The honour guard uniform is slightly different than the normal dress uniform and is used to differentiate members of the guard from other uniformed staff. Upon their collar they wear the Saskatchewan Shield of Arms to signify their province of origin. The ceremonial dress sash contains the Saskatchewan conservation officer logo that demonstrates who they are and what they represent. Over the left shoulder is a gold lanyard, with the exception of the honour guard commander, whose lanyard is white. The lanyard is a military component and is worn out of respect to honour veterans, who after representing Canada in the great wars, returned home to become conservation officers and serve their country in a different context. The uniform is complimented by white dress gloves and a special black marching boot.

Attendance by conservation officers at parades, memorials and formal ceremonies demonstrates departmental professionalism and respect to the law enforcement community. In addition, the presence at the funerals of conservation officers or other law enforcement officers is a demonstration of individual and departmental respect for the deceased, as well as a showing of sympathy and compassion for surviving family, friends and community. In the past, the department has never had a dedicated group of officers that could be called upon at a moment’s notice to formally represent it at such events, however, that has now changed and the members look forward to representing their peers and the department as the need arises. The contingent is hopeful that other officers will look upon their honour guard with a sense of pride and will step forward to serve with us as the unit evolves over time.

The structure is simple and consists of an honour guard supervisor, a commander, an officer in charge and seven regular officers. The honour guard supervisor, Doug Lucyshyn, is responsible to act as overall supervisor and to coordinate all official events, activities and training. The Commander, designated by his white lanyard, facilitates all formal training, oversees members while on parade and calls all cadences as well as ensuring uniforms and equipment are kept in good order. The Commander is also the contact with regard to funerals. Greg Rychlo currently serves in this capacity.

The Officer in Charge or OIC serves on an “as needed” basis when the Commander is unavailable and leads the honour guard for the length of the specific detail. Liz Charles is the current OIC.

The regular officers of the honour guard are required to be knowledgeable in drill, color party movements, flag folding and a host of other duties. The remaining team members are as follows; Dale Achtymichuk, Casey Howey, Mitch Kyle, Colin Lawson, Ron Mytopher, Marc Painchaud and Dale Wyatt.

It is with great pride that the members of the Saskatchewan Environment honour guard serve their fellow officers, department and province.

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