Just Named Top Cop, East Hampton Officer Saves Woman's Life

Right after receiving an "Officer of the Year" award, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Officer Liza Bobseine was called to duty.

The New York State Rifle and Pistol Association ceremony had just finished in Wallkill, N.Y. on Saturday, when Bobseine, who lives and works in East Hampton Town, was approached by a man in the parking lot who needed help for a friend.

"Upon approaching the 66-year-old woman who was sitting in a car, ECO Bobseine determined that the woman was not breathing and quickly administered rescue breathing," the DEC said in a statement.

"Due to her quick response, the woman regained consciousness and was able to be transported to the hospital in stable condition."

DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said in a statement that “In a short period of time, ECO Bobseine has proven to be a vital asset to the department’s Division of Law Enforcement and is very deserving of this recognition."

On the force for four years, "Her dedication to the state’s natural resources, outdoors and education of the public both on duty and off are to be admired," he said.

Every year, the rifle and pistol association recognizes one environmental conservation officer due to their role in hunting education and ensuring safe firearms usage.

A statewide committee of environmental conservation officers select the officer.

In October, Bobseine helped catch "" in Water Mill. She and another officer set up a deer decoy in a residential neighborhood and witnessed two men shine a light at it, in an effort to "freeze the deer" long enough to shoot it with a bow and arrow.

Bobseine, who is from Cattaraugus County, received a master's degree in natural resource management and worked as a forester for eight months before joining the DEC in 2007. She is assigned to cover East Hampton and Southampton towns.

She is also a Life Member of the National Rifle Association, a state Lifetime Sportsman License Holder and a member of the rifle and pistol association.

"Having been introduced to shooting by her parents at an early age, she began competing in the State High Power Rifle team at the age of 18 and for the past 12 years has competed and won several awards in rifle and pistol skills at the state and national level," Martens said in the statement.

The DEC said Bobseine has donated her time to firearm instruction and education through the Woman’s Outdoor Adventure program and teaching firearms law and safety at hunter education courses. They also called her an avid hunter.