2005 Law Enforcement Awards
Award of Valor
Jose "Tony" Curet
Deputy Sheriff
York County Sheriffs Office
Deputy Curet is a 7-1/2 year veteran of the York County Sheriff's Department. He is currently assigned to Central Booking. He has previously served in the Warrant Division, Courtroom Division, Transport Division and the Security Division.
Deputy Curet is a graduate of the Adolfine Irrizang High School in Puerto Rico, and attended San Juan University. Deputy Curet served in the Army National Guard from 1981 to 1999. Deputy Curet has four children.
Deputy Curet has received letters of commendation from the York County Drug Task Force, the York City Police Department and the York County Commissioners.
Deputy Curet is actively involved in the Sheriff's Department's Youth Program.
At 0830 hours on March 10, 2005, Deputy Curet and four other deputies were attempting to serve a bench warrant at a residence in York City. Since the subject spoke Spanish, Deputy Curet took the lead role while the other deputies covered the front and rear doors. Deputy Curet knocked at the front door and was met by the subject's mother. Deputy Curet heard the subject on the second floor, and instructed the subject to come downstairs.
Without warning, the subject, armed with two handguns, opened fire down the stairwell, striking Deputy Curet. The other deputies were pinned down outside the front door, unable to assist Deputy Curet. Deputy Curet, while still under fire, saw the subject's mother was in the line of fire, and moved her to a safe location. Deputy Curet then sought cover in the kitchen. The subject continued to fire out the front door and at Deputy Curet. The subject then entered the kitchen, where he continued to fire at Deputy Curet and out the back door at the other deputies. Deputy Curet returned fire, killing the subject. Over $180,000 of illegal drugs were located in the residence.
Deputy Curet, while injured, acted above and beyond the call of duty to protect the safety and welfare of the public.
Nominated by: Sheriff William M. Hose, York County Sheriff's Department
Award of Valor
Craig Allen Snyder
Patrolman First Class
West Manheim Township Police Department
Patrolman Snyder is a 16-year veteran of the West Manheim Township Police Dept. He currently serves as a patrol officer and a DARE instructor.
Patrolman Snyder is a graduate of the New Oxford High School, and a graduate of the Harrisburg Area Community College Police Training Academy. Patrolman Snyder is married and has three children.
Patrolman Snyder was the 1994-95 Hanover Area Jaycees Outstanding Young Law Enforcement Officer, and the 2004 Hanover Elks Lodge #763 Officer of the Year.
Patrolman Snyder is a 20-year member of the New Oxford Fire Company.
On Tuesday, July 26, 2005 at about 1045 hours, Patrolman Snyder was dispatched to a welfare check of a resident suffering from depression. Patrolman Snyder arrived at the residence to find the 52-year-old woman standing inside the front door holding a large knife to her throat.
After calling for back up and an ambulance, Patrolman Snyder began to speak with the woman, encouraging her to drop the knife. The subject calmed down, allowing Patrolman Snyder to enter the residence to improve communication.
The subject became agitated, and fled further into the home. The subject entered a bedroom and began a cutting motion on her neck. Patrolman Snyder pushed her onto a bed, and removed the knife from her hand.
The subject resisted, and attempted to grab Patrolman Snyder's firearm. Patrolman Snyder was able to maintain control and handcuff the subject. Back up arrived, and the subject was transported to Hanover Hospital for psychiatric evaluation. The only injuries to the subject were several red marks on her neck.
Patrolman Snyder's actions saved the subject from inflicting serious injury to herself or Patrolman Snyder.
Nominated by: Chief Timothy Hippensteel, West Manheim Township Police Department
Award of Valor
William E. Tucker
Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police
Trooper Tucker is a 12-year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police. He currently serves in Criminal Investigation at the York Barracks.
Trooper Tucker served in the United States Marine Corps from 1985 to 2001. Tucker served in the Persian Gulf War, and served on the Presidential security detail in Washington, DC. Tucker has received many military awards, including a Bronze Star. Tucker currently serves in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard under the Special Operations Command. Trooper Tucker is married with two children.
Trooper Tucker has received the 2005 Fraternal Order of Police Award for Valor, five DUI enforcement awards, and a Troop Commander's Letter of Commendation.
Trooper Tucker is a Little League baseball coach, and a Home School Cooperative Assistant.
On Wednesday, June 1, 2005, Trooper Tucker was off duty, traveling on I83 southbound approaching the Market Street overpass with his wife and two sons. Trooper Tucker observed a man sitting on the bridge railing with his legs dangling over the side.
Trooper Tucker exited the Interstate, and parked near the overpass. Leaving his family in the vehicle, Trooper Tucker walked up the embankment to investigate. As Trooper Tucker neared the subject, he recognized the subject from a previous mental-health related incident while on-duty.
Trooper Tucker began talking to the subject, who stated he was contemplating jumping. Trooper Tucker attempted to talk him off the railing. The subject stated he would jump if law enforcement approached, so Trooper Tucker did not identify himself as a State Police officer.
As Trooper Tucker continued to engage the subject, a marked state police vehicle approached, which agitated the subject. The subject pushed from the railing in an attempt to jump. Trooper Tucker grabbed for the subject, and wrestled him to the pavement. Trooper Tucker held the subject until medical personnel arrived. The subject was committed to York Hospital.
Trooper Tucker's actions, while off-duty, certainly saved the life of the man at considerable risk to Trooper Tucker.
Nominated by: Lieutenant Patrick Gebhart, Pennsylvania State Police
2005 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
William B. Wentz
Police Officer
York City Police Department
Officer Wentz is a 15-year veteran of the York City Police Department. He is currently assigned as a Nuisance Abatement Officer.
Officer Wentz has an Associates degree from York Technical Institute. Officer Wentz is married, and has three children.
Officer Wentz has received four letters of commendation, three commissioner's commendations and an award of merit.
In January of 2005, Officer Wentz was assigned to the newly formed position of Nuisance Abatement Officer, dealing with quality of life issues in the neighborhoods of the City of York.
Officer Wentz sits on the Civil Enforcement Unit, made up of members from every City department and the District Attorney's Office. During 2005, Officer Wentz helped in the planning of eight Clean Sweeps performed by the Civil Enforcement Unit in neighborhoods blighted with various quality of life issues.
Officer Wentz began by addressing problems ranging from abandoned vehicles, loud noises, alcohol related offenses and more serious crimes. Officer Wentz used individual officers and detectives willing to change their working hours and relief days to plan 66 details, all of which dealt with ridding neighborhoods of criminal activities.
As a result of these 66 details, 17 felony and 49 misdemeanor drug arrests were made, as well as 5 other felony and 60 other misdemeanor arrests. 996 warrants were served, and 273 persons arrested for warrants. 855 citations were issued, and 310 abandoned vehicles were towed or caused to moved.
Nominated by: Captain David Arnold
2005 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Nominee
David C. Eshbach
Chief of Police
Springettsbury Township Police Department
Chief Eshbach is a 20-year veteran of the Springettsbury Township Police Department, where he serves as Chief of Police. He previously served as a patrolman, criminal investigator, Corporal and Sergeant. Prior to joining the Springettsbury Township Police Department, Eshbach served as a dispatcher at the York County Communications Center and as a police officer with the Fawn Grove Police Department.
Chief Eshbach is a graduate of York College, with an Associate of Science degree in criminal justice. Chief Eshbach is married and has four children.
Chief Eshbach is the recipient of a Live Saving Award, and several letters of commendation. Chief Eshbach serves on York Suburban Communities That Care, York County Inter-Agency Task Force on Civil Tension, and the Harrisburg Area Community College Public Safety Center Police Advisory Board.
Chief Eshbach is a member of the York County Chiefs of Police Association, and was involved in the formation of the York County Quick Response Team. He has also served on other committees within the Association, including the Information & Technology Committee, and the Police Chaplain Committee. Chief Eshbach chaired a committee that developed the Bias Based Policing Memorandum of Understanding, which was signed by every police agency in York County and other related groups and organizations.
Chief Eshbach has secured grants to fund training, bringing top-level training to York County. Chief Eshbach also serves on the Training and Education Committee of the Central Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association.
Chief Eshbach has been an ambassador for law enforcement in York County.
Nominated by: Chief James Childs, Southern Regional Police Department
2005 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Nominee
Jeffrey Ray Gohn
Deputy Wildlife Conservation Officer
Pennsylvania Game Commission
Deputy Gohn is a 25-year veteran of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. He is currently assigned to District 67-3 in southeast York County. Deputy Gohn previously served as a constable in Lower Chanceford Township and as a patrolman for the Dallastown Borough Police Department.
Deputy Gohn is a graduate of the York County Area Vocational-Technical School. Deputy Gohn is single.
Deputy Gohn is the recipient of the NRA Distinguished Police Marksman Award in 2004, the Pennsylvania Game Commission Life Saving Award in 2002 and again in 2003, the District 6-67-3 Deputy of the Year Award in 2001, 2002 and 2003, and the Southeast Region Deputy of the Year Award in 2003.
Deputy Gohn is a reserve officer who works many hours enforcing state environmental laws in York County. Deputy Gohn receives a flat per-diem for each day worked, whether it is an eight or sixteen-hour workday. Once the District budget has been expended, Deputy Gohn still continues to work without pay to provide the services of a Conservation Officer to York County. Deputy Gohn is issued his uniform, ammunition and OC spray, but has to furnish his own radios, body armor, firearm, duty belt flashlights vehicle and fuel.
Deputy Gohn is responsible for filing between 15-20% of all citations filed by the District every year, and his fervor for catching poachers has not waned. In 2005, Deputy Gohn knew a specific person was killing deer out of season. Deputy Gohn and another officer staked out the poacher's residence, arriving at 0600 to begin surveillance. The poacher was observed with a group killing a deer at 1750 hours, and Deputy Gohn and the other officer arrived to take the intoxicated subject into custody. Deputy Gohn was able to determine that two of the men had killed at least four deer illegally over multiple days.
Deputy Gohn also assisted in a hunting related death, assisting the lead investigator with identifying, marking, recording and collecting evidence.
Deputy Gohn is also active with the Hunter Trapper Education program in York County, and has assisted the District Water Conservation Officer by attending sportsman's club meetings and manning the Commission's booth at the York Outdoor Show.
Deputy Gohn is the first to volunteer for any duty, regardless of the assignment. He knows what needs to be done and does it without being asked.
Nominated by: Wildlife Conservation Officer Guy Hansen, Pennsylvania Game Commission
2005 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Nominee
Stuart Lee Harrison
Patrol Officer
Southwestern Regional Police Department
Officer Harrison is a four-year veteran of the Southwestern Regional Police Department, where he is currently assigned as a patrol officer. Officer Harrison was previously a police officer for the York City Police Department.
Officer Harrison served 20 years active duty in the United States Marine Corps. Officer Harrison has received many Awards and Medals, including the Department of Defense Meritorious Service Award. Officer Harrison is married and has one daughter.
Officer Harrison has received three department commendations, and was nominated for the 2005 Hanover Elks Officer of the Year.
Officer Harrison supports Special Olympics as an active participant in the "Cops & Lobsters" program and the Torch Run.
Officer Harrison constantly volunteers for extra assignments and readily accepts department projects with tenacity. He often reports to work early and leaves late and demonstrates a strong work ethic. Officer Harrison has become the department's computer expert, assisting with network construction, troubleshooting and maintaining the department's web site.
Officer Harrison instructs handgun, shotgun and patrol rifle operation to department members, and serves as a field training officer.
Officer Harrison is one of the leading traffic enforcement officers, and maintains a high clearance rate in his criminal investigations and demonstrates the ability to deal with difficult people.
On January 8, 2005, the body of a Tennessee man was discovered in a remote area of an outdoor parking area at a local Industry. No witnesses were located, and the man had no ties to the area. With very little information, Officer Harrison immediately set out to solve the crime.
Family and friends could not explain why the man was in Pennsylvania. Officer Harrison checked with trucking firms, and located a firm that provided a possible link. Officer Harrison was able to determine that a truck from that firm was in the location the body was found just prior to its discovery. Officer Harrison was able to obtain a search warrant for that truck, which was scheduled to return to the area. Officer Harrison stopped the truck and interviewed the driver, who admitted to leaving the subject on the ground after the driver believed the subject had died from a heart attack. The victim died due to exposure to the cold after spending the night in the parking lot. The driver was convicted of homicide charges in York County Court.
Officer Harrison has handled hundred of less impacting investigations with the same professionalism and determination, and has demonstrated the attributes of a well-seasoned officer.
Nominated by: Chief of Police Gregory Bean, Southwestern Regional Police Department
2005 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Nominee
Robert E. Simmonds
Deputy Wildlife Conservation Officer
Pennsylvania Game Commission
Deputy Simmonds is a 16-year veteran of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. He is currently assigned as a Deputy Wildlife Conservation Officer in York County.
Deputy Simmonds attended the US Naval Academy, has a Bachelor's degree from Hobart College, and a Master's degree from the New York State College of Forestry. Deputy Simmonds served in the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. Deputy Simmonds is married with one son.
Deputy Simmonds is a member of the York/Adams Game and Fish Association and the Conservations Officers of Pennsylvania Association.
Deputy Simmonds is part of the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Deputy Wildlife Conservation Officer Corps, a group of officers that must pay for their own leather gear, firearms, vehicles, gas and miscellaneous items. They are supplied with their work clothing, and are paid $65.00 for each eight hours they work for approximately three months of the year. They volunteer their time for the vast majority of the year for the benefit of Pennsylvania's wildlife resources.
Deputy Simmonds assists in patrolling a 350 square mile district in southwest York County. Deputy Simmonds was instrumental in solving several illegal wildlife killings in 2005. Deputy Simmonds was also the backup to the lead investigator in a fatal hunting related incident in September 2005.
Deputy Simmonds was involved with the agency's Hunter Trapper Education program within the district, which trained over 900 students in 2005.
Deputy Simmonds has been and continues to be an integral part of the conservation law enforcement effort in York County.
Nominated by: Wildlife Conservation Officer Chad Eyler, Pennsylvania Game Commission
2005 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Nominee
William E. Tucker
Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police
Trooper Tucker is a 12-year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police. He currently serves in Criminal Investigation at the York Barracks.
Trooper Tucker served in the United States Marine Corps from 1985 to 2001. Tucker served in the Persian Gulf War, and served on the Presidential security detail in Washington, DC. Tucker has received many military awards, including a Bronze Star. Tucker currently serves in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard under the Special Operations Command. Trooper Tucker is married with two children.
Trooper Tucker has received the 2005 Fraternal Order of Police Award for Valor, five DUI enforcement awards, and a Troop Commander's Letter of Commendation.
Trooper Tucker is a Little League baseball coach, and a Home School Cooperative Assistant.
For the first three months of 2005, Trooper Tucker served proudly with the Pennsylvania National Guard in Iraq, and continues to serve one weekend a month with his National Guard unit.
Shortly after his return to work, Trooper Tucker was assigned a case of stolen baby formula from the Shrewsbury Wal-Mart. Trooper Tucker was able to determine that the formula was being sold on the streets of Baltimore, and was able to identify a suspect. Trooper Tucker connected his case to a Southern Regional Police Department case where an officer was dragged by a vehicle while attempting to take the suspects into custody, and was able to bring two cases to a successful conclusion.
On June 1, 2005, Trooper Tucker took action while off-duty that saved the life of a distraught man threatening to jump from a bridge.
In July of 2005, Trooper Tucker was assigned the case of a convenience store robbery in 2004. Trooper Tucker developed a suspect, obtained statements and recovered firearms used in the robbery at the bottom of a lake.
On July 6, 2005, Trooper Tucker was assigned a burglary where a large coin collection had been stolen. Trooper Tucker developed a suspect, made an arrest and recovered nearly the entire $20,000 in stolen property.
On November 13, 2005, Trooper Tucker was assigned to investigate an incident where a stolen vehicle that was being pursued by City Police ran a red light, striking another vehicle, killing its driver. Trooper Tucker was able to identify the operator who was charged with several homicide-related charges.
These examples show the dedication that Trooper Tucker shows every day while serving the citizens of York County.
Nominated by: Lieutenant Patrick Gebhart, Pennsylvania State Police
