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David Lynn Grove
Incident
Wildlife Conservation Officer David Grove was shot and killed on Schriver Road, near Red Rock Road, in Freedom Township, Adams County, at approximately 10:45 pm.
Officer Grove was in the area to investigate reports of ongoing night-time shooting and poaching. He had stopped a suspected poacher just south of Gettysburg National Military Park. As he handcuffed the man, a struggle ensued, and the subject opened fire on Officer Grove with a .45 caliber handgun, striking him four times. Although mortally wounded, Officer Grove was able to return fire, wounding the suspect in the hip. The suspect fled the scene with the handcuffs still on his left wrist.
The suspect, who was a convicted felon, was captured the following morning at a nearby hunting camp and charged with Officer Grove's murder. He stated that he shot Officer Grove because he didn't want to return to prison.
On October 2, 2012, the subject was convicted of first-degree murder in connection. He was subsequently sentenced to death.
The officer had served as a full-time wildlife conservation officer with the Pennsylvania Game Commission for three years and had previously served as a part-time officer with the agency for six years.
Survivors
He is survived by his parents and fiancee.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Wildlife Conservation Officer Grove gave the Pennsylvania Game Commission 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Harrisburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Wildlife Conservation Officer Grove.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Pennsylvania Game Commission has lost 12 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
David is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
David is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2010, 1 officer at Pennsylvania Game Commission was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 4 years on record. The heaviest was 1906, with 2.
In 2010, 3 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 61st heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 2010, 80 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 84th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2010, 85 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 80th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
David was 31. Of the 3 killed feloniously at Pennsylvania Game Commission whose age is recorded, half were between 23 and 28; the middle age was 25. David had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
David was 31. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. David had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
David was 31. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. David had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 31. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. David had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 60% of these deaths at Pennsylvania Game Commission, more than any other month. Thursdays: 20%.
November holds 9.4% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Thursdays: 13.7%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 41.7% of all 12 deaths at Pennsylvania Game Commission, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .45 caliber, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .45 caliber, in 1.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .45 caliber, in 0.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .45 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
His people
Pennsylvania Game Commission has 12 officers remembered here, David among them.
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L. Seeley Houk
Mar 2, 1906
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Charles Beecham Nov 4, 1906
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Joseph McHugh
Nov 7, 1915
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Joseph H. Kalbfus
Aug 10, 1919
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Elias W. Kelly
Aug 10, 1919
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Darrell S. Solida Dec 6, 1931
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Walter M. Middleton Dec 1, 1935
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John B. Ross Jul 18, 1942
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Robert Earl Zimmerman
May 13, 1957
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Leroy Brown Stackhouse Sep 28, 1969
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Woodrow E. Portzline
Oct 24, 1973
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David Lynn Grove
Nov 11, 2010
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 23-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Pennsylvania Game Commission are honored on badge.nw.
