PA Environment Digest

The Fish and Boat Commission this week formally recognized several waterways conservation officers, a local district attorney and four private citizens for their efforts in investigating a 2009 fatal boating incident on the Susquehanna River near Lock Haven, Clinton County.

Board President William Worobec formally recognized Renee Carey, executive director of the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy, for her work on more than 30 habitat restoration projects in the area. (Photo)

Carey coordinated the projects as part of a team which included Dave Keller, PFBC area habitat manager, and Jason Fellon, watershed manager with the Department of Environmental Protection.

Tom Kamerzel, PFBC Director of Law Enforcement, presented the agency’s Top Gun Award to WCO Thomas Nunamacher and to Clinton County District Attorney Michael Salisbury, who accepted the award on behalf of his office. The award recognizes an officer’s outstanding effort during the past year in detecting and apprehending boaters operating under the influence.

Mr. Kamerzel also presented Outstanding Service Awards to the following individuals for their assistance with the investigation: WCOs Donald Heiner, Jr., David Decker, Corey Britcher and Ronald Myers; and citizens Robert Barto, Dennis Miller, Justin Breyerton and David Lee Masters. WCO Nunamacher and District Attorney Salisbury also were honored with Outstanding Service Awards.

“The combined efforts of concerned citizens, committed officers and dedicated legal professionals resulted in the successful prosecution of the charge of homicide by watercraft while operating under the influence,” said Mr. Kamerzel.

On July 16, John Edward Englert II pleaded "no contest" to numerous criminal charges filed against him as a result of the July 10, 2009, boating crash. The Mill Hall man pleaded "no contest" to five criminal counts, including homicide by vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, two simple assault charges, obstruction of the administration of law, and driving a water craft while under the influence. The homicide by vehicle charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of three years in prison.

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