Revolutionary Run 2014

ProRangers Participate in the Valley Forge Revolutionary Run 5-Mile Race

ProRangers Renee Benson, Manager Luis Krug, Jay Copper, Jordan Keiffer

This year marks the fourth occasion that ProRangers have participated in the Revolutionary Run located at Valley Forge National Historical Site.  Almost a thousand runners come to this park every year to take part in a grueling five mile run. The reason I refer to the race as "grueling" is because of the many hills that make the course difficult.

Thankfully, we were fortunate enough to have beautiful sunny weather. The scenic course encompasses significant historic landmarks which include: Von Steuben Statue, Patriots of African American Descent Monument, National Memorial Arch, and Gen Wayne Statue.   

ProRanger Jay Copper receiving his award!

The ProRangers finished the race strong and with great times.  We all placed within the top ten of our age/gender group. ProRanger Jay Copper received an award for placing third of his age/gender group.  We thank the Valley Forge staff for having us and we hope to keep this a ProRanger tradition for the future cohorts. Physical fitness is key to being a successful NPS Ranger.

Stay tuned for experiences from the SLETP 14-06 class!

Good luck to everyone in the academy and stay focused! 

Until next time!

EarthFest 2014

"...the mission of EarthFest is to promote environmental awareness using sustainable concepts, methods and practices to protect and preserve our environment." -Temple Ambler

 

ProRangers Jordan Keiffer, Jennifer Pflugfelder and I including ProRanger Manager Luis Krug and former ProRanger U.S. Park Ranger Timothy Oh, participated in EarthFest hosted by Temple University Center for Sustainable Communities. Kids from various schools from all over the region came to Temple Ambler to learn about protecting and preserving our environment. Seventy-five different agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Philadelphia Zoo, attended the event eager to educate our next generation of leaders.  

ProRanger Jordan Keiffer

ProRanger Jennifer Pflugfelder

   The theme of EarthFest this year was water conservation.  We had a National Park Service tent set up with various information on water safety.  We educated the children on the importance of wearing a life vest. We gave out stickers to kids that answered the questions we asked correctly.  Resources became limited, but U.S. Park Ranger Timothy Oh came to our rescue from Valley Forge National Historical Park with lots of goodies for the children to enjoy.

U.S. Park Ranger Timothy Oh

ProRanger Renee Benson

  The turn out this year was much larger than last year. Children swarmed the tent eager to answer questions we asked about water conservation and national parks as well as wanting to take pictures with us.  We even had some kids come up to us and say that they too wanted to become park rangers when they grew up.  It was very humbling to have two female students come up to me and tell me that they are interested in becoming law enforcement officers.  Engaging the students was very exciting because we felt that we made a difference in their lives today. I am confident that the children learned about national parks, water safety, and gained a new outlook on a possible future career working for the NPS.  

ProRanger Jennifer Pflugfelder & ProRanger Renee Benson with two young ladies who wanted to be junior rangers!

Through dedication and completing the junior ranger booklet, these young ladies received their junior ranger badges!

 Overall, this experience was very rewarding.

ProRanger Jordan Keiffer & ProRanger Manager Luis Krug

Until next time!

National Public Lands Day 2013: Valley Forge NHP

Followers,

Working to remove a sheet of plastic 

On September 28, 2013,ProRanger Philadelphia participated in National Public Lands Day at Valley Forge National Historical Park. ProRangers Jordan Keiffer, Tia Solomon, Renee Benson. and Jay Copper attended the event, which gathered volunteers from around the area and put them to work in the park. After arriving at the park, the ProRangers and approximately 15 other volunteers were assigned to the Catfish Island clean-up crew. Catfish Island is a small island located on the Schuylkill River, which is only accessible via boat. After receiving a morning briefing from group leader Ranger Bungard, we headed out to the boat launch, and began to shuttle volunteers to the island.

ProRanger Copper and a volunteer working to remove a metal drum.

Upon arrival at Catfish Island, we assisted in cleaning up the debris and garbage that finds its way onto the small strip of land. Over the course of two hours, we were able to find everything from fishing poles to car tires. Many of these items were buried beneath years of soil deposits, and some items were even tangled in tree roots. With the help of the volunteers (and some critical thinking), the majority of the buried garbage was able to be removed. Although we had limited resources, we were able to use the ideas of other group members and the items found on the island, to extricate the garbage. All of the garbage that was found on the island was deposited into bags, which will be picked up by park employees in the coming days. For larger items, we created multiple piles that will also be removed.

ProRanger Benson collecting tires!

At the conclusion of the day, we all gathered around the island's access point and assisted as volunteers were shuttled back to the parking area. Once all of the volunteers were accounted for, we began to pack up for the day. Under the instruction of Ranger Bungard, we were able to help in bringing the boat out of the water, and reloading it onto the parks boat trailer. This was a great experience, as only one of the ProRangers had previously been involved in boat operations.

National Public Lands Day is an awesome event that allows park visitors to get involved in the maintenance of the park, and volunteer for the day. It is amazing how much work can be accomplished when several groups work together. Thank you to Valley Forge National Historical Park, and all of the Rangers and volunteers that made National Public Lands Day a success!

One more bag!

You never know what you'll find!

ProRanger Solomon greeting volunteers!

 

At home on the water!

Thank you for reading!

Jay Copper

The Star-Spangled Banner Defenders’ Day Weekend

199^th Anniversary of the Battle of Baltimore

ProRangers Jennifer Pflugfelder, Mark Clarke, Renee Benson, & Jay Copper

ProRangers Mark Clarke, Jay Copper, Jennifer Pflugfelder and I assisted the Fort McHenry staff with the annual Defenders’ Day Event.  Defenders’ Day is a special day in U.S. history because it is the day that American troops defended against British invasion and inspired Francis Scott Key to compose the “Star Spangled Banner” which has since become our national anthem.  We were excited and grateful to be able to work this event.

On Friday our duties consisted of helping to direct the parking of over thirty buses full of eager school children.  We were happy to show the drivers where to park and guide the children to the “check in” point.  Friday was also the day of the 2013 U.S. Mint of America quarter launch which featured Fort McHenry.  Overall, the day progressed very smoothly because everyone from the different divisions communicated effectively and there was a functional incident command system in place.  Mark and Jennifer had the opportunity to assist FOMC staff with the parade that I felt was the highlight of the evening.

Saturday we assisted with additional parking because large numbers of visitors were arriving at the park.  It is imperative that we assist with parking to ensure the safety of park visitors.  After the parking detail, we assisted law enforcement park rangers with access points that were set up throughout the park for pedestrian and vehicle access.  At each point there were K-9 units patrolling and we were able to observe the K-9s in action.  Jay Copper was squad leader and patrolled the rope line to make sure that only authorized personnel entered the fort.  Ending the night was an awe-inspiring fireworks display that lit up the night sky.

It was awesome to be able to work the event for the second time.  This year, I felt that planning improved and a successful event was executed.  Working this event also reassured me that I know I want to pursue my career working as a National Park Service law enforcement ranger.  I was able to utilize the skills that I learned in the academy and I cannot wait to start learning more through experience.  Thank you to everyone at Fort McHenry!

ProRangers Jennifer Pflugfelder & Renee Benson

SLETP 13-05 Firearms Training

 

We completed our two weeks of extreme firearms training.  Our instructors were NPS Ranger Ambrose (ret.), Sgt. Carey, NPS Ranger Lippert (ret.), Special Agent Madarang and Officer Murray.  We had surprise visits from Dr. Luongo, NER Chief Clark, Special Agent Pascale and ProRanger Manager Krug. 

 

The weather was hot and some days the temperature went up to 100 degrees.  The class kept a positive attitude and displayed determination to learn vital skills that we will need for our future careers as law enforcement rangers working for the National Park Service.

 

We learned about off range firearms safety, post shooting procedures, rules and regulations.  We went through a semiautomatic pistol course, reduced light, shotgun course and a rifle course.  An interesting section that we did was a down/disabled officer course and we shot the pistol in positions from which I never thought an officer could accurately shoot.  The class also went through various interactive drills with firearms and it was rewarding to witness how our skills developed from the first day we started with firearms.

 

These past two weeks were intense.  Even though we now have firearms using skills, the instructors assured us that these are skills that will be lost if we do not keep practicing.  Thanks to the instructors for putting the time and passion into our class and providing us with the ability to become successful park rangers.

 

Only 4 more weeks!

 

 

Run ProRangers Run!

8th Annual Valley Forge Revolutionary Run

The ProRangers once again participated in the 5-mile Valley Forge Revolutionary Run on Sunday, April 21st, 2013.  It was a chilly start but the sun was shinning and after the first mile the cold temperature did not seem to matter anymore. The course was strenuous with many hills especially the last incline we had to conquer right before the finish line. All of the ProRangers improved their finish time from last year. There were many of us that finished with outstanding results including ProRanger Charles Papacostas who placed 25th overall in the race with a time of  31:16. ProRanger Jay Copper placed 85th with a time of 35:46. The ProRangers that completed the course under 40 minutes were myself, John Eichelberger, Vincent Lemba and just over 40 minutes was Subhi Zaman. ProRangers Jordan Keiffer, Jess Cooper, Tia Solomon and ProRanger Manager Luis Krug finished the race strong and in great timing as well.  I am sure that many of us are excited to compete next year!

Thanks to our fellow ProRangers Mark Clarke and Erin Langeheine for coming out to the event to show their support. We would also like to give a special thanks to Superintendent Kate Hammond and Chief Gregg Tinkum for their welcoming spirit.  

ProRanger Event

Temple University: Women's Fencing

"Chess on your feet!" ~ Ranger Krug

Today the ProRangers came together to watch Temple University's Women's Fencing team compete against other colleges including Duke, Penn State and even some Olympians from various regions around the world.

ProRanger Manager, Ranger Krug, shared his experiences of when he used to fence for Notre Dame. There are strategies and techniques to fencing that can relate to law enforcement, so it was beneficial for us to view this sporting event.

 The ProRangers had a great time! We look forward to getting together soon for another fun-filled event. 



Photo courtesy of ProRanger Jess Cooper

Oh, and it is not everyday where Miami Heat players stroll by you! The ProRangers were at the right place at the right time!:) 

Happy 96th Birthday to the National Park Service

National Park Service

"Experience Your America"

Today it has been 96 years since the NPS was first created. Thanks to President Woodrow Wilson who signed the act (August 25, 1916) which created this federal bureau under the Department of Interior.  This agency protects our natural wonders and our American heritage.  It also provides the Pro Rangers a career path of a life time.

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

I want to thank the NPS for preserving our national parks because I have many memories of visiting national parks with my family especially Hopewell Furnace NHS.  These are memories I cherish forever and would like to share similar experiences with family and friends in the future.



Leadership Camp 2012

Outdoor Odyssey Leadership Academy

Motto: "Growth Through Adventure"

The Pro Rangers got together at this camp in Boswell, PA to embark on an experience of a life time.  It was nice to see my fellow Pro Rangers come together in one area.  The primary goals for this week were to come together and work as a team, face fears, embrace the great outdoors and to become humble leaders.  The first day was check-in day.  We moved into our living quarters and received our gear thanks to Stephen Sweet and his wife.  Then we played a good ol' game of kick ball.  Nothing like a competitive sport to get us in the mood for what was to come.

After a fun game of kickball we moved over to the low ropes course where we split up into four teams.  I was in team four which we named "The Wolfpack" and our motto was "Fear This!".  The low ropes course was awesome because we were able to pick team leaders and work as a team to overcome obstacles.  As a team we planned a strategy and then motivated each other to complete the course.  Overall I felt our team executed each obstacle very well.  We ended the day with a campfire and reflection while some of our fellow Pro Rangers received some swag for displaying leadership qualities. 

The following morning we awoke very early to conduct some PHYSICAL TRAINING.  I was already feeling the burn from the day prior because even though I think I am a fitness junkie, we were using muscles that have not been used before.  We ran in two lines and made our way to another ropes course.  This course was lines of ropes on an incline and we had to climb up and down the edge of a hill.  While some teams were navigating the course, other teams were doing jumping-jacks.  No matter what we were doing we had to stay moving to keep our heart rates up.  Later on in the day we went to the high-ropes course.  My stomach was turning with nervousness.  I have a fear of falling and this course gave me butterflies in my stomach and I could see I was not the only one who felt that way.  Anyway, I wanted to do this.  I had to overcome my fear.  Jeff was my partner and he gave me so much support.  I could not ask for a better partner. 

Then there was the crazy "Leap of Faith".  The Pro Rangers had to climb up a shaky wooden beam and jump off to try and reach for a metal pole that was hanging from ropes.  The first time I jumped off I quickly held on to my ropes, not even trying to reach for the metal bar.  The second time I gave it my all and leaped out reaching for the metal bar.  This was a proud moment for me.  I gave it my all and overcame many fears thanks to the support of the Pro Rangers and our mentors.  Special thanks to Chief Will Reynolds and Chief Glen Clark for their encouragement.

Taking a leap of faith!

The first two days were filled with so much adventure, could there be more?  Oh yes!  The week had just begun.  We did some more team building obstacle courses and then went to an area with a rock climbing wall and zip-lining.  Even our mentors liked the zip-lining and you could tell they were really enjoying themselves.  There was a long, thick rope that many of the Pro Rangers were climbing up.  I felt that that was one of the most physically challenging things at camp.  Pro Ranger Jay Copper and I received the Fort McHenry challenge coin from Chief Glen Clark and U.S. Park Ranger Sierra Daniels which I will cherish forever. 

It was now time for rappelling.  We went to a beautiful scenic state park where we hiked a short distance to the area where we would gear up and rappel from a rock face off a mountain.  This was definitely a larger rock face then the one we previously rappelled in November of last year in the Wissahickon.  Again I was feeling nervous.  The support of the Pro Rangers prevailed once again and I geared up and made my way down the cliff.  It was absolutely an amazing experience and not as bad as I thought it was going to be.

The Pro Rangers were working as a team and that would be put to the ultimate test.  We went to the Ohiopyle to go white water rafting.  These were seriously some of the best moments of my life.  I can not explain how fun it truly was.  We picked our own teams and jumped into a raft to plow through the rapids and down the river.  Our raft was number 608 and we had Supervisor Mark Howard as our experienced rafter.  As you can see on our faces we were having a blast and together as a team we conquered the wrath of the powerful rapids.  Pro Ranger Jess Cooper overcame many fears as well and I give her kudos for her upliftitng spirit that day.

During our stay at Leadership Camp we were given the opportunity to visit a very special National Monument.  The Flight 93 site was a very breath taking and humbling place.  We were given a tour by an interpretative ranger and were able to go where the general public is prohibited.  It was nice to be able to pay our respects to heroes that defended our nation.  Chief Steve Clark surprised all the Pro Rangers sharing insightful thoughts about our futures in the Pro Ranger Program.

The final dinner consisted of a BBQ and our teams conducted some relay races with canoes.  After that we had the chance to do a "no rules" canoe race with our team of choice.  Jackie Innella and Amy Borch were on my team and we powerhoused it all the way across the pond and to the finish line in first place.  The founder of the camp, T.S. Jones, who is also recently retired from the U.S. Marine Corp, blessed us with his presence at the BBQ.  T.S. Jones discussed with us the concept of MEPS which stands for mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well being.  He shared his words of wisdom and we were very grateful that he came to speak with us. 

 The experience would have to sadly come to an end.  This camp was a great way to end an eventful and rewarding summer internship.  If some of the Pro Rangers were not as close before camp, I feel that after this experience we became one whole unit.  I made friendships that I will have for a lifetime.  I also have mentors I will have with me throughout my career and I could not ask for anything better.  Even a Pro Ranger alumni, Aaron, came to show his support.  Special thanks to our leaders: Supervisor Mark Howard, Supervisor Dave Ballam, Chief Will Reynolds, Chief Kim Coast, Chief Glen Clark, Chief Mark Dowdle, U.S. Park Ranger Sierra Daniels, Dr. McGarvey, Dr.  Luongo, Mr. and Mrs. Sweet.  I can not forget to give a huge thank you to our awesome camp instructors as well!

 

After this summer I am totally hooked on the Pro Ranger Program!  When anyone ever asks me about my summer, I always refer them to the blog because sometimes pictures speak louder than words.  Classes are starting soon but I can not stop thinking about what exciting event is next for the program.  I can not get enough of this program.  I live, breath and sleep the Pro Ranger Program.  So if anyone is even slightly interested in the program I would tell them to go for it because this program is amazing and gives you an array of opportunities. 

Hooked on the Pro Ranger Program!

Farewell for now but my gut tells me that this is only the beginning of more great experiences for me in the future of the Pro Ranger Program!