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Last updated on Tuesday, December 8, 2015
(SULLIVAN) - Master Indiana Conservation Officer Tom Lahay retired on December 5th after serving The State of Indiana with distinction for over thirty years.
A native of Warrick County, having graduated from Castle High School in Paradise, Indiana before earning two Associate of Science degrees from Vincennes University. He recently earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Homeland Security also from Vincennes University.
Officer Lahay was appointed as an Indiana Conservation Officer in July, 1985 after graduating from the 20th Indiana Conservation Officer Recruit School. He has served his entire tenure being assigned primarily to Sullivan County in District Five.
During his career, Officer Lahay has served as a Public Safety Scuba Diver, a Canine Handler, Use of Force Instructor, Active Shooter Response Instructor, Firearms Armorer, Covert Investigator, and a Field Training Officer. He is a widely recognized expert in the use of side-scan sonar technology and has also served as an Adjunct Professor at Vincennes University in the Law Enforcement and Conservation Law Enforcement programs.
Throughout his career, Officer Lahay has trained thousands of officers, including many from agencies in the Sullivan County area in firearms proficiency and proper techniques.
Officer Lahay has been the recipient of numerous awards throughout his distinguished career. He has been selected as the District Officer of the Year six times and he was awarded the coveted statewide James Pitzer Officer of the Year Award in 1991. He has been named the Indiana Bowhunter's Association Officer of the Year and the Sullivan County American Legion Officer of the Year twice. He has earned one Lifesaving Award, two Meritorious Service Awards, and four commendations.
District Five Commander, Lt. Kent Hutchins said recently "Officer Tom Lahay is a friend and one of the most committed, knowledgeable, and competent police officers I have had the honor and privilege of working alongside. His wisdom and experience will be very difficult to replace".
Lahay is the father of a grown daughter, Emily, 26 who is a middle-school math teacher. He and his wife, Ann of over thirty years, reside in Sullivan County.
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