Ontario Conservation Officer of the Year 2012

Peterborough – The Ontario Conservation Officers Association (OCOA) is pleased to announce that Dave Beavers was presented with a number of awards as the 2012 Conservation Officer of the Year.  The presentations were at the annual OCOA convention held in Ottawa this past weekend.  Dave works for the Aylmer Enforcement Unit.

Dave was presented with the OCOA Officer of the Year award at the banquet on Saturday night, August 18th.  “Dave is an outstanding officer and a great motivator. He has dedicated his career to protecting our valuable resources as well as being a champion for officer safety.” said OCOA President, Mike Duncan.

Dave Beavers has been a Conservation Officer for 30 years.  Some of the highlights of his career include:

  • Dave was the “first” MNR officer to attend the Ontario Provincial Police Basic Marine Training Course in 1988. It was through Dave’s professionalism on this course which helped pave the way for future officers to attend and foster the current MNR/OPP partnership of today;
  • Dave’s expertise and experience in investigating night hunting occurrences has been recognized and called upon numerous times, he has been requested to assist and lead in many projects throughout his career;
  • Dave led a major investigation into the illegal sale of Ontario Hunting Licences resulting in approximately 20 charges involving at least three known licence issuers;
  • Dave led a yearlong investigation for a major over harvest/production quota of Aggregate material. He was a key component in suggesting alternative sentencing measures that was viewed as an effective deterrent
  • Dave been actively involved in community outreach through Crime Stoppers and numerous Fishing and Outdoor shows.

During his acceptance of the award, Dave said, “I am humbled by this award and want to thank the many great officers I have had the pleasure to work with throughout my 30 years.”

Dave was also presented with the MNR Officer of the Year award by Natural Resources Minister, Michael Gravelle.  “This is an award given to you by your peers, and it is easy to see how much your peers respect you by this reception they have given you here tonight,” said Minister Gravelle.  Also in attendance was Lois Deacon, Director of the MNR Enforcement Branch.

The other nominees for the Officer of the Year, 2012 were:

Mark Bailie, and
Mitch Phinney

These officers were also recognized during the convention.

Dave was nominated for the award by several of his peers.  The selection was done by a committee comprised of both OCOA and MNR members.

In addition, Dave also received the Shikar-Safari Club International Wildlife Officer of the Year Award.

For more information contact:

Mike Duncan
President
Ontario Conservation Officers Association
(705) 749-2689
mduncan@ocoa.ca