DEC Forest Rangers Week in Review

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate, and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from across New York State.

In 2023, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 370 search and rescue missions, extinguished 146 wildfires covering nearly 1,400 acres, participated in 52 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,000 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in hundreds of tickets and arrests.

"Whether they are leading complex search and rescue incidents, suppressing wildfires, enforcing laws on State lands and easements, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards, or encouraging responsible recreation, Forest Rangers stand ready to help when called," DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Maharsaid. "Forest Rangers' wide-ranging expertise and collaboration with local, State, and federal partners are instrumental in protecting New York's public lands and the many visitors who use them."

Town of Bath, Village of Lowville, and City of Watertown
Jefferson, Lewis, and Steuben Counties
Public Outreach: On Dec. 11, Forest Rangers Raffaldi-Smith and Richer participated in the annual "Shop with a Cop" event in Bath. Children sat in police cars from Hammondsport Police, the Steuben County Sheriff's Department, and DEC Forest Rangers. Then the law enforcement Officers took participating children on shopping trips. After items were selected, Officers helped wrap the presents.

On Dec. 14, Forest Ranger Maxwell participated in the annual Shop with a Cop event in Lowville. Ranger Maxwell joined the Lewis County Sheriff's Department and DEC's Division of Law Enforcement to help children go shopping for the holidays.

On Dec. 15, Forest Ranger Lieutenant Thomes and Ranger Cooley participated in the annual Shop with a Cop event in Watertown. The Rangers joined New York State Police, Watertown Police, and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department.

Ranger Richer at Shop with a Cop in Steuben County