Peabody, of Northport, is a game warden of 16 years. Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Lee Perry promoted him to the rank of colonel from sergeant in 1998. Upon promotion in 1998, Peabody immediately went to work implementing an action plan whose objective was to restore morale within the service and provide improved service to the public through enhanced training, supervision, field operations, and financing. Peabody's plan has lead to advancements in the areas of preventative enforcement, public relations, and innovative operations. His work recently earned him the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Organization's Law Enforcement Award for outstanding achievement in the field of conservation law enforcement.

Kleiner, of Union, was appointed I&E Director in December, 1998 by Commissioner Perry. Under Kleiner's lead, the department was recognized last year by the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Organizations for its work in promoting and raising the awareness of the need for scientific fisheries and wildlife management. Kleiner, who was named as the individual most responsible for the award, oversaw an information and educational program that included television show production, TV series sponsorship, 30 second infomercials, newspaper coverage, public forums and an enhanced web presence. The information and education division of IFW includes the agency's information center, the Maine Wildlife Park, recreational safety education, youth activities, natural science education, public relations and marketing.