By Theresa Gardner
His day workday might consist of riding on a four-wheeler or trolling around in a boat, but one local man says although it has been a dream job, it’s time to call it quits.
After almost 21 years with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and five with the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jared McIver, 45-year-old father of three, decided it was time to retire and begin another chapter of his life.
“I have no regrets,” he said, “it has been a great job and I am completely at peace with this change.”
McIver said people are often surprised to learn that game wardens’ only job is not just writing tickets for hunting and fishing violations.
“The position of game warden is more than acting simply as a field agent, which handles trapping, boating, fishing, hunting and sea foods,” he explained. “We are federally deputized; we are kind of a Jack of all trades, and we can do what any police officer can do. First and fore most we are police officers.”
In addition to his normal duties with the LDWF, McIver was certified in 2008 as a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) and later began teaching the course. A (DRE) is a police officer trained to recognize impairment in drivers under the influence of drugs other than, or in addition to, alcohol.
McIver was also certified and now does training in The Advanced Roadside Impaired Drivin
g Enforcement (ARIDE) program. This course will train law enforcement officers to observe, identify and articulate the signs of impairment related to drugs, alcohol or a combination of both.
Although his oldest son Logan is in the NAVY and daughter London about to start college, McIver and his wife Mariah still have their parental hands full with a 19-month-old son Tristin, so retiring to a rocking chair is not yet in the plans. McIver will be employed part-time with the Minden Police Department.
“Serving people is all I have ever done. It’s all I know. The MPD is short-handed and this is a way that I can help out.” McIver went on to say, “I feel like I will be able to bring many resources, in that I will be able to help keep our officers up with certifications and re-certifications. A lot times officers might have to go to Baton Rouge for certifications or re-certs. It will just be a plus to be able to do it here in Minden.”
Serving people is what McIver says he plans to continue by running for Minden Police Chief this fall.
“I want to take what Chief (Steve) Cropper has done and add to it,” he said. “I want other agencies to call and say ‘what are y’all doing there that makes y’all so successful?’ I am coming for a sincere reason. I want to make a difference people can see.”
