Award Program

The Death Scene Awareness Project supports the dedication of those involved with death investigation and because we do we have established the William Burnham Jr. Death Scene Management and Preservation Award. This award will be presented yearly to that individual who has demonstrated excellence in the preservation and management of their death scene.

Under the guidance of Dauphin County District Attorney Ed Marsico, a panel has been formed to receive and review the nominations. Together they will choose the award winner.

Violent crime prosecutors are in a unique position to be able to recognize the full benefit of a well managed and well preserved death scene as they move forward in prosecuting those responsible for the death. A mismanaged death scene makes it more difficult to obtain a conviction. A well managed and preserved death scene contributes significantly to a successful prosecution.

Therefore, nominations may be submitted for the Award by any Prosecutor or Police Chief in any county or state on behalf of any Law Enforcement Officer. They will be nominating those individuals whose attention to detail in managing and caring for the preservation of the death scene has stood out above the rest.

We will be accepting nominations for the 2012 William Burnham Jr. Death Scene Management and Preservation Award beginning October 15, 2011 and ending February 29, 2012.


The Nomination Process


Nominations must be made through the William Burnham Jr. Death Scene Awareness Project website.
Click here for a printable nomination form. Print this form off, fill it out and fax or mail to :

Ed Marsico
Dauphin County District Attorney
Dauphin County Courthouse
2nd Floor
101 Market Street
Harrisburg, Pa 17101

Fax: 717-255-1396

After we have received this information Dauphin County DA Ed Marsico (Director of the Award Panel) will contact you giving you the opportunity to describe why you feel your nominee has reflected excellence in the management and preservation of his or her death scene. There will be no need for you to give any sensitive information about the particular case.

The recipient of the Award will honored at the 2012 Death Scene Awareness Symposium being held at the Wildwood Conference Center in Harrisburg Pennsylvania on Thursday, May 3, 2012. Television and print media will be present for the giving of the Award.

The Award Recipient will receive the following;

  1. Media coverage and recognition for their outstanding performance.
  2. A physical Award commemorating their dedication to excellence to proudly display.
  3. An all expense paid 2 night/3 day stay at the Sky Top Lodge in the Poconos for the Award winner and their significant other. This all expense paid package will include lodging, meals, activities, and a gas card. To view the Sky Top Lodge please visit http://www.skytop.com


Tour Skytop Lodge

Visit skytop.com for a virtual tour of the lodge, the accommodationas and it's full line of activities.

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