Pictured left to right are House Speaker Keith McCall, Rep. Siptroth, Sheriff Bueki and Rep. Mike Peifer.

HARRISBURG – State Rep. John Siptroth, D-189, recently presented citations to two residents of his legislative district who were honored for achievements in their respective professions.

Siptroth welcomed Karin-Susan Breitlauch of Brodheadsville, who is Pennsylvania’s veterinarian of the year, to the House floor during legislative session. He also hosted Pike County Sheriff Philip Bueki, who is the national DARE law enforcement officer of the year.

“Dr. Breitlauch and Sheriff Bueki are treasures in their communities,” Siptroth said. “They are role models. It was my privilege and honor to welcome them to the Capitol.”

Breitlauch graduated from East Stroudsburg University with two degrees at age 18 and started her practice in 1992 when she was 22. She is a founding member of the Animal Welfare Society of Pennsylvania. In March, she and the staff at her clinic, Creature Comforts, treated dozens of dogs that were badly burned in a kennel fire.

Siptroth said Bueki has devoted 25 years of his life to DARE, which aims to keep children free of drugs and alcohol. He has tailored his teachings as Pike County has changed, even adding a component about gangs because of community concerns about that issue.