Marco Grigio

The Ontario Conservation Officers Association (OCOA) and MNRF Enforcement Branch are pleased to announce that Marco Grigio has been selected as the 2019 Conservation Officer of the Year. Marco currently works for the Thunder Bay Enforcement Unit.

Marco has been a Conservation Officer (CO) in Ontario for more than 25 years and has served with professionalism, honesty, integrity and a tireless work ethic. CO Grigio’s approach to his career including his work ethic, community connections, communication skills and bush smarts helps instill similar values in others.  To this day, CO Grigio always makes himself available to encourage prospective officers to follow their dreams and share his knowledge and experience with them.

In addition to his regular field duties, Marco spent many years as a Defensive Tactics instructor and has been a leader in the MNRF and OPP Basic Marine Training program since 2009.  His commitment to the training program was further demonstrated as Marco has been an influential contributor to the development of the new MNRF Working on Water Standard Operating Procedure for Small Vessels and the Marine Safety Committee.  Marco’s field experience provides valuable insight to the development of policy and procedure considering officer safety without compromising operational effectiveness for officers.

The Conservation Officer of the Year announcement was made at the OCOA annual general meeting on Saturday August 17^th, in Owen Sound.  “Marco is a very deserving recipient of this year’s award,” said OCOA Vice President Todd Steinberg, “Marco is a top notch field officer, he has been a coach officer and a mentor to many new and aspiring Conservation Officers and has been an integral part in shaping and delivering the marine training program for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Enforcement Branch and the Ontario Provincial Police.  He has been an instructor with the O.P.P. marine training program for the past ten years.” 

The Officer of the Year Award acknowledges officers like Marco, who demonstrate the highest level of dedication and professionalism among our ranks and pays tribute to the high quality of Conservation Officers we have in the Enforcement Branch and the OCOA.

Please join us in congratulating Marco Grigio as our 2019 Conservation Officer of the Year!

Rick Watchorn
Director, Enforcement Branch
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry

Sean Cronsberry
President
Ontario Conservation Officers Association