Here is further proof that the Columbia Valley grabs you when you are introduced to it.

After serving the Columbia Valley and region for 31 years, Sgt. Lawrence Umsonst will conduct his last patrol as a Conservation Officer on February 22.

Lawrence was hired by the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service on February 14, 1986. As a new recruit, he was very fortunate that a posting was open in the Invermere District. Before landing this full-time position, he had worked several seasons in various locations with the Fish & Wildlife Division in Alberta.

“Given that he is one of the very few within the CO Service that spent their entire career in one location truly shows his love and dedication towards the community of Invermere and the Columbia Valley,” the Conservation Officer Service noted in a Facebook salute to their outgoing member.

For many of Lawrence’s earlier years in the valley, he served with Rick Hoar, who served in the valley a long time before retiring. And before Hoar, Buzz Harmsworth served the valley for a long time before also retiring in Invermere.

“For a Game Warden’s career, the Invermere District is hard to beat with the vast diversity of natural resources and beautiful mountain landscapes. For the opportunity to be out patrolling the Rocky and Purcell mountain trenches to ensure fish and wildlife would thrive for future generations was the passion that drove Lawrence to get out and ensure everyone was following the rules,” the CO Service said in its tribute.

“CO Umsonst spent the majority of his career as a field officer. If you talk with any Columbia Valley local who hunts, fishes, traps or spends any time in the backwoods they will know “Lawrence.” He has been an invaluable member of the COS, with countless crimes against wildlife and fish solved with those responsible held accountable. Lawrence was always up for the call of duty when it came to protecting the public, their property or domestic animals with wildlife conflicts.”

In 2014, Lawrence was promoted to the Sergeant position for which he is the officer in charge of field operations for the Columbia-Kootenay Zone from Invermere to Revelstoke.

“Throughout his career, Sgt. Umsonst was always honest, respectful and very professional with everyone and every task he dealt with. His legacy will forever be remembered, as he forged lasting relationships with the resource community, Rod & Gun Clubs, partner compliance and enforcement agencies, and the local First Nations,” the CO Service stated, concluding, “Enjoy your retirement Lawrence. On 2017-02-22, we will mark Sergeant Lawrence Umsonst 10-35 [Off Duty].”

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