By Thomas Doucet

Conservation Award

Sgt. Steve Ackles named Conservation Officer of the Year

Apr 25, 2022 | 5:20 PM

VICTORIA—Sgt. Steve Ackles is the 28th recipient of the Conservation Officer of the Year award.

Awarded posthumously, Ackles’s son Kyle Ackles accepted the award in Victoria on his behalf. The 2020 award presentation was delayed due to pandemic restrictions. Ackles passed away in March 2021 after a lengthy battle with an illness.

“He grew up with a passion for the outdoors, which I think led to him ultimately becoming a conservation officer,” said his son, Kyle Ackles, who was inspired to follow his father’s footsteps and is an inspector overseeing the COS General Investigations Section. “He went into his career later in life after working a lot of very hard manual labour jobs. It gave him a bigger appreciation for the job itself. He would often say, “I can’t believe I get paid to do this.””

Ackles changed career paths in his 40s after a lifetime of working in logging and construction. He returned to university to train for his new role and became an officer in 2005. He wore the badge with pride and was passionate about protecting the environment, fish and wildlife.

“Steve exemplified everything a conservation officer aspires to be and is deeply deserving of this recognition,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “Being a conservation officer can be challenging at times, but their work is vital to communities across our province and supports the protection of our natural environment and a diversity of species. Steve had a positive impact on his community and made a difference in the lives of his colleagues. I want to thank his son Kyle, and all conservation officers, for the important work they do every day.”

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Ackles was a regular contact for CKPG News always willing to help educate the public on anything related to nature.

“Steve worked hard to achieve his dream of becoming a conservation officer. He was a true class leader, supportive of his classmates,” said John Morgan, a long-time professor at Vancouver Island University, “After becoming a conservation officer, he gave back in several ways, including through guest lectures and mentoring students in our practicum course. The world has lost not only a great conservation officer but a great person.”