by PAUL RAYNER

Whether they are called game wardens or conservation officers, those involved in this area of law enforcement have a dangerous and less recognized, yet vitally important, line of work. For some, the ultimate sacrifice is made.

At the North American Game Warden Museum, located in the International Peace Garden, a special and solemn ceremony was held on Saturday, September 5th. With representatives of the profession from around the continent present, the purpose, according to museum board president David Grant, was to take a moment to think of the sacrifices made.

“This is to recognize the fallen officers who have died in the line of duty,” Grant stated prior to the ceremony. “They are involved in resource protection, and they have given their lives to the cause they are dedicated to. We wanted to recognize the 378 of them who have died in the line of duty so we are holding this ceremony.”

At the ceremony, Grant gave a brief history of the Game Warden Museum, saying the concept started about 20 years ago. There was considerable public support for the museum, which would recognize officers from both sides of the border, who do similar jobs and face similar dangers.

“The fundraising in the early years was difficult, and there were daunting tasks. But the early board members did not give up.”

In 1998, Grant stated, a significant change was made, with the addition of another mission.

“We would educate the public on the role fish and wildlife play. We also retained the original role and then it took off.”

Starting out of temporary facilities, they were able to complete their present building in 2005. They created their displays and memorial gardens, and began the work that led to the ceremony and its spirit.

“It is with great honour and pride we recognize fallen officers,” Grant stated. “They accepted the dangers and risks and we honour them today.”

Peace Garden CEO Doug Hevenor said the museum was a significant addition to their overall garden. Visitors are shocked when they find out the price paid for resource protection, but it must be faced. He asked those in attendance to keep the museum alive when they leave.

“When you go home today,” Hevenor said, “tell people you have seen this.”

Bob Timian, the chief warden for North Dakota Game and Fish, said it was difficult to stand in front of the memorial stones, which carry the names of the officers from across North America being honoured. He said it reminded him of the circle of life and the changes in the seasons, which are so obvious and important for those living in our area on both sides of the border. He explained that wardens protect the resources every day of their lives, and sometimes lose them to misguided or greedy people. Timian is happy the museum and memorial gardens are there to confront an unfortunate reality.

“This does honour them,” Timian stated. “These names on the plaques are people who gave their lives to this important profession. Unfortunately we have to memorialize those whose winter came too soon.”

Robert Dean of Manitoba Conservation paid tribute to those who worked to make the museum a reality. He said the members of the museum board, past and present, did a great deal of work to get it off the ground.

“There is always a small group of people who step up and get the job done,” Dean stated. “I am honoured to be here among friends, family and co-workers.”

He added that resource protection encompassed a wide range of duties, including wildlife and water, and a diverse group of people to be honoured in the museum and ceremony.

The museum is well known and respected in the profession, said Julie Jones of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Association, who sits on the museum review committee. There to represent the National Chiefs Association, she said she had heard of the museum’s development since 2002 at meetings. As a member of the review committee, she said she helps decide who goes on the memorial plaques. Some of the names date back to the 1800’s, she explained, and it shows the dedication officers have and have always had, to their profession.

“They have a dedication to protect natural resources,” Jones stated, “but also the general public. They are parts of communities and families.”

The most poignant part of the service was the reading the names of the fallen from all states and provinces, as well as organizations like the National Park Service. Officers from both sides of the border – Grant, Jones, Brent Fuchs, Kevin Holland, Paul Freeman, Richard Labossiere, Ross Stewart and Josh Frey - took turns in reading the names, in front of their brethren, family members of the fallen and those in attendance.

Prior to the ceremony, Grant stated he was hoping the memorial would become an annual event. He felt it and the museum in general play a large role in keeping the flame alive.

“There is no place else in North America that recognizes officers who give their life in the line of duty,” he explained. “This really important, a big notice to the public of what resource officers do and that our duties do have risks and cost lives.”