November 5, 2005
Aircraft Accident
Québec Wildlife Protection & Resources
Wildlife Protection Officer Nicolas Rochette, WPO Fernand Vachon and the pilot, Yves Giguère died when their plane crashed on Saturday November 5, 05 at around 10pm. Together they were conducting a night-hunting operation in the Chaudière-Appalaches area (approximately 30 miles north of the Maine border near Jackman ME) when the crash occurred. The plane was found on Tuesday, November the 8th.
Mr. Rochette began his wildlife protection career in Forestville. In 1997 he was appointed wildlife protection officer for Laurier-Station and Saint-Camille. Mr. Rochette took his career very seriously, and in October 2003 was a guest on the Radio Canada program Justice, which examined the duties of wildlife protection officers. His concern for the human aspects of his job also led him to accept a position as union representative. Working in the Chaudière-Appalaches region, he frequently took part in aerial surveillance of night-time white-tailed deer hunting, and his efforts were greatly appreciated. Over the years he was involved in numerous poaching prevention initiatives, and was known for his sense of initiative and productivity.
Mr. Rochette was survived by his daughter.