H. R. 11--"Recognizing the Division of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Section on the occasion of one hundred years of service to the State."
Whereas, The Legislature recognizes that the Division of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Section is an integral part of the comprehensive conservation, management and protection of the abundant natural resources that have been placed in the division's stewardship; and
Whereas, The Legislature is cognizant of the fact that the first fish and game protector was appointed by Governor William A. McCorkle in February, one thousand eight hundred ninety-seven; and
Whereas, The Legislature wishes to acknowledge that the first fish and game protector, Captain E. F. Smith, of Hinton, Summers County, began a tradition that has evolved into today's conservation officer; and
Whereas, The Legislature recognizes that one hundred eighteen uniformed conservation officers serve in each of the state's fifty- five counties and comprise the nucleus of the oldest statewide law enforcement agency in West Virginia; and
Whereas, The Legislature has directed that conservation officers be trained, equipped and conditioned for duty and services wherever and whenever required; and
Whereas, The Legislature wishes to recognize and acknowledge the fact that two of the division's officers paid the ultimate price for protecting our natural resources when they lost their lives in the line of duty; and
Whereas, The Legislature wishes to express its belated condolences to the family of the late fish and game protector Fred Hobart, of Richwood, Nicholas County, who lost his life on December 21, 1940, at the hands of a game law violator; and
Whereas, The Legislature further wishes to express its belated condolences to the family of the late conservation officer Wesley C. Frame, Jr., of Braxton County, who lost his life on November 10, 1978, while stationed in Monroe County, at the hands of a violator of the highway littering law; and
Whereas, West Virginia's conservation officers are dedicated to the preservation of a natural heritage that is important for future generations to enjoy and appreciate; and
Whereas, West Virginia's conservation officers are indispensable to the continuation of our heritage of hunting and fishing to be enjoyed well into the future; and
Whereas, It is the role of conservation officers to guide the citizenry in the wise use of our natural and wildlife resources; and
Whereas, The Legislature recognizes that today's conservation officer is directly involved in many educational activities such as the Hunter Education and Boating Safety Education Programs, Get Hooked On Fishing - Not On Drugs, and numerous other community- related activities; and
Whereas, The Legislature recognizes that conservation officers dedicate a portion of their time and efforts to activities such as search, rescue, timely response to manmade and natural disasters and numerous other general law-enforcement activities that benefit the citizens of our State that do not hunt and fish; therefore
Be it Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the members of this body acknowledge our support of the Division of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Section and wish to join our conservation officers in the celebration of their centennial year; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates is hereby requested to forward a copy of this resolution to the Honorable Cecil H. Underwood, Governor of the State of West Virginia, and Colonel James D. Fields, Chief, Division of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Section, and that they be encouraged to make this information known to all West Virginia conservation officers, past and present.