Yellowstone National Park (ID,MT,WY)
Suicidal Person; Assault on Rangers
Rangers were summoned to a park residence on the night of December 23
to help deal with a suicidal person. The first ranger on scene
investigated and contacted a Teton County social services worker. He
concluded that there was clear probable cause to believe that the person
was potentially self-destructive and needed to be taken to the nearest
available medical facility for evaluation in accord with state civil
procedures and park policy. While waiting for a second ranger to arrive
in an over-snow ambulance, the suicidal person said that there would be
a fight if rangers attempted a transport. When the second ranger
arrived, efforts were made to work out the problem. These proved
fruitless, however. When the rangers attempted to press forward, the
subject began screaming, tore a shelf from the wall, and threatened and
attempted to strike the rangers with the shelf. Although the person was
quickly subdued, resistance continued in attempts to bite them, biting a
parent who was helping the rangers, kicking one of the rangers numerous
times in the abdomen, and scratching both rangers' faces and hands. The
rangers used control holds and handcuffs to subdue the person, who was
taken to a hospital in Jackson for evaluation in accord with state
guidelines. Both rangers suffered minor injuries, but neither was
seriously hurt. The subject did not suffer any injuries during the
melee. Charges were filed for interference and assault.
[Submitted
by Chris Fors, Special Agent]
PARKS AND PEOPLE
Joshua Tree National Park (CA)
GS-5/7/9 Rangers in Two Districts
The park is seeking candidates for permanent GS-9 protection ranger positions in both the Cottonwood and Lost Horse Districts. The positions are currently advertised on USA Jobs under announcement number JOTR-02-30. Although they are advertised at the GS-025-5/7 level, full performance candidates are highly encouraged to apply and may be considered for lateral transfer. Incumbents will be responsible for the full range of frontcountry and backcountry law enforcement and all risk management operations, including EMS and high angle search and rescue. Both positions are required occupancy. Housing will be in the Cottonwood housing area or the Indian Cove housing area. One may be selected to be the park EMS coordinator. Joshua Tree National Park is one of the world's premier climbing areas. Over 18 million people live within three hours of the park. More than 75% of the park is designated wilderness. Rangers have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities, including backcountry patrol, resource management, and proactive frontcountry law enforcement. The park is about 50 miles north east of Palm Springs and about 140 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. Shopping, medical facilities and schools are available in surrounding communities. Skiing, California Beaches and Disneyland are within a one to three-hour drive. More information about the park is available at http://www.nps.gov/jotr. For more information on the jobs, please contact Cottonwood DR Jeff Ohlfs at 760-367-5548, or Lost Horse DR Patrick Suddath at 760=367-5547.
[Submitted by Patrick Suddath, District Ranger]
Submission standards for the Morning Report can be found on the left side of the front page of InsideNPS. All reports should be submitted via email to Bill Halainen at Delaware Water Gap NRA, with a copy to your regional office and a copy to Dennis Burnett in Division of Law Enforcement and Emergency Services, WASO.
Prepared by the Division of Law Enforcement and Emergency Services, WASO, with the cooperation and support of Delaware Water Gap NRA.