| The six members of the 17th Waterways Conservation Officer Class graduated from training
at ceremonies held September 7 at the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's Headquarters
in Harrisburg. Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director Dr. Douglas Austen presided over
the ceremonies.
Waterways Conservation Officers make up the law enforcement arm of the Fish and Boat
Commission, though the duties of a WCO go beyond police work. WCOs perform specialized work
in fisheries conservation and watercraft safety, education and public relations –
responsibilities that are emphasized through specialized training. The graduation marked the
successful completion of a course of instruction that began more than one year ago. The
officers completed Municipal Police Officer Training, provided by the Pennsylvania State
Police, followed by Conservation Officer Training. In addition to classroom and practical
training at the Commission's H.R. Stackhouse School of Fishery Conservation and Watercraft
Safety, the officers completed field training with experienced waterways conservation
officers.
The Honorable Michael J. Eakin, Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, administered
the Oath of Office. Class President James M. Smolko spoke on behalf of the graduates.
Jeffrey B. Giardina was awarded the Edward W. Manhart Award in Academic Achievement for
maintaining the highest grade point average during training.
Graduates, their hometown and new district patrol assignment include: |
