According to the IAFWA, this is not an officer of the year award, and it is not given out each year. Rather the award was developed to recognize outstanding accomplishments above and beyond doing a "good job." The award recognizes outstanding achievements in conservation law enforcement that enhances the professionalism and significant advancement of conservation law enforcement in the areas of preventive enforcement, forensic techniques, equipment development, public relations, innovative operations and conservation enforcement research.

Peabody, of Northport, is a game warden of 14 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.

During his tenure:

* Fish and wildlife enforcement has become a priority in both philosophy and in statutory authority. Game wardens are provided with training addressing all aspects of the principles, law and procedures embodied in the new directives.
* Field wardens are refocused on detection and apprehension of repeat offenders and intentional serious violations of fish and wildlife conservation laws using modern technology and techniques, including the development and use of a forensic lab to prosecute violators. This lab is so effective, it is used now by other states.
* Game wardens achieve compliance with fish and wildlife conservation laws through the application of community policing principles and preventative activities.
* Game wardens prevent violations from occurring by providing people with information through the Outdoor Partners program. The program involves the use of information checkpoints during large public events or periods of peak outdoor activities.
* Through a combination of grants from state and federal sources and public funding, outdated equipment has been upgraded.