‘It is truly an honour’
By: Jason Hewlett
Kamloops Daily News
April 14, 2010
http://www.kamloopsnews.ca/
The environment is among Canada’s most important resources, which is why it’s important to honour those who put their lives on the line to protect it, the province’s lieutenant-governor said Tuesday.
“Today we get the opportunity to recognize your contribution to Canada,” Steven Point said to the more than 50 conservation officers who attended an awards ceremony in their honour.
Point, along with chief conservation officer Ed Illi, presented the Peace Officers Exemplary Service Medal to the COs at the JR Vicars Armoury Tuesday afternoon.
The medal was created in 2004 to recognize peace officers who served in an exemplary manner and characterized good conduct, industry and efficiency.
Point said the conservation service stands alongside the RCMP and Canadian Armed Forces as an integral service to the country. He has travelled extensively abroad and believes the work the men and women do is an important part of Canada’s identity.
“We stand on your shoulders,” he said to the uniformed men standing at attention before him. “Protection of our natural resources is fundamental to Canada.”
He said Canada’s forests and wildlife are envied by visitors to our country, but are at times taken for granted by Canadians. The conservation service works hard to protect the environment.
“You, at times, put yourselves at risk, put your lives in jeopardy,” he said, adding the officers’ families, and Canadians in general, appreciate the risk.
“It is truly an honour to be here with you.”
Point then went from officer to officer and delivered the medals.
Kelly Dahl is one of the men who shook Point’s hand. Dahl has been a CO for 23 years, the last 13 spent in the Kamloops area. He is pleased that he received a medal, he said.
“It’s nice to be recognized as a peace officer and for the work we do in the province,” said Dahl.
He worked as a general duty officer in Chilliwack and Smithers before coming to Kamloops. Dahl currently serves as a detective sergeant with a special investigations unit.
“We work all over the province,” he said.
Mayor Peter Milobar and Kamloops RCMP Supt. Jim Begley attended the ceremony.