Environment DEC
From the October 2007 issue
Rifle and Pistol Association Names Otsego County ECO "Officer of the Year"
ECO Harrington was involved in one of the largest deer jacking cases ever solved in New YorkThe New York State Rifle and Pistol Association recently named DEC Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Thomas Harrington as its "Officer of the Year." ECO Harrington, a 19-year veteran with DEC's Division of Law Enforcement, is a dedicated, hardworking professional whose record includes many accolades from the state and the public.
Dedicated to Hunter Education
DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis said, "ECO Harrington consistently seeks out opportunities to assist the sporting public of Otsego County. His dedication to the hunter education program is outstanding and he interacts exceptionally well with young students to deliver our message of ethical and safe hunting."
The New York State Rifle and Pistol Association (NYSRPA) recognizes one ECO each year, acknowledging the important role ECOs play in hunter education and safe firearms use by both adults and youth. NYSRPA is the state's leading organization in promoting rifle marksmanship and competition. The association strives to recognize those who promote and personally participate in marksmanship competitions, and who encourage such participation by New York's youth.
About ECO Harrington
ECO Harrington attended college at SUNY Cobleskill where he studied fish and wildlife technology and environmental science. He received his Environmental Conservation Officer training in 1988 and began his career in Rockland County before transferring to Essex County in the Adirondacks in 1989. He moved to Otsego County in 1996, where he continues to serve.
In 2006, ECO Harrington was responsible for the arrest of two subjects who were jacking deer in Otsego County. The investigation recovered 18 illegally hunted deer that were shot and left along roads. Penalties included a fine of $20,000, 60 days in jail, and three years probation. It was one of the largest jacking cases in state history, with dozens of additional deer believed to have been shot over the course of a three-week period.
ECO Harrington has been a driving force in the development of a youth pellet shoot at the Otsego County Fair. When introducing young people to the art of shooting, he works one on one with new shooters to teach shooting fundamentals, gun handling and safety. He has also volunteered many hours on the design and development of a portable target-shooting trailer used throughout Otsego County by organizations such as the Boy Scouts.
Strong Supporter of the Lifetime License Program
ECO Harrington holds a lifetime sportsman license and is a strong supporter of the lifetime license program. He worked with the Otsego County Sportsman Federation on their sponsorship of a raffle for a lifetime sportsman's license for a youth under 12 years of age at the Otsego County Fair. The response to this raffle was so positive that the federation decided to make it an annual part of the county fair exhibit.
ECO Harrington resides with his wife Susan, son Matthew and daughter Ashley on the family farm in the Town of New Lisbon. He enjoys hunting, fishing and camping with his family and spends each spring making maple syrup.
Related Links:
New York State Rifle and Pistol Association (leaving DEC's site)
