Sergeant John R. Hendricks....Serving since June 1, 1969...now retired
"Forget not from whence you came."  "Treat your personnel the way you wanted to treated by your supervisors.  Be a good listener, and be willing to compromise."
"Treat the public which you serve with respect and courtesy." 
"BE CAREFUL OUT THERE."

Region IV 
District 10

John R. Hendricks grew up on a farm with a love for the outdoors near Quincy, Illinois.  He attended Quincy Senior High School then attended Southern University in Carbondale following graduation.  He raised ducks and geese, worked on the family farm, was a member of and class president of Future Farmers of America.  Today he lives and works in Jacksonville, Illinois Region IV District 10 as a Conservation Police Sergeant. Sergeant John R. Hendricks is Happily Married to his wife Kathy for 22 plus years.  They have lived in Jacksonville for the last 15 where they enjoy gardening, swimming and raising family pets.

Badge #241 - Sgt. John R. Hendricks had to purchase is own duty weapon and was Armed with S+W 19 4" barrel .38 - His issued vehicle was a 1967 Stick Ford with 120,000 Miles

Sergeant John R. Hendricks

was getting ready for his first day of work.  Over 31 years ago a young officer was willing and ready to travel anywhere in the state for the career of a lifetime.

Inspector I John R. Hendricks was not hired as part of a regular recruit class.  Rather, hired by former Director William Rutherford, from Peoria Illinois, and the then Chief of the Law Enforcement Division John Rebuffoni who had no interest in John's personal political affiliation.  He was hired strictly on his qualifications, his merits and integrity.  His training was administered in the field with other officers called FTO's, or Field Training Officers and supervisors.  He was going to be stationed in Chicago for 30-90 days as a temporary assignment with expectations of getting a permanent assignment closer to home in Quincy Illinois Adams County.  His 90 days turned into 9 months.  He continued to call home and return on his days off taking the train back home to save on money.  His wife and  daughter Heather missed him very much.  

His ambition carried an aggressive enforcement position which adapted well with the big city.  His first citation was given at BECK LAKE in DesPlaines Illinois, part of the Cook County Forest Preserve District for no fishing license.

After spending 9 months in Chicago he was transferred back to Adams County.  Unfortunately his stay down south was a short one due to the fact that John administered the Conservation Laws fairly and equitably to all democrats and republicans alike.  Unfortunately his reward for this, after only serving 90 days in Adams County, was he was politically transferred back to Cook County because he ran a foul with the local politicians.  After 90 days he was transferred back to Chicago to work.  John would return to Adams county every day off.  He would take the train in order to save on money and gas.  While working in Cook County Sergeant John R. Hendricks spent many days working William Powers State Conservation Area,  When asked about his weekends off John replied "We did not get any weekends off.  We had to make sure everything was covered.  It was part of the job".  His love of the Job showed.

 As  the rest of the world was focused on the first dusty footprints left by MEN ON THE MOON , Inspector John. R. Hendricks was checking areas of Chicago for fish and game violations.  Inspector Hendricks and his car F77 patrolled areas like William Powers State Conservation Area, Beck Lake, Montrose Harbor, and O'Hare field were on his list of areas to patrol.  He would spend time checking commercial fisheries, taxidermists, bank fishermen, and waterfowl hunters.

After a few years on the force John was showing promise with his species identification.  So much progress he was appointed the State's first endangered species officer in 1971 by Director Anthony Dean.  John worked very closely with Special Agents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)  in the northeast portion of the state.  He would frequent O'Hare field and work with SA TOM WHARTON and SA VICTOR BLAZEVIC and SA JOHN MINNICK of the USFWS at O'Hare field the port of entry.

In 1974 a new Chief of Law Enforcement was appointed by the state and he changed the names from Inspectors to Conservation Police Officers.  The name is still used today.

31 plus years

Chiefs:
John Robafoni
Bill Miller
Don Hastings

Bill Brey
Larry Closson
Tom Wakolbinger

Illinois Conservation Police offer advancement to Sergeant with an application to Central Management Systems.  Inspector John R. Hendricks decided to apply in 1975.  With his good management skills and ability to work well with other officers gave him the edge he needed to get the job.  Inspector John R. Hendricks, now Sergeant John R. Hendricks, was given Region 4 District 10  his "home area". 

In 1975 he worked "Spring Ducks" in his district.  This was a time when the resources were overlooked.  Sergeant John R. Hendricks spent a lot of time aggressively enforcing waterfowl hunting in his area and on the Illinois River.

One aspect of waterfowl enforcement John is particular about is prosecution and working with the USFWS.  Most of his cases involving migratory waterfowl were prosecuted in federal court.  Waterfowl enforcement was then and continues to be today his number one enforcement priority.  

  After several  years of citing repeat violators of the MBTA and working with the courts his efforts were felt throughout the community.  Even to this day people still recognize Sergeant John R. Hendricks as the lead officer who carefully planned and organized the details with both state and federal wildlife officers to combat unlawful spring waterfowl hunting activities along the Illinois River near Beardstown Illinois.  Sergeant John R. Hendricks takes particular pride in his districts leading the state  year after year in terms of number MBTA cases involving the unlawful taking of migratory birds dove/ waterfowl on or over baited areas or by the aid of bait. Some years this distinction was shared with Sergeant Roger Smith's (retired) district.  In closing these cases would not have been accomplished without the excellent cooperation of the USFWS and its Special Agents.  It was a joint team effort of both state and federal agents and in particular Special Agent Pilot Jerry Sommers (retired) and Special Agent Pilot Ralph VonDane who have flown hours and hours of aerial intelligence which resulted in locating the unlawfully baited areas.  Also Special Agent John Mendoza, Special Agent Tim Santel, Special Agent Mike Damico,  Special Agent Joe Budzyn, Special Agent Keri Halpen,  Special Agent Vic Blavevic, Special Agent pilot George (Skip) Lacey, and Special Agent Tom Wharton.  Much of the success they have had is a direct result in working with the USFWS and it's Special Agents.

One fact about waterfowl enforcement that keeps Sergeant John R. Hendricks and District 10 working is "Hard work and effort through education results in species preservation and personal satisfaction"

Another important part of police work is appearance.  One area which Sergeant John R. Hendricks prides himself on is the campaign style hats currently worn by our officers today.  Sergeant John R. Hendricks stresses the importance in looking good in uniform.  He has acquired the name of Sergeant Brasso because he spends so much time making his equipment and brass looking good.  Studies have shown a well dressed officer is more effective in the field.  John viewed the campaign style hats as being the benchmark of professionalism.

Sergeant John R. Hendricks also has pushed to get regulations on dead set nets changed.  The problem was concerning spring migrations of ducks and commercial fishermen.  The commercial fishermen would set nets in the water and leave them.  As time passes by if the nets are not monitored both diver ducks and puddle ducks dive and become entangled in the nets.  The decline in duck populations, specifically the Scaup (bluebill), have been directly impacted as a direct result of dead set (unattended) nets.  Sergeant John R. Hendricks adds "These regulations should have been in place years ago".  Certain dates have regulations in place for dead set nets.  The intent of this law is not to affect the livelihood of the commercial fishermen but rather help control the unnecessary deaths of the migratory waterfowl.  Currently USFWS is actively reviewing the unattended commercial fishing nets issue.

EARLY STARTS....
Every day is a good day when you have the best job in the world.  That is the concept Sergeant John R. Hendricks has used to keep him going strong for the last 31 years.  His day can start off early and coordinate details with field officers.  His day also includes checking in with site specific lands and monitoring check in stations.  Land management personnel help a great deal in law enforcement.  At Sanganois State Wildlife Area site Superintendent Dan Cowen and Jeff Hopps share bird counts, hunter facts, and fish kill information.  
Part of his day is also checking compliance in hunting and fishing licenses.  This means he has to sit down and study some of the log information to see if the numbers add up.

LATE STARTS... 
Poaching takes place all times of the day and night.  Here Sergeant John R. Hendricks is getting his gear ready to check baited watering holes along the Illinois River.  Common tools are bait scoops, evidence collection bags, a small hand held flashlight with a red lens, 2 way radio, good walking shoes, camouflage clothing, bug repellant and good camera.  

One of the most important items is a skilled and experienced backup officer.  Someone to drop him or her off in the cover of darkness and stay out of sight until the bait collection is complete.  It is important to have a good drop off man to keep concealment and covert operations running good.  Sergeant John R. Hendricks takes an active role in ingress and egress these areas and has coined the reputation as the nation's finest drop off man.  Sergeant John R. Hendricks' role has changed in more recent years to get his officers in and out of waterfowl clubs undetected.

The standard equipment issued was an ID badge, citation book, 3 shirts with 3 patches.  When John R. Hendricks was first hired he did not get a patrol car.  Radios were not an accessory at the time either.  Citations (tickets) commanded a $15.00 fine and the cost of a fishing license was $2.25 and $3.25 for hunting.

Oddly enough only one patch was affixed to the uniform back in 1969.  The left side of the shirt displayed the patch.  Nothing was placed on the right side.

The Job in 1969 demanded 12 hour days sometimes 14 or more.  There was no schedule to follow and overtime was not an option. Most of the officers did not concern themselves with overtime now called comp time.  The job was not done until the mission was accomplished and overtime was not a concern for conservation officers back then.  They loved the job so much they were not concerned.  Inspector I John R. Hendricks and his counterparts were compensated for $419.00 per month in Chicago.  Times were so difficult there were times that Inspector I John R. Hendricks stayed at the state site William Conservation Area in one of the maintenance buildings to just get by.  He loved the job so much it was worth the discomfort of being away from home.  Illinois Beach State Park and Chain O'lake State Park was also part of his assignment.  Inspector I John R. Hendricks also enjoyed working the smelt details with other officers from around the state.  The time in April brought good arrests.  Inspector I John R. Hendricks also worked with Inspector I Jerry Kramarczyk, Bruce Benstein, Monte Burnham, Harold Knight, Inspector II Harold Young, Inspector III Mark Tuttle, and Inspector I Gillbert Anderson.

To see an original permit and citation book cover click on one of the pictures listed below.

 
Issued July 19, 1969

Sergeant John R. Hendricks has a story for all of Illinois conservation laws. As the laws and resource has changed over the years so has his enforcement style.  One case that is fresh in his mind is a commercial fish detail worked in conjunction with the USFWS.  The case involved violations of several state and  federal laws.  Illinois Conservation Police, Tennessee Department of Natural Resources officers, and Illinois officers watched commercial markets and waited patiently for the unlawful game fish to arrive.  The major violation was the Black Bass Act and LACEY ACT (which is now incorporated LACEY ACT), which involved the interstate transportation of illegal fish and game.  The transportation took place in pickup trucks with coolers carrying loads of rough fish.  Under the thousands of pounds of fish were illegal game fish and sometimes illegally taken waterfowl to be sold to Chicago restaurants and the black markets.  Months of interviews, covert investigations, surveillance, and coordination with multiple agencies resulted in arrests and the seizure of 1000's of pounds of fish.

Another time enforcing commercial exploitation of game fish was in a local area where Rich Logsdon and Kevin Bettis were observing a father and son setting commercial fish nets for crappie.  Officer Logsdon entered a float tube (similar to the ones bass fishermen use) and concealed himself in the underbrush.  Waiting for the father and son to come in and dump the fish into their live box.  Sergeant John R.  Hendricks and the others seized the fish and equipment, performed field interviews and made arrests.  Most of the fish were shipped illegally to Chicago on the black market.   The results were of a felony nature due to the large quantity of crappie fish.  A long Jury trial in Mason County resulted in a guilty conviction and revocation of their fishing privileges with the loss of their equipment, plate boat and motor.

Sergeant John R. Hendricks has been on the force for over 3 decades.  In his years if being Sergeant he has had the opportunity to work with CPOs Jim Getz (now Captain Getz Lake Michigan unit), Rich Powell (now Deputy Chief in Springfield), Mark Ottis (now Captain Ottis Region IV), and Jenny Henry (now Sergeant Springfield).  Who all began their conservation law enforcement careers in district 10 working with Sergeant Hendricks.  All were former District 10 personnel. 

Every year Sergeant John R. Hendricks spends time getting involved in the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Illinois.  He has been working the fair since 1969 and has enjoyed meeting thousands of people who visit wanting to learn more about conservation law enforcement and wildlife.  Sergeant John R. Hendricks believes information and education are  key elements in a successful and complete law enforcement program.  "Sharing safety and historical information with Illinois residents gives them a better idea and perspective on enjoying the outdoors".  It’s not only the officers that he supervises but also the people who return to the booth year after year that make Sergeant John R. Hendricks proud to be a part of Illinois State Fair detail every year.  It is the people both the officers that share the fair details and the public that return to conservation world very year that make Sergeant John R. Hendricks proud to be a part of Illinois State Fair detail every year.  Sergeant John R. Hendricks has years of photographs from the state fair in the PHOTO PAGE.  Officer Jack Rife also has some pictures from the state fair on his interview page.

In respect to priorities and law enforcement Sergeant John R. Hendricks feels there should be a strong focus and priority placed on resource protection with additional manpower to facilitate it.  He also adds that an increase in field personal would be a great benefit to the resource.

Years of enforcement have been good to Sergeant John R. Hendricks.  He has contributed to many worthwhile causes.  Several of these programs have acknowledged Sergeant John R. Hendricks by giving him awards.  In 1995 and 1996 Sergeant John R. Hendricks was awarded an honor he holds very dear to his heart.  This honor is important because of all the enforcement hours Sergeant John R. Hendricks has put forth in waterfowl.  The Mississippi Flyway Council bestowed their high honor of Waterfowl Enforcement Officer Of The Year.  It is Sergeant John R. Hendricks ideas on "Ducks ARE limited" that helped him achieve such a great award.

Advice from Sergeant John R. Hendricks

Advice to both new and senior supervisors.

  "Forget not from whence you came."  "Treat your personnel the way you wanted to be treated by your supervisors.  Be a good listener, and be willing to compromise."

"Treat the public which you serve with respect and courtesy." 
"BE CAREFUL OUT THERE."

Sergeant John. R. Hendricks recently retired form Illinois Conservation Police and is enjoying retirement with his family and friends.