Last evening a 19-year veteran of B.C.'s Conservation Officer Service from the North Island received the Conservation Officer of the Year award for 2010 in recognition of his outstanding work and professionalism.

Environment Minister Terry Lake presented Conservation Officer Gord Gudbranson with the service's highest honour at the Conservation Officer Service Ball and Awards Ceremony in Victoria.

As a Conservation Officer (CO), Gudbranson consistently receives appreciation from the public for his actions in the field and actively assists his fellow officers. He joined the Conservation Officer Service (COS) in 1992 in Lillooet where he proved himself a highly effective CO. He later transferred to the Campbell River office before moving to his current location in Black Creek where he is frequently called upon to serve as acting sergeant.

Gudbranson was nominated for his outstanding commitment to his role after a selection process that considered other candidates within the COS.

The award has been presented annually since 1992. A nominee is recognized by his or her peers for going above and beyond the typical call of duty to exemplify the values of the Conservation Officer Service: integrity, public service and protection of the environment.

Quotes:

Conservation Officer of the Year Award 2010 recipient Gord Gudbranson -

"I feel very honoured to be recognized by my peers for this prestigious award. Protecting the environment and serving the public for the last 19 years has been challenging, but very rewarding and I feel proud to get to work alongside this calibre of professionals."

Learn More:

For more information about Ministry of Environment services:

http://www.gov.bc.ca/env/

Contact:

Karen Johnston
Communications Director
Ministry of Environment
250 812-0495