Justice
September 29, 2014

Ensuring Healthy Fish and Wildlife Stocks for the Benefit of all Residents

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Recognizes Officer for Outstanding Contribution

In a ceremony yesterday (Sunday, September 28), Officer Blair Barnes of Grand Falls-Windsor Office received the 2013 Newfoundland and Labrador Wildlife Enforcement Officer of Year Award. The award formally recognizes an officer within the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division who stands out amongst his or her peers and exemplifies high standards of work and dedication.

“I congratulate Officer Barnes on receiving the Newfoundland and Labrador Wildlife Enforcement Officer of Year Award. His work in enforcing the laws and regulations related to protecting our valuable natural resources is much appreciated by the people of the province. Officer Barnes has dedicated his career to ensuring that the traditions of hunting, trapping and angling are done in a responsible manner, and he is a worthy recipient of this award.”
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice (Acting)

Officer Barnes has worked as a wildlife officer for 23 years on both the island portion of the province and in Labrador. He has an exemplary service record, leading by example and teaching through first-hand experience. Officer Barnes was promoted to the position of Detachment Supervisor for the Grand Falls-Windsor Office in 2013.

Officer Barnes is also the recipient of the 2013 Shikar-Safari Club International Wildlife Officer of the Year Award. The Shikar-Safari Club International is recognized worldwide for its efforts in the protection, enhancement and preservation of wildlife, and the club presents the award annually to wildlife enforcement officers in Canada and the United States.

“The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division is very proud of Officer Barnes’ achievements in protecting and preserving wildlife. As we continue to make progress in identifying and charging those involved in poaching activities, it is the hard work and dedication of our officers that drives success. I am sincerely pleased at the recognition of all that Officer Barnes has accomplished and am certain he will continue to inspire and teach others in the field.”
- James Maloney, Director, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division

The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division of the Department of Justice is committed to protecting Newfoundland and Labrador’s world-class salmon and trout stocks. Officers remain vigilant throughout all regions of the province as they enforce legislation that protects this province’s valuable natural resources.

QUICK FACTS

  • Officer Blair Barnes of Grand Falls-Windsor was presented with the 2013 Newfoundland and Labrador Wildlife Enforcement Officer of Year Award in ceremony yesterday (Sunday, September 28). He is also the recipient of the 2013 Shikar-Safari Club International Wildlife Officer of the Year Award.
  • Officer Barnes has worked as a wildlife officer for 23 years. He has an exemplary service record, leading by example and teaching through first-hand experience.
  • The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division of the Department of Justice is committed to protecting Newfoundland and Labrador’s world-class fishing and hunting resources.

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Officer Blair Barnes was presented with the 2013 Newfoundland and Labrador Wildlife Enforcement Officer of Year Award and the 2013 Shikar-Safari Club International Wildlife Officer of the Year Award.

Officer Blair Barnes receives the 2013 Wildlife Officer of the Year Award. Pictured left to right: Barry White, Superintendent, Eastern Region; Hayward Taylor, Chief of Enforcement; Blair Barnes, Detachment Supervisor for the Grand Falls-Windsor Office; James Maloney, Director, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division; Sheldon Anstey, Superintendent, Western Region.

Media contact:
Luke Joyce
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 725-4165
lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca

2014 09 29                                        5:00 p.m.