The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change handed out the Conservation Officer of the Year award to Sgt Steve Ackles.
Ackles passed away in March of last year, but his last position was held in Prince George, overseeing the area as a sergeant.
His son, Kyle Ackles, accepted the award on his behalf.
“He grew up with a passion for the outdoors, which I think led to him ultimately becoming a conservation officer. He went into his career later in life after working a lot of very hard manual labour jobs. It gave him a bigger appreciation for the job itself. He would often say, ‘I can’t believe I get paid to do this,'” said Kyle.
Ackles is the 28th recipient of the award.
“Steve Ackles was the epitome of a conservation officer – passionate about protecting the environment, fish and wildlife, and dedicated to all aspects of the role,” said Cam Schley, acting chief conservation officer, B.C. Conservation Officer Service.
“A true leader, he was admired by supervisors and colleagues across our agency, known for his caring, respect, hard work and resiliency. He was always willing to mentor and train new staff and was well-known in his community as a conservation officer. Steve provided endless support for his officers and always put their best interests first. Steve was not only a valued officer but was a true friend to many who worked with him.”
We’re proud to honour Sgt. Steve Ackles as the Conservation Officer of the Year.
His son Kyle Ackles, a #BCCOS Insp, accepted the award in #Victoria today on behalf of his father, who sadly passed away last year. https://t.co/akkKgLhZFj pic.twitter.com/fbtWzaShLL
— BC CO Service (@_BCCOS) April 25, 2022
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