Latest News
April 2010
Conservation Officer Service members receive Peace Officers Exemplary Service Medals
Lieutenant-governer Stephen Point, along with chief conservation officer Ed Illi, presented the Peace Officers Exemplary Service Medal to past and present members of the Conservation Officer Service in Kamloops on April 13th.
The Peace Officers Exemplary Service Medal was created on June 22, 2004 and recognizes peace officers who have served in an exemplary manner, characterized by good conduct, industry and efficiency.
Recipients must have completed 20 years of exemplary service with one or more provincial or federal organizations that employ peace officers, and which eligibility has been approved by the Advisoree Committee.
The BC Conservation Officer Service was recognized by the Chancellory in Ottawa last year, and this ceremony is the first of our members. This Federally Gazetted medal is part of the Canadian Honours system is held by the Governor General of Canada.
The Medal is circular with a shield set on a star on a maple leaf. The words “Exemplary Service” from a circle around the maple leaf. On the back, Her Majesty’s Royal Cipher appears. The ribbon suspending the medal is dark blue, light blue, gold and green.
Medal Recipients:
Serving COS members: Andrew Anaka, Jim Beck, Shawn Brinsky, Joe Caravetta, Warren Chayer, Jim Corbett, Bob Coyle, Kelly Dahl, Arnold DeBoon, Frank DeBoon, Barry Farynuk, Doug Forsdick, Joe Garay, Ray Gilewicz, Mike Girard, Gord Hithcock, Mitch Kendall, Mike Krause, Ralph Krenz, Al Lay, Barb Leslie, Josh Lockwood, Darcy MacPhee, Paul McFadden, Paul McGhie, Pat McHarg, Martin Melderis, Rod Olsen, Del PArker, Murray Smith, Lance Sundquist, Lawrence Umsonst, Gary Van Spengen, Paul Visentin, Steven Wasylik, Mark West, Bob Workman
Retired or non-serving: Frederick Barnes, Alvin Breitkreutz, Kenneth Broadland, Pat Browne-Clayton, Gerald Brunham, Douglas Campbell, Walter Cibulka, Richard Daloise, Cor DeBoon, Daniel Dwyer, Don Eden, David Elliot (posthumous), Ralph Escott, Kenneth Fujino, Douglas Gillett, Frank Guillon, Rick Hahn, Richard Hoar, Pat Holder, Gary Horncastle, Greg Hoyer, Larry Johnston, Kay Keding, Robert Lay, Heinz Leuenberger, Kenneth McLennan, Colin Nivison, Dennis Pemble, Doug Pierce, Kiethe Rande, Bob Rattee, Roy Slavens, Bill Stalker, Peter Stent, James Stephen, William Turnbull, Murray Vatamaniuck, Bruce Voth
December 2009
Kamloops Becomes B.C.'s First 'BearSmart' Community
The Ministry of Environment, in partnership with the British Columbia Conservation Foundation and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, is pleased to announce the City of Kamloops is B.C.’s very first ‘Bear Smart’ Community, Environment Minister Barry Penner announced today.
“Kamloops stepped up to the plate by developing a community plan to reduce bear-human conflicts, installing bear-proof garbage cans, and educating people about Bear Smart practices,” said Penner. “I congratulate the residents of Kamloops for their diligence and enthusiasm in working towards Bear Smart status and achieving it, and setting an example for other communities to follow.”
Designed by the Ministry of Environment, in partnership with the British Columbia Conservation Foundation and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, the Bear Smart Community program is a voluntary, preventative conservation program.
Read the full press release.
December 2009
$115,000 Fine for 2008 Chemical Spill
Following an investigation by the Ministry of Environment’s Commercial Environmental Investigation Unit (CEIU), Teck (formerly known as Teck Cominco) was sentenced in Rossland provincial court for a chemical spill that took place on May 28, 2008 in Trail, B.C.
On Sept. 2, 2009, Teck pleaded guilty to one count under the Environmental Management Act (EMA) for “introducing business waste into the environment.” On Dec. 2, 2009, the company was sentenced to a total penalty of $115,000. Environment Minister Barry Penner notes that this is the largest fine in B.C. history for a single count under the legislation.
The penalty will be divided as follows: a fine of $5,000, and a creative sentencing provision of $110,000 that directs funds to White Sturgeon compensation on the Columbia River.
On May 28, 2008, Teck discharged 900 kilograms of lead refinery electrolyte and 360 litres of acid into the Columbia River following a technical failure at its Trail lead and zinc refinery. The spill occurred when a heat-exchange unit failed, resulting in chemicals spilling down a storm water drain, which leads into the Columbia River. The release of lead refinery electrolyte took place over a five-hour period.
Officers from the Ministry of Environment’s CEIU, a specialized investigative branch of the Conservation Officer Service, and Environmental Protection staff investigated the incident. Charges were laid under the EMA and the Federal Fisheries Act on March 12, 2009.
Read the full press release.
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Conservation Officer Service
