A Chilliwack conservation officer is one of 10 officers being recognized for going above and beyond to protect British Columbia's residents and natural resources.
Environment Minister Mary Polak joined Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon as she presented the Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal to the conservation officers during their annual recertification training on Friday.
Don Stahl was among the recipients.
A conservation officer for 17 years in the Chilliwack area, Stahl also spent three years as a fisheries officer, and four seasons as a park ranger.
"The Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal is a tangible way to honour dedicated conservation officers for their years of outstanding public service,” said Guichon. “It is an honour to congratulate them on this achievement and thank them for their dedication and courage."
In addition to the Exemplary Service Medals, conservation officer Simon Gravel was recognized with the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association 2013 Lifesaving Award for rescuing a woman who fell off her paddleboard in Howe Sound. Without a personal flotation device, the woman could barely keep her head above water when Gravel found her. The conservation officer pulled her from the water and immediately began treatment for hypothermia, saving her life.
“I am extremely proud of all our conservation officers, and the dedication they show in protecting both public safety and the environment,” said Polak. “These officers serve the province with great integrity and courage. Congratulations to those members of the Conservation Officer Service awarded with this great honour."