COLUMBUS, OH – Ten Ohio State Parks ranger cadets were sworn in today by Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Director James Zehringer and ODNR Deputy Director Glen Cobb at a ceremony held at the department’s headquarters.
“ODNR is proud to welcome these new cadets,” said ODNR Director Zehringer. “They have proven they will be outstanding officers, serving a dual role of ensuring public safety and acting as excellent ambassadors for Ohio State Parks.”
This year’s graduates comprise the 17th Ohio State Parks Ranger Academy, which has had more than 570 graduates since its inception in 1974. The 10 new cadets have completed more than 500 hours of class and field training at the Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy. Next month, each cadet will be paired with a veteran Ohio State Parks officer and begin assuming law enforcement duties within a state park.
The Ohio State Parks Ranger Academy combines the rigorous training required of professional law enforcement with special instruction in outdoor recreation regulations. Cadets are also taught to balance the unique challenges of ensuring public safety and welfare in a state park setting.
The Ohio State Parks system includes 75 parks encompassing 174,000 acres of public land. Ohio State Parks offers more than 1,000 miles of trails, boating and swimming facilities, hunting and fishing opportunities, as well as six public golf courses, eight resort lodges, more than 500 cottages and 9,000 campsites.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
Editor’s Note: A complete list of 2013 Ohio State Parks Ranger Academy cadets are listed below. Images are available from the cadet graduation by emailing a request to: heidi.evans@dnr.state.oh.us.
Ohio DNR adds 10 cadets to state park ranks
