A number of Improvements to health and safety practices for fish and wildlife enforcement officers have come into being following the tragic passing of a respected veteran officer.

Howard Lavers passed away nine years ago this week after his snowmobile went through the ice on the Great Northern Peninsula. The 57-year-old was on duty at the time.

The President of the NL Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association, Chris Wessel, says Lavers’ passing had a profound impact on enforcement officers and people in the area.

He says Lavers’ passing affected the way in which fish and wildlife enforcement officers work with tools and policies introduced to improve safety.