(The following is a synopsis from the OCOA By-Laws. Please refer to them if clarification is sought)
Officer of the Year
The Officer of the Year Award be available to any active badge carrying Conservation Officer within the Ontario MNR enforcement program who is full member in good standing of the O.C.O.A..
The officer of the year selection criteria shall include:
- Must be a full time and properly appointed conservation officer in the province of Ontario.
- An officer whose character is beyond reproach.
- An officer who is competent, knowledgeable and capable.
- An officer who promotes wildlife law enforcement.
- An officer who demonstrates professionalism in every facet of life.
- An officer who is actively involved in their community and profession (association).
- An officer who may have achieved a major accomplishment in the past year or years.
The Officer of the Year shall be selected by a committee consisting of:
- OCOA President or his/her representative
- OCOA Vice-President or his/her representative
- OCOA Secretary or Treasurer or his/her representative
Selection will take place as early in the calendar year as possible. Calls for nominations will go out in the last quarter of the year and close at year end. The selection will be made no later than the end of February.
Outstanding Achievement Award
This award shall be approved and voted on by the executive at the winter executive meeting beginning in 2011. This award is retroactively effective to January 1, 2010.
Outstanding Achievement Award selection criteria:
- Must be a member of the OCOA who has achieved a major enforcement accomplishment that has had a significant impact or contribution related to our natural resources profession.
- Must have demonstrated innovation, excellence or leadership.
Certificate of Life Saving
Our Association will honour any member (members) who saves or attempts to save a human life.
Certificate of Valour
Awarded to a member (members) who voluntarily distinguish themselves above and beyond the call of duty and perform an act (acts) without regard for his or her personal safety in the face of imminent danger.
Certificate of Bravery
Our Association will honour any person or persons who voluntarily perform a courageous act which assists a member of this Association in a potentially hazardous situation.
Plaque of Appreciation
Appreciation for years of dedicated service to the enforcement of resource legislation.
Must be recommended by an OCOA full member, and has held a CO appointment for minimum 15 years, and has been an OCOA member in good standing for previous 8 years.
Appreciation for efforts that have assisted the OCOA in meeting it’s objectives.
Must be recommended by an OCOA full member, and is an individual or group who have been recognized by the OCOA Executive.
(Send letter to nominate)
Certificate of Appreciation
To be presented to a member in good standing, or any Ontario Conservation Officer or Deputy Conservation Officer as approved by the Officers of the Association, upon retirement or upon leaving the position of an MNR enforcement officer.
(Send letter to nominate)
The Excellence in Service Award (13-08-2021)
Shall be approved and voted on by the executive at the OCOA winter executive meeting
The recipient of this award must be a full time and properly appointed conservation officer in the province of Ontario and be a member in good standing of the OCOA who has demonstrated professionalism, leadership and excellence in service (or any combination thereof) toward the field of natural resource law enforcement. The award will be bestowed upon an officer that has demonstrated throughout or at any time during their career as a conservation officer any or all of the following;
- constantly demonstrates that they are striving for excellence at any stage of their career,
- leads by example of their conduct and uniform deportment,
- motivates others utilizing coaching and mentoring skills,
- champions professionalism and embodies what it is to be a professional law enforcement officer,
- strives for the betterment of all officers
Career Recognition Award
The selection criteria are as follows:
- Must be a full time and properly appointed conservation officer in the province of Ontario;
- An officer whose character is beyond reproach;
- An officer who is competent, knowledgeable and capable;
- An officer who promotes wildlife law enforcement;
- An officer who demonstrates professionalism in every facet of life;
- An officer who is actively involved in their community and profession;
- An officer who displays a fulfilling career of contribution to natural resource protection;
- Must be an OCOA member in good standing
OCOA Torch Award
Presented annually to an officer from each region, to encourage the professional development of recently appointed officers. The selection criteria are as follows:
- Both nominating and nominated officers must be regular OCOA member;
- Nominated officer must not have worked as a wildlife enforcement officer more than five Years;
- Must have demonstrated a genuine desire to protect the resource and develop professionally;
- Must demonstrate exceptional ability and initiative in the performance of his or her duties, including public education;
- Must be respected by his/her peers and the general public
- Nominations must be received by March 1st each year.
Trainee of the Year
Presented to an officer or trainee who is nominated by their peers and supported by their Coach Officer, Sergeant or Staff Sergeant. Someone who displays leadership qualities within their training and takes initiative to contribute to natural resource protection and community engagement. The selection criteria are as follows:
- Every nominee will be given a one year OCOA membership in their first year of EB Employment;
- Nominated officer must not have worked as a wildlife enforcement officer for more than one year;
- Must demonstrate leadership initiative;
- Character must be beyond reproach;
- Must have demonstrated engagement in public outreach;
- Must have taken an innovative approach to the role of a Conservation Officer;
- Must demonstrate a genuine willingness to learn the role of a Conservation Officer.
