Pride, elation or satisfaction at achievements, qualities, or possessions that do one credit. High or overbearing opinion of one’s worth or importance.

Here we are, the year 2001. Looking back on years past, I feel that I can speak on behalf of the Louisiana Wildlife Agents Association when saying we have come a long way in this profession and we continue to grow daily. We can look at our profession and growth with a great sense of pride. Sit back, take a minute and evaluate. Look back and see where we have come from, to where we are today as Wildlife Enforcement Officers. Think of things such as uniforms, equipment, radios, salaries, training, and most of all reputation. Today, Wildlife Agents are recognized as Law Enforcement Officers with a vast amount of quality training. Wildlife Agents are recognized as professionals with knowledge in every field of law enforcement. In a law enforcement atmosphere, Wildlife Agents are respected for the type and quality of work they perform and for the services that are being provided to the public. In the sportsman’s eye, Enforcement Agents play a vital role in the preservation of our natural resources and do so as recognized and respected professionals.

One of our goals as an Association has always been to promote our profession and to do so with pride. Look around, we are here, everyone and anyone knows Wildlife and Fisheries and what we stand for. Public education, media blitz, news flashes, talk shows, and agents doing a professional job and being seen has sent a message out. Wildlife Agents represent law enforcement and we do so with pride. That is something to be proud of. We represent a unique group of law enforcement officers that are dedicated to a cause. We sacrifice to protect the natural resources of this state. We share in a grave responsibility.

As Association members we must pledge and continue to set forth new goals and to achieve those goals. We must continue to grow and stay united to represent our profession with pride and dignity. By staying focused, we can only improve what we represent, Professionals.