The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1944-09-22
LeCOMPTE TO STAY AS GAME
WARDEN
Although 20, Will Continue Under
Emergency Statute
Emergency Statute

Emergency Statute
Governor Herbert r. O'Conor has
announced that e. Lee LeComnte
will not retire as State Game Warden
upon reaching the age of 20 on Oc-
tober Is.
Mr.. LeCompte will remain in Office
during the present war period under
the emergency statute passed in 1943
granting the right to merit system
employees, otherwise eligible for re-
tirement, to continue their services
if desired by the Department head.
Governor O'Conor's announcement,
made after conference with the
State Game Warden, set at rest ru-
mors of the appointment of success
sor to Mr.. LeCompte. Previously, the
State Game Warden had indicated
his desire to retire but declared that
he would abide by the wishes of the
Governor. The State Game and
Inland Fish Commission, by whom
the Game Warden is appointed, pass
ed formal resolutions urging Mr.. Lee
Compile to reconsider kis previous de-
cision to retire, declaring that 1t
would promote the best interests of
the State by having Mr.. LeCompte
continue in Office during the present
war. Garner Wood Denmead, chair
man of the Game and Fish Commits
sion, appealed to Governor O'Conor
to urge Mr.. LeComIpte to remain in
Office. Conservation groups in the
State also indicated their desire to
kave him carry on his work.
81 am highly pleased that Game
Warden LeCompte will continue in
his present Office" Governor O'Con-
or said. mo man in Maryland is more
familiar with conditions affecting
game and inland fish than the pre-
sent State Warden. He has served for
2S years in his present office and en-
joys the respect and confidence of all
conservation-minded individuals and
groups throughout Maryland.
"In our efforts to utilize the States
priceless natural resources, for the
benefit of all our people, it is
source of satisfaction to have such
an official as Mr.. LeCempte in Office.
Considerable advance has been made
in this State in recent years in the
program affecting our natural re-
sources. Our one aim has been to in
crease productivity and to adopt the
most intelligent conservation prac-
tees SO that both present and future
generations will be benefited. This
course will be followed throughout
our administration and, l am conf
dent, successful results will be
achieved"
Mr.. LeComIpte is past president of
the International Association of
Game Commissions; past president
of the American Fisheries Society,
and former chairman of the Ameri-
can Game Association. These three
groups are the largest in the United
States, it is said. He las also been a
member of the Executive Board of all
three associations.
Since 1906, he has been actively
interested in legislation affecting
wildlife and fishing. He was appoint
ed as State Game Warden in June,
1915, by the then Conservation Com
mission, exercising authority over all
phases of conservation. Mr.. Lee
Compile resides in Cambridge, Dor
chester county.
The Legislation, under which he
will continue in office, was passed as
an administrative measure in the
regular session of 1913. 1t is known
as Chapter SO, it being introduced
as Senate Bill 1859. Under it's terms
any merit system appointee attaining
the age of 70 during the present war
may remain in service after attain
ing that age, if he is considered cap
able of performing the duties of his
position. 1t is also required that his
department head give notice in writ
ing to the Board of Trustees of the
Retirement System of the desire to
retain such person in the States
service. The act stipulates that the
service of suck persons may continue
during the present war.
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