PENNSYLVANIA — Three Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) rangers have been awarded the Governor’s Awards for Excellence by Governor Josh Shapiro for their exceptional service and lifesaving actions at Gifford Pinchot State Park in York County.
DCNR Rangers Steven Anderson, Alexander Dale, and Rachel Ann Oplinger were recognized as an outstanding team for their dedication to ensuring the safety of all visitors. Their efforts were particularly noteworthy in 2022 when they helped rescue two park visitors experiencing medical emergencies.
“There are many facets to being a DCNR ranger — each day in a park presents routine work as well as unique challenges and issues,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “The teamwork, excellent communication, leadership, integrity, resiliency, problem-solving abilities, and quick thinking of Alexander, Rachel Ann, and Steven make them an outstanding team and great role models. They are dedicated to ensuring the safety of all visitors.”
In 2022, Gifford Pinchot rangers responded to over 160 incidents, but two stood out due to their severity. The first involved a 92-year-old visitor who experienced a medical incident while hiking at the park. The individual had collapsed and was unconscious and hypothermic for hours. Thanks to the swift action of the rangers, the visitor was found and rescued. After recovery and rehabilitation, the visitor is back to his daily park visits and hiking routine.
The second incident involved another park visitor experiencing a drug overdose. Due to the responsiveness and quick thinking of the rangers, Narcan was administered, successfully reversing the overdose.
“Without intervention, it is likely that the individuals rescued by the ranger team may have lost their lives,” Dunn said. “Their honed observational skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of daily visitor routines enabled them to make decisions that ultimately ended in successful resolution of two very serious emergencies.”
Being a DCNR ranger involves more than just routine work. Each day in the park presents unique challenges and issues, with the ultimate goal of protecting park visitors and providing good customer service and memorable experiences. The department employs around 275 individuals who serve as ranger trainees, rangers, and supervisors.
At the awards ceremony, Governor Shapiro praised all state employees for their dedication, presenting awards to recognize 54 Commonwealth employees from eight state agencies for exemplary job performance or service that reflects initiative, leadership, innovation, and increased efficiency.
The commendable actions of Rangers Anderson, Dale, and Oplinger exemplify the dedication and commitment of DCNR rangers to ensure the safety and well-being of Pennsylvania’s park visitors. Their lifesaving efforts at Gifford Pinchot State Park underscore the critical role these rangers play in maintaining the safety and integrity of Pennsylvania’s natural resources.
Find more information about Pennsylvania state parks and state forests on the DCNR website.
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