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.
Our Sponsors:
Thin Green Line Podcast
Don Noyes Chevrolet
North American Game Warden Museum
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
Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon
Google
Waypoint
Stitcher
TuneIn
Megaphone
Find More Here:
Website
Warden’s Watch / TGL Store
Facebook
Facebook Fan Page
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube
RSS
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
