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:
North American Game Warden Museum
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:
Find More Here: