Devoted to Duty: The Price of Sacrifice

Master Sergeant John Collum, an officer with the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks was killed on 5/9/14.  He was run down by a motorist while investigating a report of a prowler.

The first thought of many on hearing this may be, “Why was he investigating a prowler?”  Those that would ask that question do not have an understanding of the role of a wildlife officer/game warden/conservation officer in the communities they serve. 

People come to count on wildlife officers to fill roles that extend beyond the enforcement of fish and wildlife laws.  Wildlife officers become baseball coaches, deacons in their church, scout leaders, reading buddies at the elementary school, and confidants to many who simply consider the officers as friends. So in a pinch, a neighbor may call their wildlife officer first for non-wildlife offenses – the neighbor knows who they can count on for a response.

In many small communities there are too few law enforcement officers.  It doesn't matter what uniform an officer wears - they all have to work together to make their community safe.  Deputy sheriffs, state troopers and city police officers know they can count on their wildlife officers to back them up when things get tight.  In turn, wildlife officers depend on these same officers for backup on those dark country roads.

I recall meeting Sergeant Collum in 2012 when he was selected as the officer of the year for the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.  He displayed all the traits we find most attractive and valuable in wildlife officers.  He displayed a quiet confidence that did not require boasting or attention.  His colonel described him as a role model and an example to other officers.  Most of all he was a servant to those in his community.

Sgt. Johnson

Trooper Rich

             

Tonight, the cohort at the NACLEC leadership academy watched the memorial service for Alaska State Troopers, Sgt. Scott Johnson and Trooper Gabe Rich, who were killed in the line of duty on 5/1/14.  There are two Alaska troopers in our class.  During that service, the words “sacred honor,” “duty,” “sacrifice,” "devoted" and "dedicated" were used many times to describe the slain troopers.  Those same words will be used again in a few days as we honor Sgt. Collum's sacrifice.

No law enforcement officer's family should have to wait until their funeral to hear those words used to describe their loved ones' lives.  The officers live out those descriptions everyday.  The thing is, they just consider that as what they do - nothing more and nothing less.  They don't do it for the pay or accolades; they do it because it is who they are.