Pennsylvania Game Commission Graduates 24 New State Game Wardens

HARRISBURG, Pa. (EYT) — Pennsylvania’s newest State Game Wardens have officially completed their training and are now serving in districts across the Commonwealth.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s 37th Class of the Ross Leffler School of Conservation graduated Jan. 31, adding 24 officers to the ranks following 44 weeks of intensive training, including 10 weeks of field assignments.

Graduates of the class were assigned to counties throughout Pennsylvania, where they will be responsible for enforcing wildlife laws, protecting natural resources, and serving the public in both urban and rural areas.

Members of the 37th Class, their hometowns and their assigned districts are: Adam M. Beinhauer, of Pittsburgh (Lancaster County); Wade W. Clark III, of Apollo (Bedford County); Benjamin M. Conklin, of Effort (Carbon County); Joseph M. D’Andrea, of Congers, N.Y. (Carbon County); Joshua W. Elchin, of Windber (Blair County); Peter D. Havens, of Willing, N.Y. (McKean County); Nathan B. Hazelton, of Scranton (Lackawanna County); Joshua B. Keirn, of Altoona (Chester County); Daniel P. Kennedy, of Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); David J. Kennedy, of Bainbridge (Lancaster County); Peter S. Lucas, of Canonsburg (Chester County); Brior P. Magee, of Montgomery (Montgomery County); Jared M. Marzka, of Erie (Butler County); Katherine T. Nealen, of Arnot (Cumberland County); Kyle W. Norling, of West Sunbury (Forest County); Etienne J. Nunemaker, of Clarks Summit (Berks County); Samuel G. Pepper, of Muncy (Chester County); Kirsten M. Pugh, of Chambersburg (Fulton County); Michael Shatalov, of Milanville (Lackawanna County); Clayton D. Shaw, of Carlisle (Juniata County); Jesse E. Speicher Jr., of Butler (Allegheny County); Brady L. Stumbaugh, of Chambersburg (Dauphin County); Joshua P. Tanner, of Smethport (Allegheny County); and Adan T. Ward, of Napoleon, Ohio (Somerset County).

Several members of the class received awards recognizing exceptional performance during training. Katherine Nealen earned the academic award with a 94.74 percent average. Adam Beinhauer received the EVOC driving award for excellence in emergency vehicle operations, while Michael Shatalov was recognized for marksmanship, achieving the highest overall proficiency with handgun, rifle, and shotgun.

David Kennedy was named the fitness award recipient for maintaining the highest physical standards during training. Kennedy also received a Life Saving Award for his role in rescuing a hiker suffering a medical emergency on a remote section of the Appalachian Trail on State Game Lands 211 in October 2025.

The academy torch award, presented for professionalism, conduct, and leadership as voted on by classmates, was awarded to Joshua Tanner.

“Every one of these graduates is embarking on a demanding journey and a lifelong commitment to service and conservation,” said Col. Richard Danley, director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Bureau of Wildlife Protection.

Training School Director Kyle Jury said the new wardens will play a critical role in protecting Pennsylvania’s wildlife and outdoor traditions.

The Ross Leffler School of Conservation was established in 1932 and was the first conservation officer training school in the world, serving as a model for similar programs nationwide. Originally located in Brockway, the school later moved to the Game Commission’s Harrisburg headquarters, where it continues to train future generations of wardens.

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