Congratulations to America's 2007 Silver Medal Ranger of the Year Finalists
Albert Goodin – Levi Jackson State Park, Kentucky
Albert Goodin, Ranger at Levi Jackson State Park, Kentucky, will have 34 years of service as a state park ranger as of June 15, 2007 – currently the longest serving ranger with KY State Parks. He was in the Army for three years prior to joining the rangers. He has worked at Levi Jackson State Park at London, Ky., for the last four years. Before that, he worked at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park near Corbin, Ky. Remarked Mr. Goodin, “I love working with the public. I like to talk with and help people…I just like my job.” Goodin was honored as a district ranger of the year by the Kentucky State Parks for 2005 for outstanding customer service, communication, teamwork, and dependability.
Customer Testimonial
This is the kindest man on earth! There is nothing he wouldn't do for you, if it was in his power. He does everything from fixing the electric, to delivering messages to campers, he’s a great man. He's been a ranger for 35 years for some reason. He can also show a very professional side, if he has to. Submitted by: Sherry Guiher
Betsy Cormier – Otter River State Forest, Massachusetts Betsy Cormier, Park Interpreter for Otter River State Forest, Massachusetts, marks 2007 as her 10th year at Otter River State Forest and Lake Dennison State Recreation Area. During the winter months, Betsy works at Leicester Memorial School teaching natural history after school programs to 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade children. Betsy’s Interpretive Programs are outstanding. Customers enjoy her Smokey Bear Birthday party, as well as her Birds of Prey program. Along with her programs, Betsy has created one of the best Interpretive Buildings in the state.
Customer Testimonial "Ranger Betsy" has been a great influence on all of my family's life since we met her. The interpreter center that she keeps is awesome. She keeps some of the little critters that little campers catch for her in there for informative purposes until the end of the season when she lets them go free. The programs are always fun for the kids and for the grown-ups alike. She has an easy-going style and always stops what she's doing to answer a child's question, no matter how silly the question might be. Ranger Betsy's memorable walks are informative and fun. When a child gets unruly, she knows exactly what to do and say to make sure that the walk is pleasant for everyone. She has certainly made a difference in my granddaughter’s life. When Ranger Betsy sees Madeline, she is genuinely happy, as is Madeline. We can't wait until we camp again so that we can find out what else we can learn from Ranger Betsy. Submitted by: Gwen Rheaume
Bob Montgomery – Apache-Sitgreaves N. F., Arizona
Bob Montgomery, Park Ranger of the Black Mesa Ranger District, Apache -Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona has presented interpretative programs, encouraged and enlightened the public on good stewardship of the National Forest’s for many years. He now recognizes second and third generation children of the kids he spoke with years ago. Ranger Bob also has helped find children that wandered away from camp, returned lost dogs, removed rattle snakes from campsites and answered endless questions. Ranger Bob keeps his finger on the pulse of the Rim Lakes area and can tell some wild stories. In 2005 the Black Mesa Ranger District nominated Ranger Bob for a Chief's award to recognize his years of service and outstanding dedication to the Forest Service. Ranger Bob received the award the summer of 2005 and is on his 37th season.
Customer Testimonial
I've been going to Woods Canyon Lake every Labor Day weekend for the last 11 years, with my mother and with friends. From that very first weekend, "Ranger Bob" made the experience just that much better! His ranger-led hikes, the old "Animal Follies" movies at night, and his general cheerfulness and knowledge about the forest have left a lasting impression on us all. Even after 11 years, we try to never miss a hike or a program in the amphitheater, because each time he makes it fun and interesting--even if we've heard most of it many times before! I'm pleased and proud to nominate "Ranger Bob" Montgomery for Ranger of the Year! Submitted by: Teri Carnicelli
Frank Roberts – Garner State Park- Texas
Frank Roberts, Park Ranger for Garner State Park, Texas has been with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for 18 years, with more than 15 consecutive years at Garner State Park. He is the park’s Interpretive Specialist, and as such he does regular interpretive tours of Garner State Park, which is traditionally one of the most visited state parks in Texas. He also does a geological interpretive tour of Garner State Park, as well as tours up into the park’s famous hill country along the old Civilian Conservation Corp trail, and talks about the significance of the CCC’s construction influence on the development of Garner as a park.
Customer Testimonial
As long as I have been going to Garner, Ranger Frank has been there. He now gives classes to children camping in the park on the animals and Indian lore. My grandson & I attend every year, even though we have heard it before. He grew up in the Frio River area so has lots of knowledge to impart. He is patient with and kind to all the campers - adults and children alike. He also does storytelling and sunset serenades at the park. I think after 20-odd years of going to Garner he is the person I will always remember and he deserves to be the Ranger of the Year. Submitted by: Nancy Lindsay
Ted Smith- Forked Lake Campground- New York
Ted Smith, Park Ranger for Forked Lake Campground, New York, started working for the DEC in 1998 at Forked Lake Campground. From the very beginning Ted was a great employee, always getting excellent evaluations. In 2002 he became the caretaker at Forked Lake, and in his first season received an award for “The Best Campground”. Working at Forked Lake became a labor of love for Ted. His hard work and dedication to the park became well known throughout the DEC. In 2003 he won another award for “The Best Camping Experience” and he was acknowledged in 2004 with a certificate of excellence and recognition for providing “The Best Camping Experience”. In 2006, Forked Lake was selected as one of America’s Top 100 Campgrounds. Anyone who has camped at Forked Lake was greeted by Ted with a smile and a willingness to make their camping experience something to remember.
Customer Testimonial
I have known Mr. Smith for approx. 10 years. He is always most accommodating and helpful. He runs a very clean and well respected park. He is a "hands on" type who works very hard on the maintenance of the park and sites. Have also always found him eager to go above and beyond what would normally be expected. He enjoys working with people and seeing that they enjoy themselves when spending time at Forked Lake. Submitted by: Paul R. Kennedy
