Late DOC ranger’s spirit of service
One of three men killed in a helicopter crash at Wanaka last month has been honoured with a posthumous award for excellence.
Department of Conservation (DOC) biodiversity ranger Scott Theobald was awarded the State Services Commissioner’s Commendation for Frontline Excellence at the Public Service Day Awards yesterday.
Scott Theobald’s wife Adriana Theobald, who also works for DOC, accepted the award at the ceremony held at Parliament on behalf of her late husband.
Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage paid tribute to Scott Theobald’s work in developing the conservation dog programme that plays a pivotal role in New Zealand’s predator control work.
‘‘Scotty, as he was commonly known, epitomised what is meant by the Spirit of Service,’’ she said.
‘‘Though many doubted it was even possible, Scott persevered to successfully train New Zealand’s very first predator dog to catch ferrets and stoats. He endured tough and remote environments that often took him away from home for long periods of time.
‘‘Dedicated to protecting our precious environment from pest predators, Scott saw a need and created a solution that is now internationally recognised and sought after.
‘‘Scott was driven by his passion for his work – work that is recognised internationally.’’
Theobald was killed in the course of his duties in a helicopter crash near Wanaka on October 18.