Eleven members of B.C.’s Conservation Officer Service received awards today for their dedication to protecting human safety and the environment.  Below is a breakdown of the awards and the officers who were recognized.

Chief’s Commendation – Lifesaving

This award is given to any conservation officer who performs any act at any time which saves the life of another person. 

Recipient: Jason Hawkes

On June 30, 2015, Kaslo RCMP received notification that two adults and two young children were in a sinking boat on Kootenay Lake across from the Kaslo Village campground. Conservation Officer Hawkes, stationed in Nelson, was working on Kootenay Lake and overheard the RCMP requesting assistance. Conditions on the lake were very windy and wavy. When Hawkes heard the only assistance available to help rescue the family wasn’t scheduled to depart from Kaslo Marina for about 20 minutes, he decided to head in the direction of the incident to prevent any delay in rescue time. Hawkes travelled quickly to the area and located the family who were waist-deep in the water. All four were wearing a personal flotation device but due to the distance from shore, it is likely that the family would not have been able to swim to safety. Hawkes helped the four individuals out of the water and returned them safely to shore.

Recipient: Andrew Anaka

On Jan. 22, 2015, Conservation Officer Andrew Anaka became aware of two overdue anglers in the Powell River area. It was unknown where they had gone fishing in an area with many large lakes. Using his local knowledge and intuition, Anaka located an overturned boat on Khartoum Lake and quickly mobilized a search with other emergency responders. Realizing they were several hours away, he proceeded to a nearby fish culture facility where he was able to use a vessel to get to the overturned boat. Anaka located a wet and extremely hypothermic male stranded on the shoreline at the bottom of a cliff. Anaka transported the male to shore then used his patrol truck to take him to an ambulance. The male was treated in hospital and survived. Without Anaka’s quick thinking and response, this person would likely have died. Sadly, the second angler drowned after the boat overturned.

Chief’s Commendation – Exemplary Service

This award is given to any conservation officer who demonstrates outstanding skill, judgment or dedication, and/or demonstrates a high standard of conservation officer conduct or humanitarianism.

Recipient: Micah Kneller

On Sept. 6, 2015, Conservation Officer Micah Kneller responded to a grizzly bear attack on two hunters in a very remote area. The RCMP arrived first with two paramedics from Fort Nelson and were assisting one of the victims. Kneller and another paramedic arrived at last light. Kneller heard a voice yelling for help followed by a gunshot and proceeded to climb the slope toward the attack site where he located the second victim alone in the bush. The victim said he thought he was going to die until the moment he saw Kneller, then he knew he was going to live. Kneller immediately took charge of the situation and brought the group together for their safety and security.  He built a fire, provided comfort to the victims and brought a sense of calm to the situation. Kneller stayed with the victims until 3 a.m. when they were airlifted out by a search and rescue team from CFB Comox.

Award of Merit

This award is given to any conservation officer who has made a significant contribution to the Conservation Officer Service and/or has supported the COS in a significant way. It is given for developing new work processes, improved communications, special cases, new and meaningful initiatives, new investigative techniques, outstanding community service, substantial savings in organizational costs or anything else is significant that should be recognized.

Recipient: Josh Lockwood

In March 2015, the Province announced the “BC Invasive Mussel Defence Program” which requires inspectors at strategic locations throughout B.C, strong public education and outreach, robust collaboration and an enforcement regime. Sgt Josh Lockwood eagerly volunteered to be a key player in the program and assisted in the hiring, security screening, equipping and training of 12 seasonal inspectors. Lockwood ensured the inspectors had adequate safety plans and were well connected with local conservation officers. He constantly liaised with many of key government partners and built strong relationships with regional district and municipal governments to ensure the program was successful. This included inviting First Nation law enforcement units to participate in training. Lockwood was also the official media representative and conducted numerous on-camera interviews about the program.

Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal

The Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal, part of the Canadian Honours System, was established to recognize persons who work in high-risk professions and demonstrate their dedication to preserving public safety through long and outstanding service, characterized by good conduct, industry and efficiency. In 2009, the Conservation Officer Service was accepted into this federal awards program to recognize meritorious service by its "peace officers”.

Recipients must have completed 20 years of exemplary service with one or more provincial or federal organizations that employs peace officers and which eligibility has been approved by the advisory committee.  The Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal consists of a circular medal, with a shield set on a star on a maple leaf.

Recipients:

Kevin Van Damme

Steve Jacobi

Darrell Ashworth

Brad Lacey

Dave Webster

Paul McFadden

Martin Melderis