Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Regional Training Officer Jen Mueller (left) and Conservation Officer Matt Loftness (right) presented four volunteer firearms safety instructors with awards marking 30 years of service June 26 at the Morgan Sportsman’s Club. Receiving 30-year volunteer instructor awards were Dennis Kerkhoff and brothers Joseph Larsen, James Larsen and Patrick Larsen. The four instructors took their initial training in Morgan at the then “new” grain elevator on April 18, 1989. The group reminisced on teaching generations of students from the area, including their own kids and grandchildren. Pat Larsen remembered a young girl who couldn’t envision herself as a deer hunter. He introduced her to archery during their field day and she still bowhunts to this day. “I’m grateful for instructors like these four who play such an important role in the community,” Mueller said. “You can clearly see they still have a passion for teaching youth firearms safety.” Those who want to become a volunteer instructor for firearms, snowmobile or ATV check out the link: www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/instructors/process.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Regional Training Officer Jen Mueller (left) and Conservation Officer Matt Loftness (right) presented four volunteer firearms safety instructors with awards marking 30 years of service June 26 at the Morgan Sportsman’s Club. Receiving 30-year volunteer instructor awards were Dennis Kerkhoff and brothers Joseph Larsen, James Larsen and Patrick Larsen. The four instructors took their initial training in Morgan at the then “new” grain elevator on April 18, 1989. The group reminisced on teaching generations of students from the area, including their own kids and grandchildren. Pat Larsen remembered a young girl who couldn’t envision herself as a deer hunter. He introduced her to archery during their field day and she still bowhunts to this day. “I’m grateful for instructors like these four who play such an important role in the community,” Mueller said. “You can clearly see they still have a passion for teaching youth firearms safety.” Those who want to become a volunteer instructor for firearms, snowmobile or ATV check out the link: www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/instructors/process.