A Conservation Officer’s main duty is to protect the environment and wildlife but they are here for our public safety as well.
Jason Hawkes – a Nelson based CO – has been given the Chief Conservation Officer’s Commendation for Life Saving.
This after saving a family who’s boat got into trouble on the east shore of Kootenay Lake earlier this year.
Hawkes says the rescue was a group effort with other agencies communicating from the shore.
Hawkes was patrolling the lake that day.
He says the conservation office has a broad training mandate which includes helping other agencies when needed, such as fire departments.