East Meets West!

Last week I was honored with a visit from the ProRanger Program Staff!

A quick selfie at the entrance sign near Boulder City

I met up with Ranger Moe Greene and Dr. Vicki McGarvey in the middle of this blazing July. Over the course of three days, I got to show them the majesty of Lake Mead and all the resources it had to offer. Well, I did not get the chance to show them everything given the size of the recreation area, but still. One of the first activities we did here attended an informational training session at the Hoover Dam Spillway House on identifying the early signs of ASD, PST, and PTSD. The presentation was accompanied by real footage of officers reaching their breaking point, demonstrating professional restraint, and giving their testimonials of the importance of a support network to decompress from the pressure a career in law enforcement can bring. It was a sobering experience and a clear reminder that this is not a job just anyone can do. From there we spent the rest of the day in the canyon district, specifically Willow Beach, discussing the various VRP issues that go on within that area.

The training was joined by staff from NDOW, NPS, & BOR 

The next day we woke early morning to ride on Lake Mead’s iconic waters with Ranger Largent. Afterward was an integral part of the program, where the Temple Program staff got to meet with my supervisors to discuss my performance. It allows the program and park leadership to share feedback and give any suggestions to the program. I also had the honor of presenting a plague on behalf of the Temple University acknowledging LAKE as a 2021 partner to Chief Ranger Trouper Snow, who has worked with ProRangers in the past, like ProRanger alumnus Thomas Kidd. With that taking up a good portion of the day, we retired to reflect upon our meeting and prepare for the next day.

Group photo near the Hoover Dam from the Boulder Basin side

Presenting the program plague to Chief Ranger Snow & Ranger Peterson

On the final day, we were able to get a “secret tour” of Hoover Dam with the K-9 Ranger from the canyon district, Ranger Findley. Regaling the three of us with the colorful history of the dam and its construction, I was also able to inquire about the role he performs as a K-9 officer. Ranger Findley regularly patrols the dam with bomb dog Thor. You can’t have Lake Mead without the Hoover Dam, but you can’t have the Hoover Dam without the many brave men and women who work round the clock to protect it from possible threats. The Bureau of Reclamation's security forces handle overall security for the dam, but NPS rangers handle the law enforcement when needed. This was done back in 2017 with the closure of the Hoover Dam Police Department. Once the tour had finished, we had officially seen the Hoover Dam from all possible angles. 

Image for scale

The three of us near the base of the dam

Before finishing out the day, we all got lunch with my supervisor Ranger Peterson and ProRanger alumni Ranger Bussell. It was great to interact with someone who has already gone through the program and have everyone enjoy a meal together. Finishing out the day with a tour of Mead district, I informed Dr. McGarvey and Ranger Greene of the types of VRP issues that go on during the summer season. Only going as far as Redstone, I also stressed the difficulty of Rangers being able to patrol the entirety of the area due to its vastness. When they are not at the ranger station located by Boulder Beach a few rangers usually conduct their work at the auxiliary ranger station located at Callville Bay. In the summer there are frequent emergency medical calls and people requesting assistance due to heat-related complications. 

Ranger Bussell and Dr.McGarvey posing with the smokehouse pig

Ranger Greene and I traversing the rocks at Redstone

All and all, it was a great time! However, as the two left, I contemplated their words of advice to me and resolved to keep striving for improvement. I'd like to thank Dr. McGarvey and Ranger Greene for all their hard work and for allowing me to be a part of this program. I would also like to thank Chief Ranger Trouper Snow, Rangers Peterson and Orfe, and LAKE park staff for their hospitality to us. Their leadership, hospitality, and kindness helped to foster a positive environment for me to learn and grow. I hope that future students will be able to experience the same openness found here at LAKE.