Justice and Public Safety
September 28, 2015

Stronger Communities through Protecting Our Natural Resources

Minister Announces Recipient of Fish and Wildlife Officer of the Year Awards

At a ceremony yesterday (Sunday, September 27), Attorney General Felix Collins presented the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer of the Year Award for 2014. This year’s recipient, Officer Nathan Hodder of the Lewisporte detachment, was also named the 2014 Shikar –Safari Club International Wildlife Officer of the Year for Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Officer Hodder is certainly deserving of the provincial award and I am pleased that he has also been recognized by the Shikar –Safari Club. The dedication he displays in protecting the province’s natural resources and in making the outdoors safe for all residents makes him a very worthwhile recipient of these awards. He is a fine role model for all members of the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division.”
- The Honourable Felix Collins, Attorney General

Prior to joining the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division, Officer Hodder worked as a Fisheries Inspector with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. He worked seasonally for 10 years with Sea Watch and also spent time offshore as an At-Sea Observer. Officer Hodder is also actively involved in his community with the local minor hockey program.

During 2014, Officer Hodder was involved in investigating a number of illegal salmon netting operations, illegal trapping, and incidents of big game poaching. With the assistance of fellow officers and through information gathering, planning and surveillance, several alleged salmon poachers were apprehended and charged. A brief bio of Officer Hodder can be found in the backgrounder below.

“Working as a Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer is not a nine-to-five job. Officers work around the clock in unpredictable and challenging conditions to ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador’s natural resources are protected to be enjoyed by today’s residents and future generations. I commend Officer Hodder who is certainly deserving of this recognition.”
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice and Public Safety

The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer of the Year Awards are presented annually to provide formal recognition for officers who through high standards of work and dedication exemplify what it means to stand out amongst their peers. Nominees for these awards must meet a number of stringent criteria to be considered.

The Shikar -Safari Club International Wildlife Officer of the Year Award is presented annually to wildlife enforcement officers in North America in each of the 50 US states, the 10 Canadian provinces and all related territories. The award honours outstanding wildlife enforcement officers whose efforts during the previous year reflected outstanding performance and achievement amongst sworn fish and wildlife personnel.

QUICK FACTS:

  • Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division Officer Nathan Hodder is the recipient of the provincial 2014 Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer of the Year Award.
  • Officer Hodder also received the 2014 Shikar –Safari Club International Wildlife Officer of the Year for Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Regional award winners were Officer Mark Gillam of the Corner Brook detachment and Detachment Supervisor Mark Pritchett of the Wabush detachment.

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Minister Felix Collins, Attorney General and Hayward Taylor, Chief of Enforcement for the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement present Officer Nathan Hodder with awards for Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer of the Year and the Shikar-Safari Club International Wildlife Officer of the Year for Newfoundland and Labrador.

Minister Felix Collins, Attorney General and Hayward Taylor, Chief of Enforcement for the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement present Detachment Supervisor Mark Pritchett with the award for Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer of the Year for the Labrador Region.

Minister Felix Collins, Attorney General and Hayward Taylor, Chief of Enforcement for the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement present Officer Mark Gillam with the award for Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer of the Year for the Western Region.

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

BACKGROUNDER
Bio of Officer Nathan Hodder

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer Nathan Hodder was raised in Gander Bay and developed a love for the outdoors from a very young age, eventually becoming an avid hunter and angler. As a teenager, he set a goal of becoming a wildlife officer and joined the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division after working for a period as a Fisheries Inspector with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. He also worked seasonally for 10 years with Sea Watch and spent time offshore as an At-Sea Observer.

During the spring and summer of 2014, Officer Hodder was involved in investigating a number illegal salmon netting operations. With the assistance of fellow officers and through information gathering, planning and surveillance, several alleged salmon poachers were apprehended and charged.

Officer Hodder takes every opportunity to engage with the community and educate others on the importance of protecting fish and wildlife resources. He currently lives in Lewisporte with his wife Krista and two young sons. During the winter months he can usually be found at the local arena on the weekends helping coach hockey during the day, before heading out on patrol later in the evening.

2015 09 28                              9:55 a.m.