GAINESVILLE, Fla. (January 6, 2017) – Monroe County resident Paul Hein, a law enforcement officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), has received the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF) Award for Marine Conservation.
Investigator Hein was honored at the recent meeting of the FWC Commission meeting in Gainesville for his exemplary performance protecting marine resources and ensuring public safety through enforcement of state Boating Under the Influence (BUI) regulations. Fish & Wildlife Foundation CEO Andrew Walker made the presentation on behalf of the GHOF.
“Investigator Hein was nominated by his colleagues in recognition of his dedication, teamwork in and outside FWC, and record enforcing state conservation and boating laws,” Walker said. “His undergraduate and graduate training in biology and ecological restoration and conservation enhances his ability to work with the public and numerous partner organizations and outdoor recreation groups.”
In addition to collaborating daily with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol, Investigator Hein regularly assists the Coast Guard and U. S. Border Patrol with migrant landings and search and rescue missions in coastal waters. He’s also worked with youth on Islamorada and donates fish to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center for food for the birds. He’s been honored as the Coastal Conservation Association’s 2016 Officer of the Year, and with five of his colleagues by Mothers Against Drunk Driving for efforts to prevent boating under the influence. He’s also a member of FWC’s first South Florida dive team and a certified Drug Recognition Expert.
“Investigator Hein’s performance since joining FWC in 2014 has been outstanding,” said Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Executive Director Greg Jacoski. “His work ethic, conservation knowledge, and judgment and skill working with the public make him a strong protector of marine resources and safety on the water.”
Investigator Hein will be receiving a $1,000 honorarium and a two-night stay at a Guy Harvey Outpost as part of the Award.
The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, in partnership with the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, created the Guy Harvey Marine Conservation Award to recognize sworn and non-sworn FWC employees who distinguish themselves through exemplary service and dedication to public safety and acts or accomplishments towards the conservation of Florida’s marine resources. Investigator Hein is the second FWC staff member to be honored, following Officer Philip Stone’s recognition earlier this year for his success protecting Florida’s sea turtle populations.
About Guy Harvey:
Guy Harvey is a unique blend of artist, scientist, diver, angler, conservationist and explorer, fiercely devoted to his family and his love of the sea. His childhood passion for the ocean and its living creatures not only inspired him to draw, but fueled a burning interest that prompted a formal education in marine science. Having graduated with honors in Marine Biology from Aberdeen University in Scotland in 1977, Guy returned home to Jamaica to resume his education, earning his Ph.D. from the University of the West Indies in 1984. Though he gave up a budding career as a marine biologist for that of a highly acclaimed artist, Guy has continued his relentless pursuit to unravel the mysteries of the sea, traveling the world to better understand the habits and habitats of the marine wildlife he paints.
About the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation:
The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF) conducts scientific research and hosts educational programs aimed at conserving the marine environment. The GHOF also funds affiliated researchers working to better understand our ocean ecosystem and educators helping to foster the next era of marine conservationists. The GHOF will help ensure that future generations can enjoy and benefit from a properly balanced ocean ecosystem.
About Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida
The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida (FWFF) is a non-profit organization that raises funds to enhance the conservation work of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and other public and private partners. FWFF also supports the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, which provides annually more than 120,000 youth with formative outdoor experiences via summer camps, school programs and other activities. For more information, visit www.wildlifeflorida.org or call 941 809-7805.
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