Please join me in congratulating Section Fire Warden Scott Knauer of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service as the recipient of the Ocean County Sheriff's Office Special Recognition Award.

Scott, known to his colleagues as "Scotty Dog," received the award Oct. 27 for his efforts in developing and implementing an innovative fire investigation training program. This program 
enabled members of the Ocean County Arson Task Force to gain valuable experience in determining the cause of wildfires and in the use of new technologies and strategies in conducting 
investigations. These techniques led to an arrest and conviction in a major arson investigation in the Pinelands.

The Ocean County Sheriff's Office established the Special Recognition Award to recognize firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians or citizens who have provided 
continuous support to projects directly related to either the Ocean County Office of the Fire Marshal or the Ocean County Fire Service.

Scott, a 17-year veteran of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, also volunteers as a lieutenant with the Forked River Fire Company, Station 60.
Please join me in recognizing and thanking Scott for his continued service and dedication to the State of New Jersey and his community.

Thanks,
Bob Martin
Commissioner
New Jersey Dept. of Environmental Protection