9 partner, tracked from the vehicle into the adjacent wood line.  K-9 Ellie tracked up to an individual who was carrying an unloaded shotgun. Flockhart and Ellie then performed a search of the area for evidence and located two shotgun shells that were consistent with what was on the individual. The convicted felon later admitted to throwing out the shotgun shells that were in his weapon when he heard officers approaching.  That person was charged and indicted in federal court.

Flockhart also conducted a lengthy illegal deer hunting investigation on the Kent Land Trust Property, by an individual with several aliases and a lengthy criminal history. The investigation included the use of Social Media, video recordings, and networking with local police departments. The investigation concluded with Flockhart obtaining an arrest warrant for the New York resident.