Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (PA)
Arrest for Auto Theft, Hit and Run Accidents
Ranger Don Philpot was conducting a traffic stop on Route 611 within
the park on January 23rd when he saw a Jeep Grand Cherokee pass that was
running on two rims, with sparks flying. Philpot pulled the Jeep over
and identified the operator as B.A. B.A., who appeared
to be intoxicated, immediately became belligerent toward Philpot, who
placed him under arrest. A check on the Cherokee revealed that it had
been stolen and had been involved in at least four hit-and-run
accidents. It had also been driven into a home. B.A. fled from the
scene of all five accidents. State and federal charges are pending.
[Submitted by Chris A. Kross, Supervisory Park Ranger]
Clara Barton Parkway
Pedestrian Killed on Highway
On the evening of March 3rd, Park Police officers investigated an
accident in which a pedestrian was struck on the parkway near Lock 8. A
black Honda hit a man and his two dogs as they were crossing the road,
killing all three. His name is being withheld pending notification of
next of kin.
[Submitted by Sgt. Scott Fear, US Park Police]
OPERATIONAL NOTES
Health and Fitness
Law Enforcement Medical Exam Update
Additional funding and stipulations are being added to the medical contract authorizing CHS to mail copies of completed medical exams, including labs, to officers. This will allow employees to have the most current information to provide their personal physicians.
As a reminder, the NPS medical examinations are occupational exams to qualify employees for arduous duty law enforcement or wildland fire duties. The NPS exam is not meant to supplant more extensive physicals conducted by personal physicians.
[Submitted by pat buccello, pat_buccello@nps.gov, 202/513-7131]
PARKS AND PEOPLE
Office of International Affairs
Short-Term International Opportunity
Expert in Park Planning and Development of Visitor Facilities needed for short-term NPS international assignment
Opportunity: The NPS Office of International Affairs is seeking applications to provide short-term technical assistance to the national park system of the Republic of Gabon. This short-term assignment will take place April 24 through May 7, 2004.
Background: Gabon established its first 13 national parks by Presidential proclamation in September 2002. Gabon launched this initiative under the multinational Congo Basin Forest Partnership, which has been declared by Secretary of State Powell as one of the Administration's top international environmental priorities. Gabon's national parks were featured in National Geographic and Smithsonian magazine in 2003. Most famous for being the terminus for Michael Fay's "megatransect" through the West Africa tropical rainforests, these lands are being set aside as "the last wild place on Earth."
NPS and Gabon signed an international agreement for cooperation In September 2003 at Grand Teton National Park. In June 2003, a Forest Service-led interagency technical team traveled to Loango National Park on Gabon's Atlantic Coast and worked with Gabonese park officials to begin the process of planning for the new parks administration. NPS has agreed to participate in this follow-up visit to Loango.
Assignment: One NPS representative will join a U.S. Forest Service-led interagency team. Time out of the office will be approximately 10-15 working days, not including completion of a post-trip report. Assignment will be to assist in the development of a general management plan for Loango National Park that may serve as a template for Gabon's 12 other national parks.
Costs: All travel costs associated with this assignment (airfare, lodging, meals) will be provided by the U.S. Department of State, via the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The selected NPS representative's park will only have to pay his/her salary.
Application Requirements: NPS staff wishing to be considered for this assignment:
• Must have demonstrated experience in park planning and/or the development of protected area management plans and visitor facilities;
• Must have demonstrated ability to work with and adapt to the needs and abilities of agencies and professionals of different ethnic or cultural groups;
• Previous international experience is desirable, particularly experience with protected area systems in other countries.
• Ability to work in areas with little or no infrastructure, such as lack of indoor plumbing, primitive accommodations, or traveling in 4 wheel drive vehicles off-road.
• French language ability is desirable, though not mandatory.
Candidates must indicate that they have supervisory approval for their participation in this program.
How to Apply: Persons interested in being considered for this international assignment should send a resume or brief letter summarizing relevant work experience. A form SF 171 or OF-62 is acceptable. Please submit applications (electronically is preferred) to: Rudy D'Alessandro, NPS Office of International Affairs, at (202) 354-1805, email rudy_dalessandro@nps.gov.
Applicants are also encouraged to post their skills on the Office of International Affairs Skills Roster (http://www.nps.gov/skroster) so that they may be considered for future assignments.
Applications are due by March 19, 2004.
[Submitted by Rudy D'Alessandro, Rudy_Dalessandro@nps.gov, 202-354-1805] More Information...
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.