In an auspicious ceremony held at Elk Neck State Park and NorthBay Adventure Camp, Maryland's Department of Natural Resources proudly announced the graduation of 21 new State Park Rangers. These rangers have successfully completed a rigorous four-week training program, marking a significant milestone in their careers and the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve Maryland's cherished natural landscapes.
Josh Kurtz, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, commended the graduates for their preparedness and dedication. "As I have visited our public lands across the state, I have been impressed by the preparedness and dedication of Maryland State Park Rangers," Kurtz remarked, underscoring the critical role these individuals play in safeguarding the state's natural treasures. He emphasized that the skills acquired during the training would be instrumental in their daily duties, contributing to the enjoyment and protection of the outdoors for future generations.
Maryland's State Park Ranger School Class of 2021
Since the inception of the modern ranger school program in 2009, the Maryland Park Service has seen the emergence of 14 classes of State Park Rangers. This year's graduates are the latest to join the ranks of those committed to the stewardship of Maryland's parks and natural areas.
Angela Crenshaw, Director of the Maryland Park Service, expressed her pride in the graduating class's talent, passion, and dedication. "As guardians of our state resources, they are entrusted with not only preserving our parks but also ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all who visit," Crenshaw stated. She looked forward to the positive impact the new rangers would make in their roles, serving the public and protecting the state's parks and natural areas for the benefit of everyone.
Ranger Myia Tariq (center) receives a certificate from Maryland Park Service Director Angela Crenshaw (left) during the 2024 Maryland State Park Ranger graduation ceremony.
The training program for these rangers is comprehensive, covering the core responsibilities of a Maryland Park Ranger, including operations, maintenance, interpretation, and customer service. Through a combination of practical exercises and written exams, the rangers-in-training were exposed to real-world scenarios. These scenarios included emergency response, park operations, search and rescue missions, and resource management, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of their roles.
In addition to the initial four weeks of training, these rangers are required to complete a year of operational experience to achieve full certification. This further commitment to hands-on learning underscores the importance of practical experience in the development of skills necessary for the effective management and protection of Maryland's parks and natural resources.
The graduation of these 21 new State Park Rangers is a testament to Maryland's commitment to environmental stewardship and public service. As they embark on their careers, these rangers carry with them the responsibility of preserving the natural beauty of Maryland's parks and ensuring that these precious resources remain accessible and enjoyable for all. Their dedication and training prepare them to face the challenges of this important work, contributing to the legacy of conservation and enjoyment of Maryland's natural landscapes for generations to come.
Maryland Park Service Ranger School 2024 graduates, by work region, are:
Eastern Region
- Chris Danna – Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park
- Joanna Trojanowski – Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park
Central Region
- Sean Campbell – Gunpowder Falls State Park
- Michael Hook – Gunpowder Falls State Park
- Joseph Horner – Seneca Creek State Park
- Emma Kehrman – Seneca Creek State Park
- Robin Reed – Gunpowder Falls State Park
- Ronald Ripperger – Patapsco Valley State Park
- James Roberts – Elk Neck State Park
- Samuel Voso – Patapsco Valley State Park
- Dylan Wagner – Seneca Creek State Park
Southern Region
- Keith Edelen – Cedarville State Forest (Southern Maryland Recreational Complex)
- Kristina Soetje – Smallwood State Park (Southern Maryland Recreational Complex)
- Myia Tariq – Sandy Point State Park
- Samantha (Sam) Waby – Calvert Cliffs State Park (Southern Maryland Recreational Complex)
Western Region
- Richard Caputo – Wolf Den Run
- Kaitlyn Mitchell – Deep Creek Lake State Park
- Thomas Schlauch – Cunningham Falls State Park
- Cheryl Sedlak Seaver – South Mountain Recreational Complex
- Jacob Younker – Fort Frederick State Park
Park Service Headquarters
- Annalyn O'Grady – Corps Program Manager
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