News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) – Raymond Robertson, a conservation manager with the Department of Natural Resources, was honoured as wildlife officer of the year at a ceremony at the legislative assembly today.

Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup recognized Robertson as the Shikar-Safari Wildlife Officer of the Year for 2010.

"Raymond's loyalty and professionalism have made him a superb role model for all conservation officers in the Department of Natural Resources,'' said Northrup. "His dedication to protecting our natural resources and his commitment to working closely with other law enforcement agencies, Crown prosecutors, judges, his colleagues and the public have earned him respect around the province.”

The Tide Head native is a conservation manager in Region 1 of the department, based in Bathurst. He has been with the department since 1975, and he has worked throughout northern New Brunswick.

Robertson is a trained firearms' range officer and defensive tactics instructor. He is a volunteer hunter education instructor and enjoys hunting, fishing, boating, training sporting dogs (retrievers) and snowshoeing.

He served as a member of the Tide Head Volunteer Fire Department for 12 years and held the rank of captain and training officer for the brigade.

The Shikar-Safari Club International, an organization that promotes wildlife conservation and protection, sponsors the award. The organization recognizes and honours officers from Canadian provinces and territories and the United States who have shown exemplary performance of their duties in the protection of wildlife, enforcement of game laws and implementation of conservation programs. The award has been presented to a New Brunswick conservation officer each year since 1982.