A 19-year veteran of B.C.'s conservation officer service from Black creek received the Conservation Officer of the Year award for 2010 in recognition of his outstanding work and professionalism.
Environment Minister Terry Lake presented CO Gord Gudbranson with the service's highest honour at the Conservation Officer Service Ball and Awards Ceremony Saturday in Victoria.
"I feel very honoured to be recognized by my peers for this prestigious award," Gudbranson said. "Protecting the environment and serving the public for the last 19 years has been challenging, but very rewarding and I feel proud to get to work alongside this calibre of professionals."
"I want to congratulate Gord Gudbranson on being chosen for this award, and for setting a superb example for other conservation officers to follow," commented Environment Minister Terry Lake. "As a veterinarian, I appreciate that Officer Gudbranson is known for his compassionate and gentle demeanour when dealing with injured wildlife."
"Gord has a tremendous commitment to investigative challenges and protecting the public from wildlife-human conflict, and he shows such enthusiasm for helping his colleagues and the public," added Chief Conservation Officer Ed Illi. "His Involvement in several community organizations and events while representing the
conservation officer service shows he takes great pride in his work."
As a CO, Gudbranson consistently receives appreciation from the public for his actions in the field and actively assists his fellow officers. He joined the conservation officer service in 1992 in Lillooet, where he proved himself a highly effective CO. He later transferred to the Campbell River office before moving to his current location in Black Creek. He is frequently called upon to serve as acting sergeant.
Gudbranson was nominated for his outstanding commitment to his role after a selection process that considered other candidates within the COs.
The award has been presented annually since 1992. A nominee is
recognized by his or her peers for going above and beyond the typical call of duty to exemplify the values of the conservation officer service — integrity, public service and protection of the environment.
— Ministry of Environment