CHARLESTON, W.Va. — In November of 1989, Dave Trader took his oath to serve the people of West Virginia and headed off to the State Police Academy to begin training as a West Virginia DNR Conservation Officer. The oath was administered by then Colonel Dick Hall. Monday, Trader took another oath to watch over the agency he’s been part of for 37 years.
“I went through the academy and that was in 1990 then I headed to Wetzel County and stayed there until I was a Sergeant. That’s where I learned to be an officer,” said Trader.
Surrounded by fellow officers, DNR personnel and his family, Trader raised his right hand as DNR Director Brett McMillion administered the oath and his wife penned the eagles on his shoulder. Trader said it wasn’t a position he ever expected.
“I was always thankful to meet each and every one of the responsibilities the agency entrusted me in. I always tried to do the best I could. When the next one came on I did that and I’ll not do any different with this one. I’m going to try to do the best I can,” said Trader.
McMillion in his remarks had no doubt about Trader’s dedication to the job. He remarked Trader was always valuable and effective in fighting for the protection of the state’s natural resources when appearing before the Legislature and always respectful of the sportsmen and women of the state who are the consumers.
Trader said there have been changes in the job through the years, but the biggest of those have involved technology and equipment. He noted they have always tried to stay on the cutting edge of technology both in the field and in the cruiser.
One of his goals is to insure the next generation of officers is property trained and equipped to do the job.
“We’re always learning, always advancing, and always trying to see what the next cutting edge is and trying to stay ahead of it or at least meet it half way,” he said.
Trader replaces Bobby Cales who retired from the department last month.