Delaware Natural Resources Police, DNREC Again Stock Santa’s Sleigh Via USMC Reserve Toys for Tots Partnership

Delaware Natural Resources Police (DNRP) and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) have once again helped put Santa’s sleigh into gift-delivery gear by partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots campaign. Gifts collected by DNRP and DNREC staff were loaded onto another of Santa’s helper vessels today at DNREC’s offices on Pilottown Road in Lewes. DNRP officers surrounding Santa and DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin were: Officer Lori Ferguson, DNRP Park Rangers; DNRP Chief Wayne Kline; Cpl. Tyler Beutler, DNRP Park Rangers; Seasonal Officer Layne Smith, DNRP Park Rangers; Sgt. David Redgraves, DNRP Park Rangers; Sgt. Andy Manning, DNRP Environmental Crimes Unit; Officer Michael Bunting, DNRP Fish and Wildlife; Cpl. Austin Bergeron, DNRP Fish and Wildlife; Capt. Carl Winckoski, DNRP Fish and Wildlife; Capt. Bryan John, DNRP Park Rangers; Deputy DNRP Chief John McDerby, and Lt. Casey Zolper, DNRP Fish and Wildlife./DNREC photo

Media contacts: Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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Delaware Natural Resources Police Collecting Toys for Tots Donations for Kids

Delaware Natural Resources Police officers and special guest Santa Claus will again deliver toys as holiday gifts for children through the Delaware branch of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. /DNREC photo

With the holiday season beginning, the Delaware Natural Resources Police have boxes in place throughout the state ready to accept donated toys. Donations will be distributed as gifts to children in communities statewide through the local branch of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.

The Toys for Tots program collects new, unwrapped toys appropriate for children of all ages and distributes them as holiday presents to underprivileged kids in communities across the country. DNRP officers from each of the three units – Fish and Wildlife, Environmental Crimes Unit, and State Parks – are once again leading this holiday effort, with donation boxes at Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control locations statewide.

Toys will be accepted through Thursday, Dec. 12 in Kent and Sussex counties and through Sunday, Dec. 8 in New Castle County. Toys can be taken to the following drop-off locations with Toys for Tots donation boxes:

All Delaware State Park offices statewide, including the Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington and the First State National Historical Park in New Castle County, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Delaware Natural Resources Police office in Sussex County at 23530 Campbell Circle, Georgetown, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, or for the dates and locations of upcoming events where toys also can be donated, contact officers listed below from the three Delaware Natural Resources Police units:

Andy Manning, Delaware Natural Resources Police Environmental Crimes Unit, andrew.manning@delaware.gov, 302-739-9401
Josh Hudson, Fish and Wildlife Delaware Natural Resources Police, joshua.hudson@delaware.gov, 302-739-9913
David Redgraves, Delaware Natural Resources Police Park Rangers, david.redgraves@delaware.gov, 302-746-6569

General information can be found at toysfortots.org. Or, the public can also go online to make monetary donations in Delaware.

Media contacts: Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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Suspect Identified in a Hit-and-Run Incident Involving a Golf Cart

Delaware Natural Resources Police identified a suspect in connection with a hit-and-run incident involving a golf cart at Deerfield Golf Club, part of White Clay Creek State Park.

At approximately 2:20 p.m. on Aug. 29, state park officers responded to reports of a blue Ford Bronco being driven erratically on the golf course at Deerfield Golf Club. According to 911 callers, the vehicle struck a golf cart, ejecting its passenger, and then fled the scene. Officers quickly located the Bronco and took the driver into custody without incident.

The suspect was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 2, where Natural Resources Police officers continued their investigation. While in custody, the suspect made statements which required his transport to a hospital for evaluation.

Warrants for the suspect were obtained for the following charges:

Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Drug (misdemeanor)
Reckless Endanger First Degree Creates a Substantial Risk of Death to Another (felony)
Leaving the Scene of a Collision Resulting in Injury (misdemeanor)
Malicious Mischief by a Motor Vehicle (misdemeanor)
Failure to Have Insurance Identification in Possession (misdemeanor)
Operate Motor Vehicle on Division Roads/Areas Not Designated for Such Purpose (violation)
Operate Motor Vehicle on Division Lands with Willful Disregard for Safety of Persons/Property (violation)

The suspect’s arraignment is pending release from the hospital.

The victim ejected from the golf cart during the incident received minor injuries but refused any further medical treatment at the scene.

A white building sits in the background, flanked by trees, with a golf bunker in the foreground.

Deerfield Golf Club, managed by Troon Golf LLC, is part of Delaware State Parks and is located within White Clay Creek State Park. The property is open to the public.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts:
Deputy Chief John McDerby, john.mcderby@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

DNREC Highlights Boating Safety with New Life Rings at Woodland Beach

Displaying one of the new life rings at Woodland Beach are Citizens’ Hose Company members Keith Mapps, Fire Chief Chip Thompson, John Morgan, retired State Senator and board member Bruce C. Ennis, DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Director Pat Emory and DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. /DNREC photo.

As summer waterways become more crowded, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control underscores the importance of safety for water enthusiasts in the First State. Today, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife and Smyrna’s Citizens’ Hose Company teamed up to highlight recently installed buoyant life rings at DNREC’s Woodland Beach fishing pier and boat ramp.

“Having the familiar circular life preservers close at hand can save a life when someone is in the water and in trouble,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Some of our fishing piers and boat ramps already have these life rings. With the Citizens’ Hose Company and their stalwart member and longtime president, former State Senator Bruce Ennis, we now have these rings available at Woodland Beach.”

Secretary Garvin and Delaware Natural Resources Police officers reiterated critical safety tips for boaters:

Life Jackets for Children: State law requires children aged 12 and younger to wear life jackets while underway. It’s recommended for everyone on board to wear a life jacket. Those over 12 not wearing a life jacket must have one easily accessible and properly fitted on board.
Life Jackets for All: Encourage all passengers aged 13 and older to wear life jackets.
Slow No Wake Zones: Adhere to “Slow No Wake” areas to prevent accidents and damage.
Maintain Vigilance: Keep a watchful eye and maintain a safe distance from other vessels.
Navigation Lights: Ensure navigation lights are working during times of low visibility, such as rain and fog, and at night.
Safety Equipment: Carry a boating education card and required safety equipment appropriate for your vessel size, including a sound-producing device like a horn or whistle, a fire extinguisher, a Type IV throwable (such as a USCG-approved cushion or ring buoy), and navigation lights.
Canoes, Kayaks and Paddle Boards: These vessels require life jackets on board and a whistle or other sound-producing device. A flashlight is also required if operating during times of low visibility and after sunset.
Sober Operation: Alcohol use is a leading cause of fatal boating accidents. Always designate a sober operator to helm the boat.

In addition, Delaware mandates a boater safety course for individuals born on or after January 1, 1978. This course, available online, covers navigation rules, boat parts, state boating laws, and required safety equipment. Boaters must carry proof of completion, as it serves as a driver’s license on the water.

Even with safety measures, having life preservers readily available can help ensure a timely response during water rescues.

“As of 2024, this is the 138th year for the all-volunteer Citizens’ Hose Company. Since our founding in 1886, we have responded to water rescues in our area. We know time is everything,” said Senator Ennis. “That’s why Citizens’ Hose partnered with DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife to provide these throwable life rings as a vital first response while we are on our way.”

“We at Citizens’ Hose Company strive to provide the citizens of our district, the surrounding communities, and all who visit our community a safe environment,” said Smyrna’s Citizens’ Hose Company Fire Chief Chip Thompson. “These life rings are another example of us providing ‘Service for Others.’ We hope with the installation of these life rings will help a person in the water, from when they are first spotted in the water until the arrival of emergency resources or self-removal. This is a great addition to our district and we know it will make a difference.”

Funded by the Citizens’ Hose Company and installed by DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife staff, the life rings are a crucial step toward enhancing safety on Delaware’s waterways. DNREC encourages all boaters to adhere to these safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. More information is available at de.gov/boatsafety.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov

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Two Men Arrested After Assaulting a Child and His Mother

Delaware Natural Resources Police arrested 22-year-old Phillip A. Hartana of Philadelphia, Penn. and 22-year-old Nicholas D. Edwards of Wilmington, Del., following an investigation into the assault of a 7-year-old child and his mother at Cape Henlopen State Park.

On June 22, 2024, at approximately 4:30 p.m., state park officers were dispatched to the area of the Cape Henlopen State Park fishing pier for the report of an assault. Officers determined that Hartana and Edwards were out in the water, at low tide, playing “Spike Ball.” The child approached the two men and attempted to join into their game. When the child was denied, the child splashed Hartana. Hartana then began to aggressively splash the child, then dunked the child pushing him underwater for several seconds. After being let up, the child left the water and returned to his mother to tell her about the incident, which was confirmed by witnesses. The mother, who observed fresh bleeding scratches on her child’s chest, arm and back approached Hartana and began to yell at him. Without provocation, Edwards then shoved the mother two times. She then backed away and called 911 to report the incident.

Hartana and Edwards were then taken into custody and transported to Rehoboth Beach Police Department, where Natural Resources Police officers completed their investigation.

Phillip A. Hartana was charged with the following crimes:
• Child Abuse 3rd Recklessly/Intentionally cause physical injury to a child with intellectual disabilities (felony)
• Assault Third Degree Intentionally or Recklessly Causes Physical Injury to Another (misdemeanor)
• Disorderly Conduct by Fighting or Violent Tumultuous or Threatening Behavior (misdemeanor)

Nicholas D. Edwards was charged with the following crimes:
• Offensive Touching (misdemeanor)
• Disorderly Conduct by Fighting or Violent Tumultuous or Threatening Behavior (misdemeanor)

Both Hartana and Edwards were video arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3. Hartana was released on a $3,000 unsecured bond, and Edwards was released on a $300.00 unsecured bond.

Media Contacts: Captain John McDerby, john.mcderby@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov