Burns Lake’s newest conservation officer, Ron LeBlanc, is bringing extensive military experience to his position. LeBlanc spent 23 years in the army as a sergeant major, and served two tours in Afghanistan.
LeBlanc graduated from the Western Conservation Law Enforcement Academy in Victoria, B.C. The 12-week training academy consists of courses such as firearms, defensive tactics, swift water rescue, emergency vehicle operators' course, interview and interrogation, chemical immobilization and problem wildlife.
“I was fortunate enough to be class valedictorian,” he said.
LeBlanc arrived in Burns Lake in January 2015. Although he hasn’t been in the job for too long, he already has many stories to share. In a recent call, for example, LeBlanc had to assist with a baby bear that had woken up too soon from hibernation. The bear received a tranquilizer and was taken to a wild life shelter in Smithers.
“If I had left him [the bear], he would not have survived,” he said.
A conservation officer’s job is both diverse and demanding, and not all stories have a happy ending. A few weeks ago, LeBlanc assisted a truck driver who had hit a bald eagle with his side mirror. The eagle ended up tangled on the truck’s side mirror and was still alive when LeBlanc arrived at the scene. Unfortunately, the eagle had to be put down because its wings were broken.
“Being a conservation officer is in some ways similar to being in the army because both activities involve dealing with different cultures and overcoming diversity.”
“There are still dangers out here [being a conservation officer], just different from being in the army,” he said. “Both can be dangerous.”
LeBlanc is originally from Ebb and Flow, M.B., a small First Nation reserve approximately 230 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg. Being a First Nations and a conservation officer can also add some challenges to the job, he explained. Killing animals, for example, can sometimes be difficult because of his culture. LeBlanc is part of the bear clan and is sensitive to killing bears.
According to LeBlanc, the move to Burns Lake is not supposed to be temporary. In fact, he and his wife have already purchased a property in town. His wife, who is a school teacher, will be moving to Burns Lake in June.
LeBlanc said he and his wife are both eager to volunteer for the Royal Canadian Legion and the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. LeBlanc said he wants to “set a good example for children and show that there is opportunity for everyone.”
“I am looking forward to being part of this community,” he said.