As a Georgia Department of Natural Resources conservation ranger first class responsible for covering Clayton and Henry Counties, Kevin Godbee is very familiar with the good, and not so good, elements of his job.

It was with a sense of pride that, a few years ago working alongside law enforcement officials from Jasper County, he personally apprehended an individual who was attempting to lure children into a vacant building.

However, in 2010, he experienced perhaps the least enjoyable part of his job, the recovery of drowning victims in his coverage area, as he assisted in the October, 2010 recovery of 15-year-old Henri-Christophe Bourget, who drowned in the large fishing pond at Clayton County International Park.

This is one of five drowning victims recovery missions in which he has participated.

Now, with bow-hunting deer season under way in Clayton and deer hunting season with any type weapon in Henry, Godbee, a married father of three, said he will switch his attention to making sure hunters are not only doing so safely but have the required licenses to hunt, and permission to hunt, on the property they are using.

“There are many elements involved in this job, so conservation rangers wear many hats,” said Godbee, who has been with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources since 2005 and, prior to that worked with the Henry County Police Department and the Greene County Sheriff’s office.

In addition, Godbee patrols rivers and other bodies of water looking out for those operating boats that may be impaired as well as assisting in locating missing individuals. He also investigates illegal boating and hunting incidents as well as educating youngsters and adults on wildlife preservation and the importance of conservation.

In addition, he is charged with enforcing state fish and game laws, boating laws and environmental protection laws, including illegal dumping.

Although his job is one of the most hectic within the state natural resources department, Godbee said a vast majority of it is outdoors, which he loves.

“There is a lot of freedom involved with this job as well as helping other state and local agencies, such as public safety and emergency personnel,” he said.

“I have met a great many good people in the public safety and other agencies we assist and that is one of the greatest parts of this job,” he said.

Godbee encourages the public to contact the Georgia Department of Natural Resources if they observe any type of possible illegal activity or public safety.

“It is our job to assist the public in any matter involving the environment and we take that job, and responsibility, very seriously,” he added.