Staff photos/Rhonda Silence Top: The 2009 youth AT V safety class was small, but determined. They participated in the field testing in 30-degree weather and frigid winds on Saturday, May 16. (L-R) Volunteer Chuck Silence, Devyn Deschampe, instructor Steve Lashinski, Nathan Carlson, instructor Eric Nelms, Thomas Anderson, AT V Club president Mickey Brazell, Adrianna Berglund, DNR Conservation Officer Darin Fagerman, Raynee Wolke, instructor Kim Linnell, DNR Conservation Officer Mary Manning, and 2009 AT V Safety Instructor of the Year, Dick Parker.
Last week the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced its 2008 ATV Safety Training Instructor of the Year. This year’s recipient of the statewide award is Richard “Dick” Parker of Grand Marais. Parker received his award before the youth ATV safety field testing at the old airfield at Devil Track Lake on Saturday, May 16.
Cook County ATV Club President Mickey Brazell was on hand and said he was privileged to present the award to Parker. Brazell said the ATV Club nominated Parker for the award to acknowledge the integral part he played in bringing ATV safety training to Cook County’s youth. “We appreciate all the time and effort you put into ATV safety training. No one deserves this more,” said Brazell.
Parker has been a snowmobile and firearm safety instructor for many years. As ATVs have become more popular, he recognized the need for a strong ATV youth safety program in Cook County. He worked very hard with local DNR Conservation Officers and Cook County Community Education to establish an ATV safety education program. The first ATV safety classes were held in 2004.
Lower Left: Cook County AT V Club president Mickey Brazell presents the DNR 2008 AT V Safety Instructor of the Year Award to Richard “Dick” Parker of Grand Marais before the start of the 2009 youth safety training on Saturday, May 16. Brazell credited Parker for his part in establishing the youth AT V safety program six years ago and for all his hard work coordinating the Cook County AT V safety program.
Recognizing that more youths need to participate in ATV safety training, Parker has worked very hard to communicate to the public the importance of safety training. He has done a great job of getting information to the local newspaper, radio station, and schools about the availability and scheduling of classes.
Parker is involved in both the classroom and field testing portions of safety training. He has even made special arrangements to provide testing to students who were visiting grandparents, so they could enjoy ATVing with the proper certification and safety training. In its nomination, the ATV Club wrote, “Parker is friendly and patient with students, going over training materials
thoroughly to make sure they understand. However, his authoritative manner makes it very clear that operating an ATV is a big responsibility.”
Lower Right: DNR CO Mary Manning and Tom Wahlstrom carefully oversee Devyn Deschampe as he practices riding on sloped terrain. Parker, the COs, and other volunteers set up the course the night before.
Parker was also nominated by the club because of his commitment to expanding ATV safety education beyond youth classes. A regular attendee at Cook County ATV Club meetings, Dick recently suggested that he ask questions of these adult riders, to see how familiar they are with ATV safety and laws. This “Pop Quiz” has been very informative to adult riders.
The DNR also received letters of support for Parker to be the Instructor of the Year Award from Cook County Community Education, which expressed appreciation for Parker’s efforts in coordinating the safety program; from Grand Marais DNR Conservation Officer Darin Fagerman; and from fellow ATV safety instructor Kim Linnell, who wrote, “Dick spends as much time as is needed to help young students learn ATV safety rules. He also incorporates information on ethical riding and good stewardship of our environment. I think the DNR would have a hard time finding someone who is more dedicated to educating ATVers—especially youths. He would be an excellent choice for the 2009 ATV Safety Volunteer Instructor of the Year.”
Parker thanked the ATV Club and the DNR for the honor but wasted no time in continuing his efforts to get more people to take part in safety training. “I am really disappointed to see how small the class is this year. I wish we could find a way to get every kid to take this training,” he said.
After receiving the award, Parker quickly got to work doing what he does best, overseeing the students in this year’s ATV safety training.
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