Aug 25, 2002 2 min read

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) Waterways Conservation Officer Thomas Nunamacher has been recognized for his outstanding law enforcement work by a professional organization of his peers. The North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers’ Association (NAWEOA) recently named Nunamacher as its 2002 “Officer of the Year.” NAWEOA is a professional organization of conservation officers throughout the United States and Canada and includes supportive members in other nations, as well.

Nunamacher, who’s patrol district encompasses Clinton County and parts of western Lycoming County, joined the PFBC in 1995. In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities as a Conservation Officer, Nunamacher is active in PFBC training programs. He also specializes in the conservation of reptiles and amphibians – particularly timber rattlesnakes. He conducts dozens of education programs annually on the important role snakes play in the environment.

Nunamacher has used his background in art to create a character named “Ollie Otter.” As the mascot of the Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania Association (COPA), Ollie Otter is featured on posters distributed to every elementary school in the Commonwealth. Sales from a series of patches based the character raise approximately $10,000 annually for COPA, allowing the organization to support various educational efforts.

such as Youth Field Days and to make contributions to the PFBC’s Conservation Acquisition Partnership.