123 Sheila Paquette – Rhode Island

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.

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“A Cowboy in the Woods” Book

Hunt of a Lifetime

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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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