Subject: A Fallen Comrade

One of the many victims of yesterday’s tragedy was from our Fish and Wildlife Service family. With deep sorrow I share with all Service employees the news that Richard Guadagno, Refuge Manager, Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, was one of the people on board hijacked United Airlines flight 93 that crashed in Stony Creek Township, Pennsylvania, at 10:10 a.m. September 11, 2001. Richard was returning from a vacation with his parents in Trenton, New Jersey. He is survived by his parents and his sister.

Rich was 38 years old, and had worked as a biologist and manager in the Fish and Wildlife Service for 17 years. He began his wildlife career as a temporary biologist with the New Jersey Fish and Game Department and at Great Swamp NWR near Newark Airport in New Jersey. His first permanent position with the Service came in 1987, when he was hired by Law Enforcement as a Wildlife Inspector, stationed in Philadelphia. In 1988, he was a refuge manager trainee at Great Swamp and attended the Basic Refuge Academy. Many of his Academy classmates remember his passion for wildlife management.

Subsequent career moves brought Rich to Prime Hook NWR in Delaware, Supawna Meadows NWR in New Jersey, and Baskett Slough and Ankeny NWRs in Oregon. In 2000 Rich was proud to achieve his goal of becoming the project leader of a major refuge, Humboldt Bay NWR, in Eureka, California. In addition to his many successes in addressing refuge management issues, he was also the consummate Refuge law enforcement officer. He never lacked the courage to do the right thing.

Rich was a sincere and dedicated employee, highly regarded by all who knew him, and his parents are deeply proud of his chosen career with the Fish and Wildlife Service. I am contacting Rich’s parents today to express condolences on behalf of all of us. In addition, at the request of the family, staff from the John Heinz at Tinicum NWR Complex, led by Project Leader Dick Nugent, will be visiting Rich’s parents and sister on Friday, September 14. Cards or letters of remembrance from Service employees may be sent to Mr. and Mrs. Guadagno and Rich’s sister, Lori, at the address below. We carry them, and Rich, in our thoughts and our hearts.

(Ed. note: Please post to this site)