Skip to agency navigation
Skip to main content

Official website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means it's official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Commissioner - Boating-at-Large

    COUNTIES: At-Large

    Steven Ketterer

    Portrait of Commissioner Steven Ketterer

    Commissioner Steve Ketterer is one of two Boating at-large Commissioners of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and was appointed in June 2026. Commissioner Ketterer has dedicated his career to public service, emergency response, and advancing water rescue throughout Pennsylvania for more than 50 years. His professional experience combines municipal leadership, emergency management, rescue training, and business ownership, all centered on improving public safety and supporting first responders.

    In 1986, he founded Ketterer's Rescue Products, which provides specialized rescue equipment, consulting and training for fire departments, rescue squads, law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services and other public safety organizations. The company continues to serve emergency responders with dependable equipment and practical expertise gained through decades of field experience.

    Emergency services has been a lifelong commitment for Commissioner Ketterer. He joined Harrisburg River Rescue in 1972 and served as Chief from 1982 to 2013. Throughout his ncareer, he helped establish river rescue organizations in multiple Pennsylvania communities and played a significant role in developing the Emergency Medical System for the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's Water Rescue Programs and the Pennsylvania Water Rescue Accreditation Program.

    As a certified Pennsylvania State Water Rescue Instructor and Certified Personal Watercraft and Boating Safety Instructor, Commissioner Ketterer has trained generations of emergency responders and coordinated the Annual Water Rescue Conference in Harrisburg. He also served as a gubernatorial-appointed Commissioner of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission from 2007 to 2017, contributing to statewide boating safety and water rescue initiatives.

    Commissioner Ketterer’s work has been recognized with numerous local, state and national awards, including the Governor of Pennsylvania Award for Heroism, the Pennsylvania State Police Heroism Award, the United States Lifesaving Association Heroic Act Award and the Higgins & Langley Swiftwater Rescue Special Commendation Award. While these honors are meaningful, his greatest accomplishment has been helping build safer communities by improving rescue training, advancing water safety and supporting the dedicated professionals who answer the call when lives are at risk.

    Commissioner Ketterer and his wife live in Harrisburg along with their son who proudly serves in the United States Navy.