From NERI to CHRI: 2700 Miles in One Week.

From NERI to CHRI: 2700 Miles in One Week!

New River Gorge Bridge

Greetings! My name is Connor Caruso from cohort 7. This summer I have the opportunity to go on an internship in the US Virgin Islands. For the next ten weeks, I will be spending time with various divisions at Christiansted National Historic Site (CHRI) in St. Croix. However, before I discuss my first week in the park, I have to mention the wonderful time spent in New River Gorge National River (NERI) during last week's ProRanger leadership camp. 

Leadership Camp

Each year, ProRanger cohorts spend a week together in order to bolster leadership abilities, learn new skills, and get to know one another. This year, leadership camp was held at Camp Brookside in West Virginia's New River Gorge National River. The camp is situated right along the river and boasts a multitude of cabins, a large dining hall, and plenty of room to explore. Normally used as an environmental education center, Camp Brookside offered the ideal natural setting for a week away from urban life. 

Our week began early on a Sunday morning as we prepared for the long drive from Philadelphia to West Virginia. After the seven hour drive we setup our tents, ate dinner, and gathered around the campfire to prepare for the following day. As we sat around the campfire with s'mores in hand, we discussed all of the events and activities planned for the week and set individual goals that we sought to accomplish by the weeks end. My goal was to spend time with everyone in the cohort and get to know my fellow ProRangers better. After discussing our plans for the week and setting goals, it was off to bed...we had a busy day ahead!

The next day, we met with NERI rangers to learn about high angle search and rescue (SAR) techniques. We spent the morning discussing various climbing equipment, knots, and ways to safely preform a high angle rescue. I was amazed by the knowledge and level of expertise each of the rangers on the SAR team had. After reviewing the equipment and methods used in high angle rescues, the rangers demonstrated how a patient is packaged and prepared for transport using a litter. 

NERI Rangers demonstrate how to rescue a patient and provide medical assistance using a litter

Following our discussion on high angle SAR, we put on harnesses and prepared to repel down a cliff side. Prior to our departure, we preformed a risk assessment as a group to determine what precautions must be taken to ensure the outing was as safe as possible. After determining the appropriate safety precautions, we made our way to the cliff side for an afternoon of repelling. Although I have experience rock climbing, this was only my second time repelling. I took a lot of valuable skills away from each of the rangers and look forward to participating in high angle SAR operations in the future. 

Repelling down the cliff side

On the second day of leadership camp we transitioned from high angle SAR to swift water SAR. We met up with NERI rangers down by the river and spent the morning discussing various types of personal flotation devices (PFD's) swift water rescue techniques, and even got a short lessen from ProRanger Alumni-Ranger Hesdon- on how to preform a boat stop. After lunch, we practiced using a throw-bag in preparation for an afternoon of white water rafting. 

Throw-bags used in swift water rescue situations

Rafting down the New River 

On the third day of leadership camp, Ranger Langeheine and Keiffer provided instruction on defensive tactics, handcuffing, and searches. We spent most of the morning running scenarios in which we made contact with and arrested suspects. After lunch, we reviewed how to properly search a suspect in order to ensure officer safety and put our skills to the test during different scenarios. In the evening, we went on a night hike in order to familiarize ourselves with low light environments.

 Ranger Langeheine and Keiffer demonstrate how to properly detain a suspect. 

On the final day of leadership camp, we went to the overlook in order to put all the SAR skills learned during the course of the week to the test. Equipped with a litter, we were given a scenario in which two hikers were injured on the trail and in need of assistance. As a team, we navigated the trail until we found our hikers. After preforming a mock medical assessment, we packaged one patient in the litter for transport and assisted the other out on foot. Following a two hour hike, we made our way back to the starting point with our patients. 

Scenario based learning using a litter carry

Week One: Christiansted National Historic Site 

En route to Ct.Croix via Miami Airport

Shortly after returning from leadership camp, I boarded a plane destined for St. Croix. After a layover in Miami, I arrived on the island! I spent the first day getting acquainted with my new surroundings, going to the grocery store, and meeting a few people from the park. Once settled, I prepared to spend a week with the facilities maintenance division. 

First day at CHRI

Facilities Management Division

I spent the first week of my summer internship with the facilities management (FM) division. After meeting with James Ridddick, who is in charge of purchasing, maintenance, and work orders for the park, I went straight to work. During my first day with the FM division, James and I met with a contractor in order to develop a plan to increase the size of the maintenance shop. I helped measure different areas around the building to help determine the scope of the new project. After meeting with the contractor, James and I discussed the capital investment strategy, permits, and regulations required for the new project.

James Riddick (left) meeting with a local contractor 

The second day of my time with the FM division was spent discussing the FMSS system and purchasing supplies for the new law enforcement boat. After making a few stops to purchase supplies, James and I went down to the marina to meet up with my supervisor, Ranger Laurencin.

New LE boat "Justice"

Eager to take a ride in the new boat, we conducted a safety briefing and prepared to launch. We left the marina and made our way to Buck Island. During the trip, we tested out the lights and sirens and conducted trials to see how fast the new boat can go. Its safe to say that poachers are going to have a hard time outrunning justice!

Buck Island in the background 

During the rest of the week, I assisted James with a lot of small projects that came in as work orders. We built a new door for one of the park houses, installed a metal gun cage for the law enforcement division, and conducted an inventory of new park assets. 

Measuring wood to construct a new door

Conducting an inventory of new park assets, including a new skid steer

As you can see, it has been a busy couple of days! I'm excited for the rest of the summer and the new skills and information I will acquire along the way as I transition into working with the other divisions.