NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

MORNING REPORT

Thursday, April 3, 2008

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INCIDENTS

Delaware Water Gap NRA

Death Of Maintenance Employee

Maintenance worker Phil Hontz, who worked for the park's buildings and utilities branch, died suddenly from natural causes while at work on Monday morning. He collapsed while at a gas station just outside of the park. Rangers, state police officers, paramedics and local firefighters responded and an investigation was conducted to ensure that there was no foul play or danger to the public. He was taken to Pocono Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. Phil was a Vietnam veteran who was wounded in action. He leaves his wife, JoAnn, three children, two stepdaughters, a brother, a sister, and seven grandchildren. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. today, followed by a 4 p.m. memorial service - both to be held at the Clark Funeral Home in Stroudsburg. Memorial remembrances may be made to the Fraternal Order of Eagles 1106, 1210 N. Fifth St., Stroudsburg, PA 18360. Condolence cards can be sent to Mrs. J.H.

Shenandoah NP

Search Underway For Missing Man

A search is currently underway in the park for J.A.M., Jr., 42, of Manassas, Virginia, who has not been seen since March 26th. J.A.M. left his home that day; his family reported him missing on March 27th. Indications are that he is despondent. J.A.M.'s vehicle was found in the park on the morning of Saturday, March 29th, and search operations began later that morning. They were still underway as of yesterday. J.A.M. has black hair and brown eyes, stands 5' 4” tall, and weighs approximately 140 pounds. He's believed to be wearing a dark blue ball cap with the words “Ocean City” on it. Over 50 employees and trained volunteers, including ground searchers and dog teams, are currently involved in the search. Park personnel are being assisted by Appalachian Search and Rescue, Virginia Search and Rescue Dogs Association (VSRDA), Dogs East Search and Rescue, Top of Virginia Search and Rescue, Search and Rescue Tracking Institution, Virginia State Police, Blue and Grey Search and Rescue Dogs, Manassas Police Department, and the United States Park Police. [Karen Beck-Herzog, Information Officer]

OTHER NEWS

The following stories (among others) can be read on InsideNPS:

Petersburg NB - The park held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new visitor contact station at the Five Forks Battlefield on the morning of Wednesday, March 26th. The Civil War battle at Five Forks led to the breaking of the Confederate line protecting Petersburg and Richmond and the fall of the capital.

HYPERLINK "http://home.nps.gov/applications/digest/headline.cfm?type=Announcements&id=6351" http://home.nps.gov/applications/digest/headline.cfm?type=Announcements&id=6351

Office of Environmental Response, Damage Assessment and Restoration - Dan Hamson has announced his retirement after 34 years of dedicated federal service, effective Thursday, April 3rd.

HYPERLINK "http://home.nps.gov/applications/digest/headline.cfm?type=PeopleNews&id=1875" http://home.nps.gov/applications/digest/headline.cfm?type=PeopleNews&id=1875

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Prepared by the Division of Law Enforcement, Security and Emergency Services, Washington Office, with the support of the Office of the Chief Information Officer and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Edited by Bill Halainen ( HYPERLINK "mailto:Bill_Halainen@nps.gov" Bill_Halainen@nps.gov).

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