LAC LA BICHE - Spending the summer in Lac La Biche training to be a conservation officer has been a challenging and exciting experience for Ryan Harnish.
Harnish had already attended a law enforcement academy in his home province of Saskatchewan before arriving at the Western Conservation Law Enforcement Academy (WCLEA) in Lac La Biche to begin his training, which gave him a good introduction to the law enforcement culture.
“Arrival at any academy-based learning such as the Western Conservation Law Enforcement Academy always brings with it a bit of anxiety, mainly in trying to get to know new people and a new routine,” he told Lakeland This Week. “I also attended post-secondary education in Prince Alberta, which also prepared me for what was ahead.”
When applying to attend the WCLEA training program, Harnish had to meet all hiring standards of the Saskatchewan provincial government. Furthermore, he was required to undergo a series of interviews, physical fitness testing, psychological suitability screening, as well as entrance exams.
Over the past few months, Harnish belonged to a group of 50 recruits who were separated into two squads of 25 each. During their time at WCLEA, these recruits received intensive instruction in investigation techniques, firearms training, emergency vehicle use, as well as boat safety and operations.
“In order to graduate, recruits must complete all class and field work while maintaining a healthy level of physical fitness throughout the program,” Harnish explained. “Assessments include written and scenario-based testing as well as practical application of classroom-based theory.”
The recruits, who will celebrate with graduation ceremonies on Sept. 7, were kept busy during their final week of classes at the academy, finishing up training in anticipation of their future careers as conservation/fish and wildlife officers. According to Harnish, there is no final exam as the entire course is cumulative, with each portion building on previously learned content.
At the end of July, Harnish was offered the role of Squad Lead, an experience he says has been rather humbling.
“Upon receiving the designation of Squad Lead, I was tasked with general organization of our daily squad duties, which included correspondence with our senior staff, ensuring that time sheets were entered, as well as maintaining general dress and deportment in the class setting,” he explained.
Despite growing up in the city with limited exposure to fishing and having only begun hunting in his adult years, Harnish was still able to spend a considerable amount of time camping and hiking with his family.
“It was through the outdoor exposure and the influence of my father as a City police officer that I realized an interest and passion for law enforcement, and the logical decision to pair the two,” he said.
Upon graduating, Harnish is set to return to Saskatchewan where he will be sworn in as a provincial conservation officer. He has already been assigned a posting to the northeastern region of the province, near the Manitoba border.
While being a conservation officer can be a fulfilling career, like any profession, there are challenges - the most pressing being spending long hours and time away from family, as well as working in high stress environments.
“These are a few elements that new recruits can expect to encounter as they begin their careers,” Harnish explained. “However, instructors and guest speakers have provided many methods of combating these obstacles, and all agencies have systems in place to maintain a healthy work/life balance.”
As for Harnish’s experience in Lac La Biche, it was very enjoyable.
“The community has been extremely gracious and welcoming of our 50 recruits this summer,” he stated. “Most of us have had the opportunity to explore the front and back country parks in our off time. Some have also taken time to go golfing, fishing, and on road trips to the recreation areas in the surrounding communities.”
