NPS - National Park Service

15/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 15/07/2024 12:23

Brett Koch selected as chief ranger at Dry Tortugas and honored with the National Ranger Excellence Award for the Southeast Region

News Release Date:
July 15, 2024

Contact:Media Contact- Allyson Gantt, (786) 610-8023

Contact:Park Manager- James Crutchfield, (305) 465-1014

HOMESTEAD, Fla. - Dry Tortugas National Park announced the selection of Brett Koch as the new chief ranger. His new role will include leading the law enforcement park rangers at one of the nation's most remote national parks. Koch has been a law enforcement ranger at Dry Tortugas since 2018 when he arrived amidst recovery efforts from Hurricane Irma.

"Chief Koch's dedication and commitment to the protection and preservation of the natural and cultural resources of Dry Tortugas National Park represents the highest level of professionalism," said Park Manager James Crutchfield. "We are honored to work with him in this new position as he continues to support the mission of the National Park Service (NPS) with kindness and humility."

Koch began his NPS career as an intern for the Law Enforcement Division at Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina after watching his father serve in law enforcement for over 30 years. He, then, advanced to a seasonal position at Ocmulgee National Monument in Georgia with the dream of one day working at Dry Tortugas National Park.

Koch's dedication to the NPS mission was recently recognized when he was selected as the NPS Southeast Region's National Ranger Excellence Award (previously the Harry Yount Award) recipient for 2023. This award honors a NPS law enforcement ranger who consistently excels in the performance of his duties that serve park visitors and protect the natural and cultural resources of a park.

During an unprecedented wave of migrant landings in 2023, Brett served as the incident commander when hundreds of asylum seekers arrived on the shores of the islands of Dry Tortugas in homemade boats. Brett made certain that each individual had access to food, water, medical care and shelter upon arrival. Brett treated each individual with compassion as he coordinated rescue efforts with partner agencies.

"I am deeply grateful for the relationships and support I've gained over the years while working for the NPS and the South Florida National Parks," said Koch. "I've been fortunate, even through challenges, to achieve career goals I once thought impossible, such as receiving the National Ranger Excellence Award. I'm honored to now serve as Chief Ranger to continue to care for the visitors, resources and staff of Dry Tortugas."

As a field law enforcement officer at Dry Tortugas, Koch helped to increase and establish professional relationships with many state and federal partner law enforcement agencies. He served as the main point of contact for visiting law enforcement officers, coordinating long term detail assignments and taking care that all personnel were welcomed into a safe and inclusive environment. Koch helped visitors learn about the park's beauty and history by making time to answer questions or lead a tour around the fort.

In addition to his law enforcement duties, other roles for Koch included assisting with coral rescue efforts, submerged resource projects, and scientific data collection. Koch also serves as adjunct crew member of the supply ship MV Fort Jefferson and earned his blue card certification which enables him to dive with the NPS.