Pennsylvania Game News - Feburary 2011 - 39

Heartfelt Sympathy
CRAWFORD — I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to every person who took the time to offer their sympathies to our PGC officers and employees regarding the tragic death of WCO David Grove in November. While this was a very difficult time for many of our people, it was comforting to know that the public acknowledged David’s ultimate sacrifice. I was not only surprised, but most appreciative of all, including strangers, who approached me to offer their sympathy and prayers. — WCO MARK A. ALLEGRO, MEADVILLE

Deepest Graditude
M ERCER — On November 21 our agency lay to rest one of our finest. WCO David Grove, who was tragically and senselessly slain in the line of duty, was honored by conservation and police agencies from throughout the U.S. and Canada. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all who attended the ceremonies, and especially to the Pennsylvania State Police Ceremonial Unit for their unselfish contributions and expertise with the ceremonies. — WCO LAWRENCE R. HERGENROEDER, GROVE CITY

There In Spirit
WESTMORELAND — Recently a friend and classmate of mine lost his life protecting the resources of this commonwealth. WCO Dave Grove will be sorely missed by all who knew him, and especially those who worked with him. Dave Grove, Chris Skipper, Bill Anderson and I used to participate in the agency golf tournament. It was a 2-day event that was filled with fun and camaraderie among current and former employees. There is one hole on the course that runs parallel to the parking lot. Every year it seemed that Dave’s tee shot would find that parking lot and possibly hit a car. We would chuckle, as the ball seemed to have eyes of its own. From now on we will have to place a ball in the parking lot each time we play that hole in honor of Dave. — WCO SETH T. MESORAS, DELMONT

Now He Understands
JEFFERSON — Many years ago I was on patrol at night and saw a spotlight, then heard a shot and quickly drove to where it had come from. Upon arriving, I noticed a vehicle stopped in the road with two individuals standing in front of it, one with a rifle. As I exited my vehicle, sidearm in hand, I ordered the person with the rifle to put it on the ground. It turned out that the vehicle had hit two deer, badly injuring them, and the man was going to put them down. For years afterward, the person holding the rifle was very upset, because I had ordered him in a forceful manner to put his firearm down. I hope now, in light of the tragic Dave Grove killing, that he can grasp the concept we officers must be careful. — WCO MICHAEL A. GIROSKY, RENOLDSVILLE

Bird Couldn’t Catch a Break
YORK — DCNR Park Ranger Wanda Pritulsky told me that her husband, Jim, was pheasant hunting in a field and watched a red-tailed hawk swoop down and pick up a cockbird. After reaching about 50 feet off the ground, the pheasant put up enough fight to break free and flew right at Jim. Jim dropped the bird, but I’m wondering if he’s now interested in becoming a falconer. — WCO MICHAEL J. REEDER, LEWISBERRY
FEBRUARY 2011

Went Too Far
BUCKS — My wife has always been tolerant when she’s found strange items in the freezer, knowing they had something to do with the job. Her patience was stretched a bit thin, however, when she opened the door to our shed and came face to face with a bear (taxidermy mount) I had put there for a program. From now on I have to tell her where I’m storing mounts for upcoming programs. — WCO JOHN M. PAPSON, TRUMBAURERSVILLE
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Pennsylvania Game News - Feburary 2011

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