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Maryland Park Service Welcomes New Class of Park Rangers
Governor O’Malley Commends Employees for Completion of Training Program
Annapolis, MD — The Maryland Park Service recently honored 5 Department of Natural Resources employees for their successful completion of the Maryland Park Ranger training program. Their outstanding performance in both classroom and field experiences earned them the right to bear the time-honored title of Maryland Park Ranger.
“Our rangers are the face of our state parks, inspiring adults and young people to enjoy and learn about the stewardship of our natural and cultural resources in a safe and responsible manner,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “I congratulate and thank our new rangers, who will be working to connect people with nature and sustainably manage our treasured state parks.”
Maryland’s newest park rangers successfully demonstrated expertise in ten functions of ranger work including: knowledge of Maryland geography and history; first responder certification; search and rescue skills; and basic skills in natural, cultural, and historical interpretation. The new rangers also completed training for emergency medical technician (EMT) certification, wildland fire fighting and prevention, canoe certification and other valuable training essential to the successful management and operation of public lands.
“We are extremely proud of the accomplishments and commitment made by our new class of rangers,” said Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nita Settina. “Each of them brings a fresh perspective and new talent to our ranks.”
Maryland park rangers have the professional responsibility for the stewardship and protection of the natural, cultural, historical and recreational resources in Maryland’s State Parks. By incorporating interpretation, education, public safety and resource management skills, they serve the public as mentors, inspiring a stewardship ethic and a passion for conservation.
The following new Maryland Park Service park rangers were recognized and presented with certificates.
- Ranger Robert F. Bailey of Smithsburg will serve at South Mountain Recreational Complex
- Ranger Mary Jo Bartles of Boonsboro will serve at South Mountain Recreational Complex
- Ranger Martin Callahan of Centreville will serve at Tuckahoe State Park Complex
- Ranger Mark A. Spurrier of Frederick will serve at Deep Creek Lake State Park
- Ranger Brent A. Sullivan of Salisbury will serve at Janes Island State Park
For more information on the Maryland Park Service, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/.
October 6, 2008 Contact: Olivia Campbell
410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell
ocampbell@dnr.state.md.usMaryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov.
