Retiring game wardens may get to keep guns

BOISE – Retiring conservation officers may get to keep their guns after all.

The House voted 59-10 on Thursday to allow game wardens with more than 15 years of service and a recommendation from their peers to be presented with their badges, handcuffs and service weapons upon retirement. The bill now moves to the Senate.

The legislation mirrors a practice that is already in place for Idaho State Police officers and is sponsored by a retired trooper, Rep. Rich Wills, R-Glenns Ferry.

Regional Conservation Officer John Hansen said his officers in eastern Idaho will appreciate the gift at the end of their careers.

“It’s a nice gesture for the years of service,” Hansen said. “We’re of the same classification as the Idaho State Police, and we felt it was a reasonable request.”

Nevertheless, the bill ran into strident opposition from the House’s most conservative members, many of whom represent eastern Idaho districts.

Rep. Lenore Barrett, R-Challis, said that “those who earn respect will usually get it.”

Barrett said she had no problem with allowing the officers to keep their badges and handcuffs, but not their weapons, unless they agree to purchase it.

Rep. Ken Roberts, R-Donnelly, also opposed the legislation both in the committee and on the House floor during Thursday’s debate.

“This bill is very nice, but it’s not our (money) to give,” Roberts said, quoting parts of the Idaho Constitution that prohibit the state to give “credit” to any individual, association, municipality or corporation.

Wills pointed out that at most, the cost to the state over a 20-year span of service would amount to less than $10 a year, considering how much the pistols would bring on the used gun market.

He said that’s a small token for officers who often respond as backup help for state troopers or local officials who radio for help in the field.

“They’ll back somebody up and be there on their own time” without charging the state for overtime. “It’s a small price to pay – a pittance,” he said.

The other floor sponsor, Assistant Majority Leader Mike Moyle, seemed annoyed that some lawmakers – all 10 no votes were cast by Republicans – would begrudge a token gift to an officer who risks his life for the state.

“These guys deal with guys that have drugs, they have guns, alcohol, sometimes they’re drunk with guns. They are dealing with the same tense and dangerous situations that the other officers are, and we shouldn’t be treating them any different,” Moyle said.