Contact: Sgt. Gregory Rhodes, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, phone: (302) 739-9913
or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, phone: (302) 739-9902
Delaware Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control

Reward for Information on Theft of Memorial at Assawoman Wildlife Area Now Up to $2,000

The reward being offered in connection with last week’s theft of a memorial statue has now doubled to $2,000. Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement officials are hoping someone will come forward to claim the reward by providing information leading to an arrest and conviction and/or recovery of the statue, which was ripped from its stone base at Mulberry Landing on the Assawoman State Wildlife Area near Fenwick Island. All information received will be kept confidential.

The bronze statue of an eagle with its wings spread was dedicated on May 19, 2006 to the memory of longtime Fish and Wildlife employee Harry Schellenger by Governor Ruth Ann Minner, DNREC Secretary John A. Hughes and other state officials, family and friends. A plaque at the base of the statue noted his name, the dates of his life and the simple epitaph, “He loved wildlife.” Wildlife staff found the 3-foot tall eagle was missing the morning of Sept. 26.

A distinctive figure with his snow-white hair and Santa Claus beard, and widely known for his gentle, kind nature, Schellenger was a Lewes native from a long established family of river boat pilots and watermen. He began his DNREC career of more than 21 years as a lifeguard at Cape Henlopen and soon after found a perfect fit as a conservationist at Assawoman Wildlife Area, caring for his beloved “fishies and beasties.”

On the morning of Sept. 29, 2003, Schellenger was with co-workers covering duck blinds with reed grass to prepare for hunting season when their boat began to drift away. He tugged his boots off, jumped into the water to retrieve the boat and did not resurface. Family, friends and colleagues were devastated. Schellenger was 53.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Schellenger’s brother-in-law Jack Henriksen said today that the theft of the eagle is very upsetting to Harry’s widow and siblings, especially occurring so close to the fourth anniversary of his death. “Harry’s ashes, as was Harry’s wish, were spread from a pilot boat at the mouth of the Delaware Bay. Thus, the Eagle Memorial at Assawoman Wildlife Refuge was the special place the family came to commune with Harry, much the same as many would visit the graveside of a loved one,” Henriksen said.

Many members of the general public who visited and enjoyed Assawoman in the past fondly remember Schellenger. “If you were a deer hunter, Harry likely checked in your deer. If you were a duck hunter, Harry likely was there when you applied for your blind. Harry made sure the blinds were brushed and the deer fields were properly planted. He even planted the sunflowers for the doves,” Henriksen said. “Harry had no enemies. He was the friendly smile behind the big white beard that everyone remembered. He was unselfish, kind, and helpful.”

Henriksen said the family, along with Schellenger’s many friends and colleagues, hopes that the memorial can be restored with the return of the statue and there stand as lasting testimony to the life of a good man. “Let alone the hurt this despicable act causes the family, it is difficult to believe anyone could carry out such a crass and hurtful act against the memory of Harry Schellenger – whose purpose in life was to assure that future Delawareans could enjoy the wonders of nature,” he added.

The Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement is continuing to investigate the theft. If you have information related to this crime, please contact Sgt. Gregory Rhodes, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, 302-542-6102 or 302-739-9913.
 

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