Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recently honored Robert “Bob” Sopoci of Grand Marais, who has served as a snowmobile safety instructor for the Minnesota DNR for 30 years.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Conservation Officer Mary Manning recently made a special presentation. CO Manning said safety classes for area youth are only possible because of the dedication of community volunteers. One such outstanding volunteer is Robert “Bob” Sopoci of Grand Marais, who has served as a snowmobile safety instructor for the Minnesota DNR for 30 years.
Sopoci noted that he started as a snowmobile safety instructor “about four game wardens ago.” He said he has enjoyed working with them all, including today’s conservation officers. “They are a lot of fun,” said Sopoci.
CO Manning was pleased to present a lovely cardinal print inscribed “Robert E. Sopoci, 30 year Snowmobile Instructor.” The print, appropriately, is a winter scene. Sopoci spent more than his share of time in frigid winter weather field-testing area youths in the snowmobile safety course.
“Some years we have marginal snow and some years it has been unbelievably cold. I hope we get some snow this year,” said Sopoci, who plans to continue as an instructor.
Asked how many students have passed through snowmobile safety during his tenure, Sopoci said he doesn’t know. However, he added, “Now I’m seeing the children of kids I’ve taught!”
Sopoci has also been a firearms safety instructor for over 30 years.
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