COMMONWEALTH OF OFFICE OF THE MARK S. SMITH Courthouse Annex, Room 302 First Assistant District Attorney 106 East High Street BERNIE CANTORNA Bellefonte, PA 16823 SEAN P. MCGRAW District Attorney Telephone (814) 355-6735 Deputy District Attorney Victim/Witness (814) 548-1107

CENTRE 2019 OF THE YEAR

Each year the Centre County District Attorney’s Office receives nominations from the public, law enforcement and government agencies of individuals to be recognized for their exceptional work in law enforcement, above and beyond the call of duty. This year recognition was given to two officers – Detective Donald Paul of the State College Police Department and Officer Brian Shaffer of the Patton Township Police Department.

“Officer Brian Shaffer received the award because of his extraordinary presence of mind, skill, and composure following the shooting at P.J. Harrigan's bar in State College on January 24, 2019,” said Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna. Officer Shaffer assisted in clearing the scene, then rendered first aid to a 21 year old woman who had been shot in the chest with a 9 mm pistol. He used his hand to seal her chest wound, obtained information about the shooter, then kept her from losing consciousness by confidently reassuring her. Officer Shaffer has saved three other lives by administering CPR, received a bravery award for disarming a man who attempted to shoot three police officers with a .45 caliber pistol in 2013, and serves in various expert and instructor roles with the Patton Township Police Department.

Detective Donald Paul was nominated and recognized for his work as a drug detective and the professional manner in which he undertakes that work. “Detective Paul has a body of work over the last twenty years that is unparalleled by any Centre County detective,” said Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna. “He seamlessly manages an extremely large caseload and does it in a professional, thorough and fair manner.” In addition to his investigative work, Detective Paul is recognized as a forensic expert in cell phones and electronic equipment and has assisted on multiple investigations with every police agency in Centre County.

“It is important to take time and recognize the exemplary work that law enforcement does for our community every day,” said Bernie Cantorna. “We received over 25 nominees this year and all are worthy of recognition. This is one way we can acknowledge and thank the men and women of law enforcement.”