| November 20, 1998
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today is saddened
by the first Conservation Enforcement Officer fatality in the line of
duty. Conservation Enforcement Officer (C.O.) James Spignesi of
Hampton, CT (dob 1/16/53) was fatally wounded during a hunting
related shooting on Route 97 in Scotland, CT on Friday, November 20,
1998 at approximately 5:00 p.m.
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Spignesi, a 21-year DEP veteran, began his career in the Department
as a seasonal employee in the wildlife division moving onto wildlife
biologist in the deer research program. In 1991, Spignesi became a
Conservation Officer. In August of 1998, Officer Spignesi was awarded
DEP's Medal for Meritorious Service for the safe recovery of a
runaway youth in Natchaug State Forest. The youth was reported to be
distraught and he had threatened suicide in the past. After the State
Police with canine partner had completed their search, Officer
Spignesi located the runaway youth hiding in a thick patch of
mountain laurel. Officer Spignesi was stationed at the DEP Eastern
District Headquarters in Marlborough serving the towns of Brooklyn,
Chaplin, Hampton, Mansfield, Pomfret, Scotland, and Windham.
"The entire DEP family is saddened by this tragic event. Conservation
Officer James Spignesi was an excellent officer who had both law
enforcement and wildlife experience bring a special knowledge base
and background to his job," said DEP Commissioner Arthur J. Rocque,
Jr. "His recent award for meritorious service was another example of
the kind of job Officer Spignesi performed on a daily basis. He will
be sorely missed."
Conservation Officers are fully certified police officers who have
the power to arrest statewide for both criminal and motor vehicle
statutes. Conservation Officers enforce all state fish, game and
conservation laws. Officers perform a variety of regular duties which
include patrolling DEP field installations, recreation areas, inland
water bodies and Long Island Sound; checking hunting and fishing
licenses; nighttime surveillance for illegal deer jack lighting;
enforcing boating laws on all navigable waters in Connecticut and
Long Island Sound; and enforcing Connecticut laws regarding
commercial fishing and shell fishing. Conservation Officers have a
long history in the state, beginning as Game Wardens in 1867.
The criminal investigation is being handled by the Connecticut State
Police. |
