HARRISBURG, Pa. (May 1) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is pleased to announce several awards presented to staff during the PFBC Board of Commissioners quarterly business meeting on April 28, 2025, in Harrisburg.
Excellence in Law Enforcement:
The Northeast Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association Officer of the Year Award was presented to WCO Chad Lauer, whose district includes Tioga County in the Northcentral Region. In 2024, WCO Lauer’s exemplary law enforcement efforts included 46 days of onboard boat patrols, 600 boardings, the investigation of 12 environmental incidents, and the investigation of timber theft from PFBC property resulting in charges being filed. Additionally, WCO Lauer participated in multiple public educational events in his district. Lauer is a 2016 graduate of the PFBC's H.R. Stackhouse School of Fishery Conservation and Watercraft Safety.
The Gerald L. Greiner Environmental Protection Award was presented to WCO Hunter Shoemaker, whose district included Lycoming County in the Northcentral Region. This award is presented annually to the WCO who best exemplifies the ideals of 'Resource First' – the protection, conservation, and enhancement of the Commonwealth's aquatic resources. In 2024, Shoemaker investigated 16 environmental incidents within his region, including an incident which involved a significant pollution event in the headwaters of a Class A wild trout stream. Shoemaker is a 2022 graduate of the PFBC's H.R. Stackhouse School of Fishery Conservation and Watercraft Safety.
The Top Gun Award was presented to WCO Kyle Robinson, whose district includes Mifflin and northern Huntingdon counties in the Southcentral Region. This award is presented annually to a WCO who displays outstanding effort in the detection and apprehension of impaired boaters. In 2024, WCO Robinson's exemplary law enforcement efforts included 40 days of onboard boat patrols, 850 boardings, and eight arrests for Boating Under the Influence. Robinson is a 2020 graduate of the PFBC's H.R. Stackhouse School of Fishery Conservation and Watercraft Safety. This is the third consecutive year Robinson has received this award.
Achievement in Water Rescue:
A Heroes of Water Rescue Award was presented to John Soderberg, a PFBC Water Rescue Instructor Trainer. This award recognizes the contributions of individuals who make a significant, lasting, and continuous impact in the field of water rescue as a result of the guidelines established by the PFBC’s Water Rescue Program. During his career spanning several decades, Soderberg served honorably with Pittsburgh River Rescue, the Pennsylvania Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team, and was instrumental in implementing water rescue training for all Fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement personnel within the City of Pittsburgh.
LINK TO INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS (All Courtesy PFBC)