Sheila Paquette – Warden's Watch

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 29^th 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:

Website

Warden’s Watch / TGL Store

The North American Game Warden Museum could not be in a more perfect spot. Nestled amid the pristine forest, prairie, and floral gardens of the US/Canada International Peace Garden, it is the only space in the world dedicated to educating the public, celebrating natural resource protection, and honoring the fallen heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty. In this episode, we speak with board members Tom Caifa and Sheila Paquette about this incredible one-of-a-kind facility.