In the field
Spece’s career path leads him to DNR conservation role
If his uniform, badge and shoulder patch don’t convince an observer that Iowa Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer William Spece is dedicated to what he does, then perhaps the ring tone on his phone will.
It’s set to make the sound of a crow when a fellow officer calls him.
Other calls, also birds.
“My normal ring is mourning doves,” he said.
Spece became the conservation officer for Webster and Humboldt counties in October.
He went right to work during a busy time.
“I started during the opening weekend of pheasant season,” he said.
Webster and Humboldt counties are Spece’s first posting since joining the DNR. There are several things that drew him here, not just to work, but also as a place to settle with his family.
“I like the large public recreation areas,” he said. “It’s a good mix. I love Brushy Creek. There are several state parks. We have great rivers, and it’s an excellent spot to raise kids.”
His family includes his wife Lacey; son Cooper, 8; and daughter Kenley, 3. The couple also spent many years as foster parents and still have contact with some of those that they helped.
Spece grew up in northeast Iowa, then went into the Army for a three-year enlistment. After the military, he managed several hog confinement units, managed an animal shelter in Marshalltown and eventually served as a corrections officer and reserve deputy in Marshall County.
“I caught the love for the road there,” he said.
He also ran a wildlife animal control business.
“Bats, raccoons, you name it,” he said. “There not a lot I haven’t crawled through a crawl space to remove.”
His time as a correctional officer also gave him a broader view of law enforcement, and it allowed him to see the effect on everyone, not just the inmate, but also the jail staff, law enforcement officers and the inmate’s family.
“It affects everyone,” he said.
Spece earned his Iowa Law Enforcement Certification in 2013 while serving as an officer with the City of Eldora.
While going through the 14-week course, he learned how his family supports him.
“My beautiful wife was very gracious,” he said. “She was pregnant at the time. She’s 100 percent behind me.”
During his field training for the DNR, Spece worked in three different areas of the state, then spent two weeks with his primary training officer in Humboldt and Webster counties.
“We spent two weeks together in this area,” he said. “Then it was go forth and do good things.”
Spece said that both the Webster and Humboldt counties’ sheriff’s departments have made him feel welcome to the area.
“The law enforcement here has been great to work with,” he said. “It’s a great area.”
He enjoys being able to work with the deputies and other officers in his areas, as well as the Humboldt and Webster County conservation employees.
Ultimately, though, he enjoys working along with the public as well.
“The citizens and sportsmen,” he said. “They’re the key to making my job successful.”
Spece came to love the outdoors early in life.
“This is my passion,” he said. “I’ve hunted, trapped and fished my entire life. My grandfather taught me.”
Spece is looking forward to a long future in the area with his family. He considers being able to work in the conservation field a blessing.
“When you’re fortunate to be able to work in a job you love,” he said. “It doesn’t seem like work. It’s a blessing from God.”