Conservation Officer Service

The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.

Victoria, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
February 20, 2004
Vol. IV, p. 353

Arms of the Conservation Officer Service
Arms of the Conservation Officer Service
Flag of the Conservation Officer Service
Badge of the Conservation Officer Service
 
Arms of the Conservation Officer Service

Arms of the Conservation Officer Service

Blazon

Azure within an orle Argent an inescutcheon of the Arms of the Province of British Columbia (Argent three bars wavy Azure issuant from the base over all a demi sun in splendour Or a chief of the Royal Union Flag charged in the centre with an antique crown Or);

Symbolism

The use of the provincial arms, in the centre of the shield, indicates that the Conservation Officer Service is a provincial agency. The blue is a colour of the Service, and is often associated with law enforcement. The white band, or orle, is a mark of protection, and it refers to the Conservation Officer Service (C.O.S.)’s mandate to protect the province’s environment.

Crest

Blazon

A demi Kermode bear (Ursus americanus Kermodie) holding in the dexter paw a sprig of Western red cedar proper;

Symbolism

The bear is a traditional symbol of protection as the animal is well-known for protecting its young. Here it appears as the rare and beautiful Kermode bear found in the interior of British Columbia. It thus alludes to the C.O.S.’s role in protecting the province’s natural heritage for future generations. The cedar is the province’s official tree.

Motto

Blazon

INTEGRITY • SERVICE • PROTECTION;

Symbolism

Not applicable

Supporters

Blazon

Two bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) Argent attired and unguled Or standing on a rock proper;

Symbolism

The bighorn sheep is one of the supporters of the arms of British Columbia. It alludes to the tenacity and determination of the Conservation Officer Service. The rocky compartment refers to the mountains that are an outstanding feature of British Columbia’s geography.

Flag of the Conservation Officer Service

Flag of the Conservation Officer Service

Blazon

A banner of the Arms;

Symbolism

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.

Badge of the Conservation Officer Service

Badge of the Conservation Officer Service

Blazon

The shield of the Arms of the Conservation Officer Service within an annulus Argent fimbriated and inscribed INTEGRITY SERVICE PROTECTION in letters Azure, ensigned by the Royal Crown proper and encircled by a wreath of maple leaves Or and western red cedar sprigs issuant from a Pacific dogwood flower proper, the whole resting on a scroll Argent fimbriated and inscribed CONSERVATION OFFICER SERVICE in letters Azure;

Symbolism

The badge takes the form of a police badge, to indicate the Service’s law enforcement responsibilities. The main difference is the use of the cedar sprigs along with the maple leaves.

 

Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the letters patent was made on March 12, 2005 in Volume 139, page 687 of the Canada Gazette.

Letters patent granting heraldic emblems to the Conservation Officer ServiceLetters patent granting heraldic emblems to the Conservation Officer Service

Additional Information

Creator(s)

Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority

Painter

Linda Nicholson

Calligrapher

Shirley Mangione

Recipient Type

Civil Institution
Provincial & Territorial (Agency and other)