Law Enforcement Profile, Sue Miller

Conservation Warden Sue Miller

I have been working as a conservation warden for over 17 years now. My father was a Wisconsin conservation warden for 32 years when he retired in 1987. When I was growing up, I spent my entire time outdoors and I would ride along with my dad while he was working as often as he would let me. Even with that, I never considered being a warden.

When I went to college I picked Forestry as my major because I wanted to work outdoors and there were women working in that field at that time (1978). I did not consider being a warden, because I didn’t think of it as an option open to me. I was never told that I could not be a conservation warden, but then I was never told that I could be one either.

I went to school and I worked in the Forestry field as a part-time or limited term employee. It was not long before I realized that it was not what I wanted to do for my long-term career. In 1983 my younger brother was going to take the conservation warden exam. I decided to go and take the test with him. My brother was hired, but I was not. This was the first time I realized that I wanted to be conservation warden and I believe it was what I have always wanted to do even as a little girl.

I have been telling young women ever since that they need to explore all the possibilities and that there is no limit to what they can do. I spent all of 1984 working hard to become a warden. I road along with wardens in Idaho where I worked for the U.S. Forest Service. I lifted weights, worked out and ran every day. It paid off and I started as a Wisconsin Conservation Warden in January 1985. I can’t think of a job I would rather do and I live my career with the knowledge that I am making a difference by protecting the resources.

Being a warden is not just a job, but it is a life that is fulfilling, as it abounds in variety and challenges. You meet all kinds of interesting people and work within the community. The people in your community identify you with your work; you are "the warden" or "their warden". At times this can be difficult, as you are not always thought of as an individual but more as an entity. Many times the community has taken ownership of you, which has its benefits and handicaps.

If you want to be a warden, don’t expect a “9 to 5 job” with weekends off. The hours and days vary as much as the duties. The best part about this job is the freedom to decide what needs to be done and when. I choose when the best time is to work and the best days to be out. Granted this is undoubtedly the weekends and many nights, and in all kinds of weather conditions. For these reasons you need to be a self-starter who works well with little supervision.

Women are breaking new ground in this field of law enforcement and at times it is a challenge to work with my male counterparts. There are a few who believe women have no place in this line of work. It has been a disappointment to me that I find this attitude. At this time we have 14 women wardens and I believe that as our numbers increase this antiquated attitude will change. In spite of this, I believe there is no better job. I challenge you young women to try it out!

Sue Miller, Sawyer County Conservation Warden