He was destined for carpentry. But at the time, in the 90s, there weren't many jobs to be had. So when his mother gave him the announcement of a competition to become a country guard in her town, he said to himself why not. “Country guard is a facilitator, a mediator who comes into contact with the population.” Over time, he discovers a passion, “a vocation downright! It's not love at first sight, it's something that came with time.”
But the profession, born after the Revolution, still suffers from clichés. “We have in mind the country guard who makes announcements with the drum, things have changed a lot.” The rural ranger has skills in some 150 areas and it goes well beyond hunting and fishing. It also acts, for example, as environmental police. It's the rural police. And you have to see Thierry, cap on his head, strolling through the center of Val-Couesnon. He doesn't know everyone, but everyone recognizes him. The only downside to his role: “I hate when parents tell their children, be careful, if you're naughty, I'll call the country guard. I'm not a child tormentor!”
Thierry, who is also the treasurer of the National Federation of Country Guards, says today, he is proud to serve his territory. But even more about the profession and its importance in rural areas. However, it suffers from a lack of candidates. “Not enough candidates or not enough competition?” he asks himself. “It’s the snake that bites its own tail.”
The national federation of country guards is ici.
