Gov. Shapiro Recognizes Exemplary Commonwealth Employees For Dedication To Public Service, Including 3 State Park Rangers

On October 23, Gov. Josh Shapiro presented the Governor’s Awards for Excellence to 54 Commonwealth employees from eight state agencies and thanked all state employees for their dedication to public service.

“I’ve said many times before, my Administration has a ‘get stuff done’ attitude. We focus on getting stuff done for the good people of Pennsylvania – and that’s only possible because of the 80,000 Commonwealth employees who go to work every day to serve,” said Gov. Josh Shapiro. “Whether it was our Avian Flu Veterinary Response Team’s immediate response to the avian flu crisis, or our Next Generation 911 team’s work to modernize our 911 systems across all 67 counties, or our Pennsylvania State Police Troopers putting their lives on the line to keep our fellow Pennsylvanians safe – these individuals stepped up to lead in the face of challenges and delivered tangible results to make a real positive difference in Pennsylvanians’ lives. I congratulate our honorees and thank them for their contributions, dedication, and commitment to service.”

Twenty-seven state agencies submitted a total of 207 nominations prepared by their employees, with two individuals and eight group nominations selected as winners for this year’s awards. 

Commonwealth employees were recognized for their outstanding work to support Pennsylvania’s poultry industry during the 2022 Avian Influenza outbreak, to provide all Pennsylvania counties with a modern 911 system, for the immediate response to the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse that rebuilt the bridge in less than a year, and more.

DCNR Park Rangers

Among the winners were Gifford State Park Rangers Steven Anderson, Alexander Dale, and Rachel Ann Oplinger.

They were recognized for saving the lives of two people on separate occasions as part of their duties as park rangers at Gifford Pinchot State Park in York County-- an elderly visitor who experienced a medical emergency while hiking in the cold and an individual with a drug overdose. 

Thanks to the rangers’ quick thinking and responsiveness, these visitors in distress were found and rescued, resulting in successful outcomes for very serious emergencies.

Click Here for the complete announcement.

[Posted: October 23, 2023]  PA Environment Digest