SRU Good News for June 25, 2009

SRU graduate earns two awards for bravery

Clint Deniker, a 1991 Slippery Rock University graduate and Pennsylvania Game Commission wildlife conservation officer, has received the Carnegie Hero Fund Medal and the Governor’s Award for Excellence for saving the life of a motorist trapped in a burning car. The Carnegie Medal includes a $5,000 award.
           The accident occurred April 4, 2008, in Grove City. Deniker saw a burning vehicle upon leaving his home and drove to the scene, where he discovered an overturned and burning vehicle on a rural road. The driver was trapped upside down and restrained by a seat belt.
            Deniker reached through an opening on the driver’s side to cut the seat belt and pull the driver to safety. He administered first aid and helped the victim maintain consciousness until emergency personnel arrived.
             “I am honored to receive these awards,” he said. “I simply try to do my job.”
            Deniker, who received a degree in environmental studies from SRU, began his career with the game commission in 2002 when he became a wildlife conservation officer in Cameron County. In 2004, he requested and was given a transfer to Venango County.
            Deniker supervises, trains and recruits deputy wildlife conservation officers and supervises hunter-trapper educators.
            Carnegie started the hero fund medal after he learned of rescue efforts from a mine disaster in 1904. The Governor’s Award for Excellence recognizes state employees who show leadership and initiative. 

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.

Editor’s Note: The successes of our friends and colleagues at the University are something we should all celebrate…and share. The University Public Relations Office has introduced a daily E-feature to share a good news story about a person, program, activity or service associated with Slippery Rock University. When good news happens to you, please let us know so we might share it with others. Submit items through campus e-mail to: GoodNews@sru.edu.