17 New Rangers Graduate From MPS Ranger School
Crisfield, MD
On February 26, 17 new rangers graduated from Maryland Park Service Ranger School, marking the fourth class of new graduates since February 2009.
“Our rangers inspire Marylanders to enjoy and learn about our natural resources in a safe and responsible manner,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “I congratulate and thank our new rangers, who will be serving both citizens and visitors as they work to sustainably manage our treasured state parks.”
The 4-week academy was held at Janes Island State Park in Crisfield, Md., incorporating classroom instruction with practical park experience through the operation of the park. The graduates, comprised of park employees both veteran and new, completed training in various aspects of park operations. Students experienced real life scenarios and instruction involving resource management, search and rescue, campground operations, park maintenance, resource interpretation and diversity in education.
“For more than a century our rangers have been the guardians of these places, serving as mentors protecting our visitors and enriching their experience,” said Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nina Settina. “Ranger School provides employees with a strong foundation on which a long and successful career can be based.”
A Maryland park ranger devotes professional responsibility for stewardship and protection of Maryland’s natural and historic resources, incorporating education, enforcement, management and conservation when serving park visitors.
Graduates:
Angela Baldwin, Newark, Md.
Tina Bianca, Kingsville
Jeanette Bitzel, Ocean City
Jessica Conley, Queen Anne
Eric Creter, Boonsboro
Michelle Elliott, Rising Sun
Nancy Gardner, Annapolis
Kristen Gregory, Centreville
Dean Hughes, Baldwin
Karen Jarboe, Lanham
Shawn Johnson, Snow Hill
Jaime Kimble, Salisbury
Melody Nevins, Ellicott City
Roland M. Powell, Havre de Grace
Sarah Rodriguez, Frankfort, DE
Mike Travers, Annapolis
Stephen Youngkin, Jr., West River
