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Golden CO recognized as Officer of the Year
Congratulations to Dan Bartol, who is being recognized as the 2024 Conservation Officer of the Year.
This is awarded to a Conservation Officer for going above and beyond the call of duty and exemplifying the values of the Conservation Officer Service: integrity, public service and protection of the environment.
For more than a decade, Dan has been a Conservation Officer based in Golden in the Kootenay region. He was first a field officer in the Columbia/Kootenay zone and since 2019, has been an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) sergeant with his K9 partner Kilo on the Invasive Mussel Defence Program frontlines, helping keep BC waterways free of invasive mussels (Kilo recently retired from his duties).
“Dan is a well-respected leader whose experience and knowledge is highly regarded by Conservation Officers across the province,” said Chief Conservation Officer Cam Schley. “He is always ready to assist others or lend an ear to aspiring Conservation Officers. The COS is fortunate to have officers like Dan, who is deeply deserving of this recognition.”
Dan’s love for the outdoors began when he was a child in the Cub Scouts, honing wilderness and outdoor leadership skills as he enjoyed hiking, camping and fishing. As an adult, he spent time as a backcountry park ranger, federal park warden and fish and wildlife officer in Alberta, before landing his posting as a BC Conservation Officer in the Kootenay region, fulfilling his childhood dream.
Dan is known as a passionate leader, recognized for his teamwork and partnership-building skills, integrity and tireless dedication to his role. His ability to connect as a mentor and skillfully impart knowledge has helped countless new officers continue to grow and thrive in their careers. He can always be counted on for his positive attitude and willingness to go the extra mile.
Congratulations Dan on your well-deserved award! #BCCOS
Lead image: Minister of Environment and Parks Tamara Davidson presented Conservation Officer Dan Bartol with his award as the 2024 Conservation Officer of the Year at the BC Legislature on Thursday. Bartol is pictured with his K9 partner Kilo. Kilo recently retired from his search and detection duties, which included detecting invasive mussels. BCCOS image
