Glacier National Park
Break-in at Ranger Station Bunkhouse
A park maintenance worker found J.R., 28, a Canadian
citizen, inside the Goat Haunt Ranger Station bunkhouse on the afternoon
of October 7th. All visitor services had ended for the season at Goat
Haunt on October 5th. J.R. had forcibly entered the building. She was
transported to Waterton Townsite, where she was met by a Glacier NP
ranger and a Waterton Lakes NP park warden. After initial interviews,
she was taken to Canada and placed in the custody of the RCMP and
Canadian Customs. Background checks on J.R. revealed an extensive
criminal history, with several outstanding warrants in both countries
for fraud and money laundering to the tune of $700,000. J.R. remains
in RCMP custody on charges of drug trafficking. The break-in is under
investigation as part of a larger investigation, so additional details
are not yet available.
[Submitted by Amy Vanderbilt, Public Affairs
Officer]
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Ginseng Poaching Arrest
While on patrol on Route 32 on the east side of the park on September
27th, ranger Paul Williams came upon a car parked near Gilliland
Cemetery. The area contains a large amount of American ginseng, which
has been poached extensively in the past. Williams accordingly set up
surveillance and asked ranger Steve Kloster to assist. Williams and
Kloster concealed themselves in the woods and awaited the owner's
return. Shortly thereafter, J.E.A., 32, of Sherills Ford,
North Carolina, emerged from the woods and walked to his car. The ranger
saw that he was carrying what appeared to be a pointed digging stick in
one hand and plants in the other. They stopped him and found that he had
American ginseng tops in his hand, 79 freshly-dug ginseng roots in his
front cargo pants pocket, and 106 ginseng berries in his shirt pocket.
He also was carrying a marijuana pipe and a small quantity of marijuana.
Although he wasn't armed, the rangers found a loaded .22 caliber rifle
during a consent search of his vehicle. J.E.A. admitted that he had
camped at the Cosby Campground the previous night, but had not paid for
his site. He and his girlfriend had vacated the campground that morning
and had moved to a local motel. J.E.A. consented to a search of his motel
room; although no additional ginseng was found there, the rangers
discovered more drug paraphernalia. J.E.A. admitted that he had come to
the park specifically for the purpose of digging ginseng. He was charged
with gathering and possessing ginseng, possession of a controlled
substance and driving on a suspended license and placed on a $500 bond.
[Submitted by Rick Brown, District Ranger]
PARKS AND PEOPLE
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (MD)
GS-025-7/9 LE Ranger
The closing date for this position at Fort McHenry has been extended to November 7th. The park is currently advertising for an LE ranger on USAJobs. The park is located on the Patapsco River in Baltimore and housing may be available. The person in this position will be responsible for law enforcement, counter-terrorism support, emergency services, and event management. The park hosts a dozen special events per year, and operates closely with Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore Fire Department. The park also serves as the landing site for the President when he visits Baltimore, on average once per year. This is a great opportunity to work with a great staff at a symbolic site in an interagency environment, and to expand your management skills. For further information, contact chief ranger Charlie Strickfaden at 410-962-4290 ext. 224.
[Submitted by Charles Strickfaden, Chief Ranger]
Cape Hatteras National Seashore (NC)
STF LE Rangers Sought for Temporary Assignments
The park has a number of temporary protection assignments available and is seeking subject-to-furlough LE rangers who would like to work during their furloughs. They need at least four rangers, with work available immediately and lasting until at least December 1st, possibly longer. The park is also interested in borrowing four-wheel-drive patrol vehicles for use during these assignments and will reimburse loaning parks for GSA rental and mileage costs. If you have questions or need further info, contact acting chief ranger Jon Anglin at 252-473-2111.
[Submitted by Jon Anglin, Acting Chief 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.