NAPE extends condolences and lauds heroic efforts in drowning tragedy of conservation and wildlife officer

“It is always sad to hear of the death of a colleague, but when a life is lost on the job it reminds us of the inherent perils and dangers that many workers face as they carry out their jobs.” - Carol Furlong, NAPE President.

St. John's (26 Feb. 2013) - News of the death of a conservation officer sent chills throughout the public service of Newfoundland and Labrador on February 22 as workers learned of the tragic death of a colleague. Conservation and wildlife officer Howard Lavers was on patrol with two fellow officers near Blue Mountain on the Northern Peninsula when the ice gave way. Despite repeated attempts, Howard Lavers could not be pulled from the icy water by his fellow officers.

“We were shocked and deeply saddened to learn the news of this tragedy,” said Carol Furlong, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE/NUPGE). “On behalf of all NAPE/NUPGE members, I extend deepest condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of Howard.”

“We are saddened by this tragic circumstance but grateful for the recovery of his body,” continued Furlong. “While we mourn the loss of Howard, we pay tribute to the heroic efforts of his two fellow conservation officers who desperately and frantically attempted to save the life of their colleague and to the RCMP who tirelessly searched the frigid waters to retrieve and bring his body home.”

“It is always sad to hear of the death of a colleague, but when a life is lost on the job it reminds us of the inherent perils and dangers that many workers face as they carry out their jobs.”

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE