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May 11, 2006
HARRISBURG - Roger A. Hartless, Pennsylvania Game Commission
Wildlife Conservation Officer (WCO) for northern Jefferson County,
recently was named the Northeast Conservation Law Enforcement
Chief's Association's (CLECA) Officer of the Year.
"WCO Hartless has shown a willingness to be available to handle
violations and complaints at any time day or night," said Keith
Harbaugh, Game Commission Northwest Region Director, who nominated
Hartless for the award. "He is known for his willingness to assist
neighboring WCOs, Deputy WCOs, and other law enforcement agencies.
He works exceptionally well with his counterpart in Jefferson County
with the Fish and Boat Commission.
"WCO Hartless takes an active part in all aspects of his job and his
district. He has proven that he is a very well rounded officer, and
that his dedication and enthusiasm make him very deserving of the
CLECA Award."
A graduate of the Game Commission's 22nd Class of the Ross Leffler
School of Conservation, Hartless was assigned as the Wildlife
Conservation Officer for northern Jefferson County in 1994, where he
continues to serve to this day. In 2005, WCO Hartless and his three
Deputy WCOs successfully prosecuted 77 violations of the Game and
Wildlife Code and handed out 102 warnings.
Hartless has been actively involved in the Jefferson County Youth
Field Day program since its inception in 1994, and is responsible
for developing and manning Game Commission display booths at the
Jefferson County Fair. He also conducts wildlife conservation
education programs for numerous groups, including Boy and Girl Scout
troops, 4-H Clubs and local schools.
As part of the agency's Hunter-Trapper Education program, Hartless
works with 11 instructors to conduct courses each year. He also
works closely with the Jefferson County Federation of Sportsmen's
Clubs to promote the state's hunting and trapping heritage
throughout the county.
Hartless provides wildlife survey data and information to the
agency's Bureau of Wildlife Management, including deer conception
information from road-killed does in the spring and wild turkey
poult counts. In the summer, Hartless responds to nuisance bear
complaints, where he also is able to gather valuable information for
the agency's bear program. In the fall, he also provides beaver
survey information for the agency's furbearer program.
This past winter, Hartless participated in the agency's wild turkey
trapping program as part of a multi-year study.
On Jan. 21, while on patrol and monitoring law enforcement radio
communications, WCO Hartless received word that a fugitive accused
of shooting five people in Maryland, was suspected of being in the
Jefferson County vicinity. WCO Hartless proceeded to a bridge
overlooking I-80, where he spotted the suspect's vehicle. After
notifying State and local police, WCO Hartless stayed behind the
vehicle until State and local police could take over.
On Feb. 14, Pennsylvania State Police Captain David W. Neal,
Commanding Officer for Troop C, presented WCO Hartless with a
"Letter of Commendation" for his assistance in this case.
In addition, Hartless has attended training and has been accredited
as a Game Commission Forensics Instructor and Specialist. He also is
a verbal skills instructor and has taken part in the instruction of
his fellow law enforcement officers of the Northwest Region.
Prior to becoming a WCO, Hartless was employed by Giant Eagle
Markets in Edinboro, Erie County. He also served as a Deputy WCO in
western Erie County from 1988 until 1993.
A native of Reynoldsville, Hartless currently resides in Brookville,
with his wife, Brenda, and three children.
"WCO Hartless serves the people of Jefferson County and Pennsylvania
well," Harbaugh said. "He balances the various roles of a WCO - from
law enforcement to public education, from wildlife management to
training - and has earned the respect of his fellow Game Commission
officers and employees, as well as the public's. He is a valuable
member of our agency team, and I congratulate him on being selected
for this award."
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