LAKE COUNTY >> The advisory committee for the Lake County Fish and Wildlife Department requested the Lake County Board of Supervisors approve the purchase of safety equipment Tuesday.
A total of $2,000 for safety vest inserts was requested by the committee, with the vests being purchased by the individual wardens.
Up to four wardens would be able to use the inserts, which provide protection against ammunition.
“Much of the work these individuals do occurs after hours in the dark, with people who can be armed,” Lake County Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee Chair Greg Giusti said.
Additionally, fish and wildlife wardens usually work on their own, without immediate backup nearby, Giusti said.
The advisory committee is a group appointed by the supervisors to advise them on fish and wildlife matters. The supervisors sit as the Lake County Fish and Game Commission. The county receives funds from fish and game fines and these funds must be spent to enhance the county”s fish and wildlife.
District 3 Supervisor Denise Rushing asked why the state doesn”t provide the equipment.
“I can”t say that I have known the state of California to work in a rational matter,” Giusti answered.
The funds to be used for the purchase are not from tax dollars, but from fines.
During public comment, Lake County Sheriff”s Office Interim Undersheriff Chris Macedo said he strongly supports the request.
“My father was a game warden ? and unfortunately, wardens are few and far between,” Macedo said. “He would probably be turning in his grave at the way the fish and game administration deals with the wardens now.”
“I would hate to see a warden get hurt because the state does not want to provide adequate safety equipment,” he added.
The board approved the request with a 4-0 vote, with District 4 Supervisor Anthony Farrington absent.
District 2 Supervisor Jeff Smith said he also wanted a letter written to state legislators.
“We need to let them know that we are appalled that we are willing to support our wardens, but they are not,” Smith said.
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
