Sgt. Sheila Paquette can only be described as a trailblazer for women in conservation law enforcement. During her nearly 29-year career with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, she has excelled in accident reconstruction and forensic investigation, is a multi-disciplinary trainer, boat handling instructor and Master Captain, was the agency’s first Detective – and did we mention she’s also active with both NAWEOA and the North American Game Warden Museum, an avid photographer, passionately community-minded, and a mom? On this International Women’s Day, join us for a conversation with an officer who not only challenges stereotypes, but leaves no boundary untouched.

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Sovereign Sportsman Solutions

“A Cowboy in the Woods” Book

Hunt of a Lifetime

Maine's Operation Game Thief

Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH

International Wildlife Crimestoppers

Here’s what we discuss:

·        Born and raised in Rhode Island

·        Hired in 1995

·        Beginning her 29th year with RI Dept of Environmental Management

·        Exposed to the outdoors from a young age

·        Interned with the state to build volunteer hours

·        Encouraged to apply by a coworker

·        “I didn’t know what I was getting into.”

·        Working in fish identification

·        A fish that had never been documented in RI

·        Joined at a time when few women were game wardens

·        Misconceptions around women in law enforcement

·        Camaraderie and networking opportunities at field days

·        “Almost like a mini family.”

·        Joining the North American Game Warden Museum

·        The Memorial Paving Stone project and scholarship program

·        Tune into the Warden’s Watch podcast episode about the museum

·        An autopsy led to an interest in accident investigation and reconstruction

·        Every boat accident has a critical moment

·        First Detective in the agency

·        The challenge of attracting more women to law enforcement

·        Finding your niche and learning from everyone you can

·        Obtained a 50-ton boat Master Captain’s license in 2006

·        Teaches boat handling and captains’ courses

·        Gaining confidence through experience

·        “You can do anything you put your mind to.”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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