A North Okanagan conservation officer is being recognized for his leadership.
Sgt. Josh Lockwood has been named the 2015 Outstanding Officer of the Year by the Ministry of Environment.
“It’s humbling,” said Lockwood from Victoria Thursday. “You see the names on the plaque of the last 20 or so winners and you realize you’ve joined some pretty good company of men and women dedicated to protecting the environment and public safety.”
Lockwood is the 24th recipient of the Outstanding Officer of the Year Award.
“His leadership and years of experience in the organization have earned him the respect of his peers and supervisors,” states a release. “Lockwood is known as a source of motivation and support to officers around him, often acting as a mentor to fellow officers. He does everything in his power to enable his field officers to be successful.”
Lockwood has spearheaded several programs for the Conservation Officer Service, including the invasive mussel defence program, which helps ensure B.C. waterways
His efforts also led to the implementation of a critical incident stress management team for the service.
Developed in 2011, the program helps officers who may need extra support.
“The Outstanding Officer of the Year award is a prestigious title that Josh deserves for going above and beyond the call of duty,” said Environment Minister Mary Polak.
Lockwood was quick to praise those he works with.
“It’s a nice honour but from the management team to the guys that work with me, it’s as much theirs as it is mine,” he said.
Chief conservation officer Doug Forsdick says Lockwood is a key part of the service.
“Josh has always been a positive and effective leader that has left his mark on the organization,” he said.