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Thomas D. Lahay, Staff Instructor

 

…served thirty one (31) years with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division as an Indiana Conservation Officer prior to joining the staff at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in November of 2016.

As an Indiana Conservation Officer, Lt. Lahay was heavily involved as an underwater Search and Rescue Diver, a field training officer, a K-9 handler, and a Sonar Operator.  Serving his entire career as a field officer, Lt. Lahay also served a role in their Investigations Section (covert and overt), as a certified Evidence Technician and Photographer, and as a Public Information Officer.  During his years of service with the DNR, he received numerous awards, including District Officer of the Year, Division Officer of the Year, Hunter Education Instructor of the Year, and several commendations for heroism and life-saving.

Lt. Lahay is a certified Generalist Instructor, Firearms Instructor (handgun, shotgun and patrol rifle), Active Shooter Instructor, First Responder, and Armorer (handgun, shotgun, and rifle).  At the present time, he is assigned to the In-Service section, and will be participating in Instructor Development and other in-service training.

Graduating as class president with the eighty-second (82nd) Basic Session of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, Lt. Lahay received degrees from Vincennes University, after studying Law Enforcement, Conservation Law Enforcement and Homeland Security.  Lt. Lahay became an adjunct instructor at Vincennes University in the Law Enforcement and Conservation Law Enforcement programs in 2005, where he taught Survey of Criminal Justice, Criminal Investigations, Police Operations and Wildlife Criminal Investigations.

Away from academy life, Lt. Lahay likes to hunt and fish, as well as spend time with his wife (32 years) and daughter.