Two Yale High School grads complete DNR Cadet Academy

YALE — Two Yale High School grads from the 2026 graduating class didn’t waste any time furthering their education. 

Natalie Korotko and Caiden Hackett applied and were accepted into the one-week free course designed to give Cadets a glimpse of being a Department of Natural Resource Officer.

The Michigan DNR Conservation Officer Cadet Academy, held July 19-24, was a free career exploration opportunity for individuals ages 18-21 interested in a career as a conservation officer with the DNR Law Enforcement Division. The program is hosted and instructed by current COs and intends to prepare individuals for the CO hiring process. 

Hackett and Korotko are both considering careers as Michigan DNR conservation officers. Korotko  will be attending Northern Michigan University in pursuit of a degree in Fisheries & Wildlife management with a concentration in conservation. 

Hackett, an avid outdoorsman who loves to hunt and fish will be attending Macomb County Community College in  the fall, studying criminal justice and biology. Prior to going to the academy, Hackett thought he wanted to work towards a career as a DNR Officer and said, “this experience just solidified that dream,” he said. 

Natalie’s mom, Crystal said: “Natalie said it was one of the most difficult weeks of her life. The PT (physical training) was grueling, even though she is athletic and considers herself physically fit. Her favorite parts were the real life simulations that allowed them to see exactly what a conservation officer does in different situations involving law enforcement, first aid and conservation. 

“They learned how to apply a tourniquet, give citations, fish identification, track a crime scene, etc. Their day began at 5:30 a.m. and was packed with PT, instruction and activities until lights out at 10 p.m. It was paramilitary structured. They took a written test to conclude the academy and they also received their boaters safety and ORV certificates.”

“Our training academy is extremely difficult for someone who isn’t prepared for it,” said CO Tim Rosochacki, who helped with Cadet Academy. “The Cadet Academy will help prepare someone by giving them things to focus on and work toward if they want to become a CO.” 

The Cadet Academy also helps DNR Law Enforcement Division staff evaluate the cadets.

According to information from the academy, for five days, cadets received training and real-life experience while lodging in cabins, located on Higgins Lake in Roscommon. 

COs led cadets through a daily agenda similar to the CO Training Academy, covering a number of subjects, including: Conservation law, Hunting regulations and enforcement, marine and water safety, Off-road vehicle operation, search and rescue, survival tactics, physical fitness and first aid.

The CO Cadet Academy is a paramilitary academy hosted and instructed by current COs to prepare individuals who are interested in becoming a CO employed by the Michigan DNR Law Enforcement Division. 

This academy is intended to help prepare individuals as recruits for a future CO Training Academy. Cadets followed a daily schedule similar to the structured routine of the CO Training Academy. The day began with physical training, “chow,” room inspections, then transition to indoor and outdoor lessons. 

The entire academy was hosted and instructed by currently employed COs.

Cadets spent most of the morning in the classroom and were outside for the rest of the day. Classroom lessons included the history of conservation officers, conservation law, preparing for patrol, and fish and game rules and regulations. Individuals were required to be able to physically walk and run on trails, swim (to their best ability) and participate in daily physical training, including sit ups and push-ups.

Cadets were required to participate in all activities, maintain a professional and paramilitary demeanor, engage in classroom lectures and complete hands-on training. If someone chose to not participate, they were dismissed from the program. Participation in the CO Cadet Academy does not guarantee an individual will be selected for the CO Training Academy.

The Yale participants in the academy were two of just 20 Cadets selected from throughout the state for the specialized training.