‘Watch’ Honor Initiated by Milwaukee Businessman
An article from WWA’s Words From The Wardens.
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s January, 2022 eNewsletter.
By Capt. Ben Treml/Northeast Region
Each year, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Public Safety and Resource Protection has the difficult task of selecting the recipient of the Haskell Noyes Conservation Warden Efficiency Award.
This year, the esteemed honor was bestowed on December 4, 2021 during a virtual ceremony to DNR Conservation Warden Mike Disher for his investigative skills, community wardening record and support of other law enforcement agencies.
The Haskell Noyes award is the highest honor given to a state conservation warden. For nine decades, the Noyes family of Milwaukee has maintained the inaugural award, first presented to Ernie Swift in 1930, to recognize efficient and outstanding public service.
Recipients demonstrate an ability to lead a quality law enforcement conservation program that excels in a balance of enforcement, education and community involvement.
What can I tell you about Mike?
Warden Mike and his family: As the official 2020 winner of the Haskell Noyes award, Disher received a gold watch – or ‘The Watch’ – which comes with this inscription: Conservation Warden Efficiency Award for Faithful and Able Service.
Mike has served 19 years from the Chilton administrative station in Calumet County. He is responsible for the entire county and the east shore of Lake Winnebago.
Mike assumed the Chilton station after graduating from the law enforcement academy in 2002. Before being hired full-time, he served as a DNR law enforcement park ranger at Peninsula State Park and as a deputy warden for both the Wautoma and Oshkosh warden teams.
Mike reflects the pride and passion that DNR wardens statewide feel about their role in protecting Wisconsin’s precious natural resources and the public who enjoy them.
Mike also credits his success to his current and past warden colleagues.
“The great people I’ve worked with have influenced me,” Mike said. “I’m fortunate that I’ve worked or trained with people who were awarded the Haskell Noyes Award. When you work with so many great people, you pick up all the great aspects of what to do and then apply it to your own station.”
As the head of the Northeast Region where Mike serves, I can attest to the admiration and respect of Mike in Calumet County – and by our entire warden service – for his upbeat personality, professionalism and dedication to integrity, community, teamwork and details. Mike leaves no stone unturned and continues his commitment until the job is accomplished. I am extremely proud of his accomplishment and the way Mike treats the people he serves.
The DNR Warden Service and the entire Division of Public Safety and Resource Protection wish the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association a happy new year. We value the partnership with the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association and the dedication of its members to the state’s natural resources.