Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Honors Conservation Officers for Outstanding Law Enforcement Achievements

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has recognized several of its Conservation Officers for their exceptional dedication and achievements in law enforcement, environmental protection, and public safety. The awards were presented during the PFBC Board of Commissioners’ quarterly business meeting in Harrisburg on July 27, 2026, highlighting exemplary service throughout 2025. These officers’ efforts have directly contributed to improved stream quality, enhanced boating safety, and critical lifesaving interventions across the Commonwealth.

Among the honorees, WCO David Raulfs received the Northeast Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association Officer of the Year Award. His district encompasses Wyoming and southwestern Susquehanna counties. Raulfs was recognized for his significant role in investigating a major pollution event on Roaring Brook in Lackawanna County, an effort that extended beyond his designated area and resulted in a substantial settlement aimed at restoring the stream’s quality and fish habitat. Additionally, Raulfs expanded his contributions by becoming a PFBC firearms instructor, participating in a pilot program for law enforcement e-bikes, delivering numerous educational programs to anglers and boaters, and assisting with trout stocking in 38 designated waters within the Northeast Region. He is a graduate of the PFBC’s H.R. Stackhouse School of Fishery Conservation and Watercraft Safety from the class of 2016.

The NASBLA Boating Officer of the Year Award was bestowed upon WCO Luke Walter of western Erie County. Walter’s commitment to boating safety was evident through 47 days of onboard patrols and over 350 boat boardings conducted in 2025 to ensure compliance with safety regulations. He actively participated in Operation Stonegarden, a federal initiative with U.S. Border Patrol focused on strengthening maritime and shoreline patrols along Lake Erie. Walter also conducted targeted patrols in Presque Isle Bay and at the Walnut Creek Access, a highly frequented boat launch, and led multiple outreach events to promote safe boating practices. Walter is a member of the 2023 graduating class from the PFBC’s H.R. Stackhouse School of Fishery Conservation and Watercraft Safety.

In recognition of his commitment to ecological preservation, WCO Derek Norman, serving Clinton and western Lycoming counties in the Northcentral Region, was presented with the Gerald L. Greiner Environmental Protection Award. This award celebrates officers who embody the principle of “Resource First” through their dedication to protecting, conserving, and enhancing the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources. In 2025, Norman investigated nine environmental incidents, leading to significant settlements that will benefit local aquatic ecosystems. He also addressed multiple disturbance violations on both public and private lands, working collaboratively with the Department of Environmental Protection and County Conservation District staff to resolve landowner issues and restore affected sites. Norman graduated from the PFBC’s H.R. Stackhouse School of Fishery Conservation and Watercraft Safety in 2022.

The Top Gun Award, given annually to an officer demonstrating exceptional skill in detecting and apprehending impaired boaters, was awarded to WCO Kyle Robinson of Mifflin and northern Huntingdon counties in the Southcentral Region. In 2025, Robinson conducted 30 days of onboard boat patrols, performed 764 boardings, and made nine arrests for Boating Under the Influence (BUI). He further honed his expertise by participating in advanced BUI detection and enforcement training. This marks the fourth consecutive year Robinson has received this distinguished award. He is a 2020 graduate of the PFBC’s H.R. Stackhouse School of Fishery Conservation and Watercraft Safety.

The Commission also presented Lifesaving Awards to several officers for their courageous actions. WCOs Matt Kauffman, Abigail Luteri, Michael Johnson, and Matthew Scott, all serving in the Southwest District, were honored for their role in rescuing an individual who had jumped from the 7th Street Bridge into the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh on May 24, 2026. Kauffman and Luteri, while patrolling the river, heard the splash and immediately responded. They skillfully maneuvered their patrol boat, with Luteri deploying a rescue aid and Kauffman securing the distressed individual. Johnson and Scott provided crucial assistance in bringing the individual safely onto the boat for transport to receive medical attention.

Additionally, WCO Noah Grice of Venango County in the Southwest District received a Lifesaving Award for his quick thinking and decisive actions following a motorcycle accident on U.S. Route 62 in Sandy Lake, Mercer County, on May 24, 2026. Grice encountered an unresponsive individual with a severe head injury. He instructed a bystander to call for emergency services and worked with another passerby to control bleeding. When the victim lost their pulse, Grice immediately initiated CPR, successfully reviving the individual before paramedics arrived. His prompt intervention was instrumental in the victim’s recovery.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

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