BOST- Week 4

This past week started out with myself and some of the Dispatchers going to the shooting range. We were first refreshed with proper weapon handling to insure the safety of those involved which included never pointing the weapon at someone, always treating the gun as if it was loaded, and making sure to be wearing the proper ear and eye protection. We shot a Sig Sauer 40 caliber pistol, a pump action shot gun, an M4 rifle, a revolver, and an AK 47. It was awesome being able to shoot all these guns at the range as well as get a refresher on how the weapons work. We also ran the same trial that the rangers do in order to pass their firearms qualification. There were some pictures taken however I was unable to get them before making this post. It really helped gauge what we will be tested on and how much I need to improve my aim before testing in order to meet the qualification.

Another thing that Jeff and I have been participating in most mornings is the raising of the flag during morning colors. Each morning at 0800 the Navy fire the cannon on the USS Constitution and raise their two flags. The National Park Service raises their flag at the same time and then salutes the Navy's flag while they play the National Anthem. It is quite an honor to take part in this everyday and a great example of the respect everyone has for this country.

Yesterday my Supervisor, Kris Salapek, and myself made a powerpoint explaining the function of the Tactical EMS Kits that he placed in each of the patrol cars. The function of these kits is for the treatment of wounds with severe bleeding such as gun or knife wounds. The kits include a QuikClot clotting sponge, an Israeli Bandage, and a MAT Tourniquet. The powerpoint went over the function of each piece of equipment and how to use it.

First you must place the clotting sponge into the wound as close to the source of the bleeding as possible, and then apply pressure. This will clot the blood quickly and help stop rapid bleeding.

You then wrap the Israeli Bandage around the wound and clotting sponge which helps keep the sponge in place as well as apply adequate pressure to the wound.

Lastly, if necessary, you put the tourniquet on above the wound and tighten it to help slow the blood flow to the area.

I think it is very awesome that the LE Rangers are able to acquire this type of medical equipment and understand the importance of knowing how each item works. You never know when you will need equipment like this so it is best to be prepared for anything.

Today I spent my morning in the Contracting Office with Bill Foley and Dave Wittle. They discussed with me the ins and outs of what they do and the types of things they deal with on a day to day basis. They explained to me their organization of special use permits within the park, how they deal with housing, authorization of commercial use authorizations, and special events also held within the park. I learned how everything that they approve must agree with the Park Mission of Protection, Preservation, and Interpretation. I also picked up on the importance of asking questions before issuing someone a permit because if you don't ask enough questions to clarify exactly everything they plan on doing, things could happen that will come back on you. They also told me that you should never assume anything when preparing a contract or permit because many details could then be overlooked and cause more problems.

In addition to discussing their daily duties, we also walked around the park to check on the specific areas where they have commercial use authorizations in place. Two of the sites included the dock at the end of the pier used by the Boston Harbor Cruise Company that give tours through the Harbor. They checked to make sure the company is docking properly and managing the load and unloading of the ship according to the permit. The other spot they will typically check is the turn-around spot outside of Gate 1, the walk-in entrance to the Navy Yard. This spot is used by the four different tour trolley companies that have permits to load and unload passengers. Foley and Wittle said they usually do not have many problems with either of these companies but will occasionally have to remind them of the agreements stated in the permit.

This afternoon I had the privilege of shadowing the Deputy Superintendent, Celeste Bernardo. The main theme from our meeting was acknowledging the importance of communication between all of the divisions within the park. She explained how she has to make sure everyone is on the same page and understands any problems or issues that a division may be having. She told me that having these meetings with the Division Chiefs all at once helps show other division's points of view of the same problem or issue. It makes a lot of sense to try and increase the communication within these groups because it makes management of these vast groups of people much easier and helps prevent any confusion or misconceptions of each other.

I am continuing to learn so much with not only the Law Enforcement Division but also with the other parts of the park that one usually does not even consider. It is helping me gain a better understanding of how everything and everyone is connected through the same mission and how everyone is working towards the same goal.

ProRanger Erin Langeheine