“Every day across Pennsylvania, Commonwealth employees show what it truly means to step up for their neighbors. Their work reminds us that government can be a powerful force for good when dedicated people bring their talent, compassion, and commitment to serving others,” said Governor Shapiro. “The employees recognized today represent the best of us, and my Administration is proud to recognize the incredible state employees who serve our Commonwealth.”
The honorees include--
-- DCNR Packerton Wildfire Investigation Team: Jacob Novitsky and Matthew Waters
For leading the investigation into a serial arsonist who set multiple fires along the D&L Trail in Carbon County. This included the Packerton Wildfire which required over 150 personnel to extinguish.
They reviewed cellphone and drone surveillance footage, interviewed witnesses, and posed as hikers to protect against suspicious activity.
These efforts culminated in the identification and arrest of a juvenile suspect whose phone contained photos, messages, and GPS data linking him to the fires.
-- DCNR Michaux State Forest Wildfire Response Team
The honorees include Todd Breininger, Cody Crouse, Tyler Feldman, Marcus Kaiser, Adam Kling, Benjamin Livelsberger, David Lynch, Chad Northcraft, Amy Shull, and Joshua Thompson
For orchestrating a multi-agency response to the Thompson Hollow and Hammond Rocks wildfires in the Michaux State Forest in April 2025.
The team coordinated with state, county, and local agencies and hundreds of individual firefighters to battle the fires spanning over 2,700 acres of dry and challenging terrain.
Thanks to their training, experience, and commitment to public safety, the wildfires were extinguished before they could cause any loss of life or property.
-- DEP Watershed Restoration Coordination Team
The honorees include Rebecca Albert, Kathryn Beats, Christina Fesler, David Goerman, Shane Kleiner, Michael Luciani, Natahnee Miller, Bruce Naylor, Shelby Reisinger, and Kevin White
For successful collaboration on two projects that will bring cleaner water, flood resiliency, habitat improvement, and vibrant farms and communities to Lancaster County.
Through creation of the Watershed Scale Restoration Permit, this team achieved quick reviews of project designs and accelerated implementation of the Blue Green Connector and the Cocalico Creek watershed projects.
Their work will restore streams and floodplains, improve local water quality, and help revitalize the Chesapeake Bay.
Click Here for the Governor's announcement.
[Posted: July 29, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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