Good Times Bad Times: Simulate them all pt. 2

 The first day of simulations tended to be more routine, with a few more difficult scenarios thrown in to change it up, but the environment became familiar, which will not always be the case when operating in the field. To change this up we ventured into a new location added in a partner in the simulation and increased the stakes of the simulation. All simulations involved weapons and control tactics. If this were not enough I also had to do burpees to get my blood pumping before entering the scenario to simulate the adrenaline I may feel if it were real. To combat this I did my best to control my breath, but my blood was still rushing through my body. The first scenario was an individual actively threatening with a knife so we had to move quick. Going through the house as strategically and quickly as possible we made our way onto the scene. With my blood rushing and doing my best to control my breathing and think clearly I believe I handled the situation as well turning to the rangers after to ask for advice and pointers. With my blood still pumping we prepared for one more scenario.

 

*all firearms in scenarios are simulated weapons

    This scenario did not have as high of stakes as the previous one, but could get quite difficult as there were firearms on the scene and an unresponsive individual. Clearing the house for security and dangerous weapons we ended with medical help to one individual and putting the other under arrest.

Working through these scenarios shows you just how difficult it can be and I look forward to completing more to learn and improve myself to be the best ranger I can be.

Good Times Bad Times: Simulate them all pt. 1

Closing in on the end of the summer internship I started to move into a new training mode. With the help of multiple rangers and our training equipment here in Boston I was able to train through a few law enforcement simulations. Being my first time I was not sure what to expect as I was given little in terms of explanation of what I would experience and that it was to see how I would act behaviorally. So with a short explanation and doing the best I can to mentally prepare myself we moved into law enforcement scenarios.

The first set of drills began with a few more relaxed encounters including routine traffic stops, and great acting from the rangers involved. These first scenarios were helpful in showing me just how much goes into even a routine stop from tactics to radio work and basic communication there is a lot a ranger must master.

Unfortunately not all circumstances are routine traffic stops with little problems, and the simulations reflected that. After getting my feet wet with the simulations I was quickly put in a more intense scenario with greater consequences and risks being simulated. Though this gets the blood pumping I did my best to handle myself appropriately and calm myself to make the correct decisions. A great benefit to these exercises is after each one I was able to ask endless questions on the proper tactics and what I could improve on in the future.

Some of the simulations took unexpected turns as well quickly escalating from routine into intense situations. Though I learned a lot from these exercises I see there is still a lot more to come and I welcome further opportunities to partake in these training scenarios and work to becoming the best ranger I can be.

Ramblin' Man

Last week was very exciting as I got to travel all over Boston and see it from some of the best vantage points. On Monday our radio systems were getting an update in the center of downtown Boston and I got to be the guide for the contractors doing the work. This got us all on top of a roof right in the heart of Boston with a great view of the downtown and surrounding area.

 View from the building

We were setting up their equipment simultaneously as the workers back at the Navy Yard were setting up theirs. Their equipment was set also set up atop a building for the best communication. After a few hours of set up and coordination we were set to go on our way, unfortunately leaving this great view behind.

Another angle from the top

Reporting back the following day I took part assisting in some patrol work throughout the park, through a mostly quiet day, but when there is down time there is always work to get done. Our task for the day was to clean up some of the strictly law enforcement areas including the firearms room and firearm cleaning room. For law enforcement these areas being kept up with are a top concern and can quickly become a safety hazard, but with a little attention and some elbow grease they are looking good as new.

Firearm cleaning room looking good

Last week I also got the chance to get on the boat again, something I never plan on turning down. Boat patrol through the Harbor and Islands is an awesome experience, but we had a different mission this time. In coordination with our natural resources department we went to pick up two rangers collecting data on one of the islands. Their work was checking on the islands ecosystem and its well-being.

View of the Boston Harbor Islands (Spectacle Island in view)

Stay tuned for more ProRanger adventures as I talk about law enforcement scenario drills in my next post!

Life's Been Good

Looking good beneath the USS Constitution (now out of dry dock)

A Hard Day's Night: Getting it Done Right

Last week was my second and final week of maintenance where I moved from grounds work over to building and utilities to see another side of the operation. With buildings and utilities I got to learn about the work order process and how prioritization of jobs within the park are decided. With this in mind I went out in to the field with a few different rangers to partake in a few of the work orders that needed to get done.

One of the work orders I joined was for the historic Commandant's House. The large windows on the front face of the building had been painted over and were stuck from the paint drying over them.

As you can see we definitely want these beautiful windows to remain intact and operational in preservation of the house. Surveying the windows we decided to grab chisels, hammers, and a crowbar to take care of the situation. With the hammer and chisel we carefully cracked the seam over the window edge taking effort to not harm the rest of the paint or window itself. After going around what we safely could we were able to pry the window loose with a little help from the crow bar. Working steadily we were able to make our way through all the windows and safely open them all.

working with the chisel on the window

Another work order I assisted in was with a door that would no longer shut in one of the park housing units that was being renovated. Being an access door this was designated as a top priority in the work order list and resulted in our immediate attention. Upon surveying the older door we decided to use an electric portable planer. This was able to smooth the door almost enough. To finish the job we redid some of the old screws losing their hold and tightened the door into place. Now it is safe and secure ready to be used.

The door in place post work

Although work orders can be exciting, safety always must come first, and this week I also took place in a safety training for the maintenance workers to refresh themselves on safe operating procedures. This training was focused around chemicals and sewage in the park system and different types you may see if you find yourself at different parks. Make sure to stay tuned as I continue to learn on my internship here in Boston.

Paradise City: My Favorite View in the Park

Nighttime view from the top of building 109 in the park

Dirty Deeds: Time to Clean Up

Starting last Monday I began my time with maintenance, and with a park that sees a few million visitors every year, that is busiest in the summer, there was plenty for me to get involved with. Last week a lot of our focus was getting right into getting our hands dirty and pulling weeds. Because we protect the resources both historically and naturally a weed killer that would pollute the soil is out of the question. Even though the park is in an urban setting there is never a lack of weeds to clear out of the roads and historic areas.

We actually started right outside of the barracks (where I am staying) meaning I had the best possible commute for a couple days with the work literally being on my doorstep. Though the commute was easy the work certainly is not and working only a couple weeks with maintenance I am quickly learning just how difficult it really is. Thankfully it is still rewarding to be able to look back at the areas we cleared out and see immediately the contribution we have made. Though picking out weeds around the Navy Yard was satisfying, it was pretty awesome when we got to work underneath the USS Constitution in Dry Dock 1 and pull out the weeds there.

View under the constitution in Dry Dock 1

Also this week we were able to help a local NPS partner that gets local high school aged students involved in the Park Service. Their goal was to plant a garden area in front of the Commandant's house, and the work is coming along quite well. Armed with shovels and a bobcat we assisted with the transportation and planting of the trees/plants as well as locating the water lines running through the area.

Helping with the water irrigation system

Stay tuned for more coming this week as I continue my time with maintenance!

Sharp Dressed Man: Look at those boots

Earlier this summer I learned a very valuable lesson. How to shine my boots. Since then I have put in some work to make sure my boots are looking sharp, though they have yet to face the test of maintenance. The trick we were taught is to use a heat gun to bring out the shine in the boots, where some methods are less effective the heat gun works wonders on the shine. I have yet to get the "glass look" but I am on my way there.

Left boot before right boot after

In other news I also worked with rangers on the vehicle inspections to make sure our patrol vehicles are in tip top shape. Though some need an oil change or fluids topped off overall the fleet of ranger vehicles here at Boston is looking good. Persistent maintenance on these vehicles is of the upmost importance for us to function to the best of our abilities as rangers.

I have also been learning how to take down and properly fold a flag, which the law enforcement officers at Boston do everyday after the cannon fire marking sunset from the Navy. Though a smaller task to get done everyday there are citizens watching or casually onlooking at the rangers performing this ceremonial duty and helps keep our strong reputation within the community in which we reside.

Recently I have also continued riding along on patrols throughout the city including around the Navy Yard, Bunker Hill, the North End, downtown, Beacon Hill, and Dorchester Heights. Every area has its challenges and opportunities for me to learn.

Walk This Way: on over to Boston

After a long wait and much anticipation Adrian, Vicki, and Tony finally made it to Boston to visit for the program visit. With stated, "the most interesting itinerary," they came ready for a great visit. Starting bright and early at the Charlestown Navy Yard I brought them all on over the climb the 294 step Bunker Hill Monument. We counted this as PT for the day.

 Before the climb

Photo at the top of the monument. I made this picture larger just to show our beautiful glistening faces

From Bunker Hill we continued through to the North End of Boston following the Freedom Trail through Copp's Hill Burial Ground and the Old North Church. We continued on to Faneuil Hall stopping by the visitor center and catching the very end of a ranger talk by ranger Hannigan in the Great Hall upstairs. I also must note because everyone was being well-behaved I let them go into the historic chocolate store and try some old fashioned chocolate.

Old Fashion Chocolate exhibit (free samples included)

After a few miles of walking through Boston it became time for lunch. We chose to eat at a restaurant in Quincy Market behind Faneuil Hall and everyone was definitely ready to eat.

After lunch we continued finishing the trail through the Old South Meetinghouse, Old State House, King's Chapel, Granary Burial Grounds, a very brief walk through the Boston Common, and finally continuing onto the Boston African American Heritage Trail. After the Freedom Trail we wrapped up our time in North End with dinner at the historic Union Oyster House and dessert from Mike's Pastries (also joining us for dinner was a former ProRanger). Arriving back at the Navy Yard we had a meeting with my supervisor going over the program and my progress. After such a long day it was a good thing day two was set to be more relaxing.

(I hope the meeting went well)

Day Two: Day two began bright and early again with a tour of the Navy Yard facilities including the Constitution Museum, Visitor Center, USS Cassin Young, and Law Enforcement building. This was followed by a meeting with Chief where we presented him with a plaque showing our gratitude towards his and the parks support and involvement with the program.

Presenting Chief with the plaque

The rest of our day was capped off with a visit to George's Island. There we enjoyed lunch relaxed and roamed around touring the historic fort. The island was a lot of fun.

How we have fun

On the ferry back we had my evaluation and discussion of the program a vital step for my self improvement as well as that of the program. So far the summer has continued to be a success and I look forward to the future challenges and lessons it will bring. I would like to thank Adrian, Vicki, and Tony for coming as well as Mark, Chief Tinkham, and Brittney for their involvement as well.

Thanks for Visiting!

Come Sail Away: to Boston

This past week has been very exciting with thousands flocking to Boston to witness tall ships visiting from all over the world. This was made even better with the United States Coast Guard Ship the USCGC Eagle. The USCGC Eagle is a tall ship acquired as a spoils of war from Germany in World War 2. Now it serves as a training ship for the Coast Guard.

Photo of The Eagle

The Eagle was open for visitors to board and thankfully I was able to spare some time away from my duties to check out this beautiful vessel. My main duties for this event was hydration control making sure our staff was well supplied for the hot days and huge crowds. I also helped out with the employee barbecues, small supplies drops, a light injury escort, and just being another member to guide people and help them out. What made doing this so much fun though? I had the best rides in the park to accomplish my tasks with.

It was a small all electric vehicle I was able to use to easily move a lot of water, and people if necessary. Yet this was still not the only vehicle I got to utilize. Though I had my main duties another responsibility of a ProRanger is recruitment, and at Boston we have some of the best tools for the job.

This junior ranger vehicle became so popular we had kids asking us about it the next day before we had even brought it out waiting for a turn on the vehicle. The first rule of the car is be safe of course, but the second rule is rangers only so we had to make sure everyone operating the car was a certified junior ranger (we had badges we were handing out to them).

Beyond what I was doing there was a lot more going on in the Navy Yard we had live music, arts and crafts tents, and live drills from the Coast Guard.

 Live music tent on the Commandant's House

 Crafts and Historical tents

Coast Guard Ceremonial Drills

It had been a crazy few days, but a great learning experience with so much going on I was lucky to be here this summer with the event only happening once every nine years. Make sure to check back in for future posts!

What a nice view from the top of the Law Enforcement building

Be Careful PBS is Watching...

With week three coming to a close it feels great to take a break after a very high octane week with Boston African American Heritage Site (BOAF) interpretive rangers the first half and Law Enforcement to close out the week. Starting the week with Interpretive Rangers I was brought on a few tours of the BOAF trail. The BOAF trail travels through Boston's historic Beacon Hill neighborhood. This area was home to a large free black community that had houses assisting in operations of the underground railroad. I was also able to sit in on a couple talks in the African Meetinghouse by a fellow intern where I learned I was sitting in the same room Frederick Douglass had spoken in years before.


Lewis and Harriet Hayden House part of the underground railroad

Fellow intern giving a historical talk.

Although walking the trail and observing the ranger talks was awesome, it got even better when history came to life and the 54th Massachusetts regiment reenactors came to the Robert Gould Shaw memorial. The 54th Regiment was the first African American regiment in the Union Army and even boasted two sons of Frederick Douglass within its ranks. The 54th regiment is most famous for their charge on Fort Wagner depicted in the movie glory, but has even been recreated for service in the modern national guard. The memorial they were at depicts Robert Gould Shaw the colonel with his men marching beside him. Also this is not an everyday occurrence I was lucky to be their on the day PBS was filming for a documentary about 10 monuments that changed America, slated to come out in 2018 (I don't think I was able to get into the films background).

Depicted above the 54th Regiment reenactors with current national guard members (the ones with ties on in the center)

54th Massachusetts reenactors in formation

Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke made his way to Boston this past week visiting the Harbor Islands and meeting with employees at the navy yard. I was able to shake hands with Zinke before he gave a speech on the state of the NPS followed by a question and answer session with park employees. It was great to see the head of our entire department conversing on the front lines with park employees.

Week 2 Boston Recap

Hello all and welcome back to my summer internship blog at Boston National Historical Park. Week two was an eventful week where they had me all over the city working with a lot of great people. I started off the week (actually last Sunday) in law enforcement where I got to work on gun safety, maintenance, holstering, and proper drawing of a weapon. I even had to do exercises and get my blood pumping before I had to reassemble a sidearm, to see the difference when your mind and body are not at a calm state. This was a lot more difficult than I thought it would be, but it provided great practice for me to improve my skills.

Moving further on into the week I began spending my first day at Boston Harbor Islands with the Rangers and DCR workers there. I was at Spectacle Island (which is actually built on trash apparently). Unfortunately the weather was not so great and we received zero visitors, but this gave me time to learn more about the history and responsibilities of rangers stationed on the island. The next day I again was supposed to be at the islands, but the weather took a turn for the worse and the islands remained closed.


 
(Spectacle Island from above on a nice day)

Instead of venturing to the islands I instead found myself with the law enforcement division. A somewhat slow day I was able to get a lot of work done toward by S-190 for Wildland Firefighting. I also spent time working on building checks throughout the Navy Yard.

Closing out the weekdays I spent time again in interpretation now covering shifts as we prepare for our big Sail Boston event coming up June 17th to the 22nd where we will be having ships and visitors flock from around the world for this tier one event. In these shifts I also did a mini project (shown below), spent time at the visitor center, Bunker Hill Museum, and Bunker Hill Monument.

I made these

Turn into these!
Coming into this Sunday we now had a large event everyone was waiting for. The Bunker Hill Parade! This called for us to wash and prep the vehicles to look amazing and get ready to engage with all the parade goers, and Charlestown really showed up for this event. The streets were lined with people eagerly watching the parade cruise by and even give out flags and junior ranger badges. Though it was hot out the day flew by getting to interact with so many friendly people throughout the parade. That's all I have for now be sure to stay tune as I narrow down my selection for my favorite spot in the park.







(Photo from Boston National Historical Park Facebook)