Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2018 - 22

2017 Annual Report
Fentanyl

Waterways Conservation Officer (WCO) Anthony Beers
was patrolling the Cowanshannock Creek Access, Armstrong
County, when he observed a vehicle parked in the lower
lot. He determined that the occupants were not engaged in
either fishing or boating activities. While interacting with the
driver, WCO Beers observed that the driver's behavior seemed
abnormal. Due to the driver's erratic behavior and repeatedly
ignoring instructions from WCO Beers to keep his hands out
of his pockets, WCO Beers completed a simple search of the
driver. While conducting the search, he discovered a clear,
plastic container with a Fentanyl patch inside. Pennsylvania
State Police (PSP) arrived to assist, and it was determined that
the vehicle did not have a valid registration or inspection,
and the driver did not have proof of insurance. In addition,
the driver was operating the vehicle on a suspended driver's
license. Appropriate charges were filed by both WCO Beers
and PSP.

Air Force One

WCOs work with the United States Secret Service to secure
the Susquehanna River adjacent to Harrisburg International
Airport any time the President of the United States or Vice
President of the United State visits the area.
WCO Mark A. Sweppenhiser and WCO Douglas L.
Deppen supported the Department of Homeland Security
with a Presidential Security Detail on the river in 2017.

Spear gun

WCO Anthony J. Quarracino Jr. successfully prosecuted
an individual for misdemeanor charges of Serious Unlawful

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * July/August 2018	

Take and Unlawful Devices after a late night apprehension
in the Raystown Lake Dam spillway. The individual was
caught utilizing scuba gear, a submersible light and a
spear gun to illegally take three trophy Walleyes and one
trophy Smallmouth Bass. Entering into a plea agreement
with the Huntingdon County Court of Common Pleas,
the individual was sentenced to a $2,500.00 fine, $221.75
restitution for the gamefish, 6 years of supervised
probation and a 3-year fishing privilege revocation.

Water rescue training

The Commission certified 2,799 students through the
Water Rescue Program, which meets or exceeds various
levels (Awareness, Operations, Technician) of National Fire
Protection Association 1670 Standards. The Pennsylvania
Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) also conducted three
Instructor Trainer Courses that certify individuals to
deliver PFBC's water rescue curriculum. The Commission
has a trained in-state volunteer instructor corps of 171
individuals who provided more than 11,800 hours of
training in 2017. Its program is the largest of its kind in the
United States.
To read the complete report, visit www.fishandboat.com/
AboutUs/AnnualReports/Documents/bleAnnual-2017.pdf.
The mission of the Bureau of Law Enforcement is to
protect, conserve and enhance the aquatic resources of
this Commonwealth through public education and fair
enforcement by dedicated professionals.

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2018
