Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (MD)
Follow-up on Water Taxi Accident Response
On Saturday, March 8th, a water taxi that transports visitors to the
park capsized in Baltimore harbor, dumping the 25 people on board into
the water. Twenty-one people were rescued, one body was recovered, and a
search was launched for the three people who were still missing —
two adults and a six-year-old boy. The park provided a base for media
and an incident base in the park picnic area. On March 9th, there were
as many as 30 emergency response vehicles in the park. That number had
tapered off to about five by last Friday. The park remained open to the
media around the clock in order to support Baltimore FD operations, but
this has been scaled back to just a few hours past the park's normal
closing time in order to permit evening broadcasts. Efforts are
presently underway to resume normal operations. The park's chief ranger
thanks surrounding areas for their offers of assistance, but advises
that no rangers are needed at present. Should a need arise, he will get
the word out.[Submitted by Charles Strickfaden, Chief Ranger]
Blue Ridge Parkway
Rescue of Falling Victim
On March 5th, ranger Gene Parker responded to Harvey's Knob overlook at
MP 95.3, where an 18-year-old male had reportedly been injured in a 30-
to 35-foot fall. Park coordinated rescue efforts with the Troutville
Rescue Squad, Buchanan Rescue Squad, Blue Ridge Rescue Squad and Read
Mountain Rescue Squad. The victim was brought up to the parkway through
a technical litter raising, then transported to Roanoke Memorial
Hospital. He suffered a ruptured spleen and head lacerations and is
listed in stable condition[Submitted by Chief Rangers Office]
OPERATIONAL NOTES
New River Gorge National River (WV)
NPS High Angle Rope Rescue Training
Dates: 05/17/2004 - 05/21/2004
Location: New River Gorge NR, West Virginia
This course is designed for all rescue personnel tasked with the evacuation of stranded or injured persons in a high angle environment. The course will provide instruction and practical application of equipment, anchor systems, ascending and descending fixed lines, hauling and lowering technique, and belays. Climbing experience is not required, although there will be ropes set up for after class climbing sessions for those who want to work on their climbing skills. The course will benefit all participants, regardless of their existing skill levels. Both experienced and non-experienced persons are therefore encouraged to participate. All participants need to be in good physical condition. Students need to bring their equipment, including harnesses, gloves, helmets, carabiners, and ascending and descending devices. For more information, please contact Rob Turan by e-mail at rob_turan@nps.gov (304-763-3145 extension 21, or via cell phone at 304-640-8851) or Ron Matthews at ronald_matthews@nps.gov (973-948-6500).
PARKS AND PEOPLE
Accounting Operations Center
Passing of Victoria Seng
Victoria Chandler Seng, beloved wife of Frank Seng, suffered a massive coronary and died on February 16th. This sudden and untimely death leaves Frank and his family (four children and two grandchildren) with profound grief that is offset by the cherished memories of the magnificent mom and wife they had for more than 36 years. Frank and Victoria were planning to vacation in her beloved Minnesota this summer, rent a houseboat for a month, maybe do a little fishing. Victoria had become acquainted with many people in the NPS over the last 11 years, and everyone who ever spoke with her was touched by her love of family, her deep religious faith, her "Minnesota Mom" humor, and her wise counsel and most generous heart. Frank has asked for your prayers for her and the family, and has expressed his deepest appreciation to the many of you who have sent cards and prayers and e-mails in the recent weeks. Frank Seng is the national banking program manager and is stationed at AOC.
[Submitted by Terry Penttila, IMRO]
South Florida Parks
Death of Former Volunteer in Parks
Harold Stewart, a long time and much loved south Florida parks volunteer, passed away at the age of 84 on February 7th following a massive stroke. Harold volunteered at Big Cypress NP, Biscayne NP, and Everglades NP from 1988 through 1999. Harold's wife Marge also volunteered in all three parks up until her death in 1993. Harold, a master carpenter, was well known for his attention to detail, quality, and strength — and his work will last forever throughout south Florida. Harold will be fondly remembered for his infectious smile, his kindly nature, and his positive attitude toward life.[Submitted by Will Reynolds, Senior LEO, NCR]
Redwood National and State Parks (CA)
GS-025-11 Protection Specialist
The person in this ranger position serves as the protection specialist for Redwood National and State Parks. He/she:
- Serves as program specialist for the law enforcement/resource protection program.
- Coordinates background investigations and the commissioning process.
- Serves as liaison with the US District Court, Magistrate's Court and local state courts.
- Coordinates and participates in a full range of criminal investigations and serves as park liaison with a variety of local, state and federal investigative entities.
- Serves as structural fire prevention program coordinator.
- Participates in and assures close cooperation with the park's active prescribed fire program, which burns over 2,000 acres annually.
- Serves as the national park safety officer, providing technical guidance and expertise to the superintendent, management team, and safety committee.
- Serves as primary liaison with regional and national safety program managers and consultants.
- Coordinates a variety of emergency operation programs including EMS, SAR and aviation.
- Performs resource protection and public use management duties.
Candidates must possess Level I law enforcement commissions, and must be able to obtain and maintain an interagency firefighter red card. This position has been submitted for coverage under the law enforcement officer retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 836 and 5 U.S.C. 8401 as a secondary administrative law enforcement position. The announcement can be found on USA Jobs; it closes on March 22nd. For more information, contact the park's chief ranger, Scott Wanek, at 707-464-6101, extension 5050.
Gulf Islands National Seashore (FL,MS)
GS-025-12 Supervisory Protection Ranger
The park is currently advertising for a GS-025-12 supervisory protection ranger. The position is open to current career and career conditional employees within the Department of Interior and CTAP eligibles. The position is located in the park's Mississippi District, with a duty station at Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Ocean Springs sits along the Gulf of Mexico near Biloxi. The announcement number for this position is GUIS 04-03, and can be viewed at www.usajobs.opm.gov. Interested applicants may also call our personnel job line at 850-934-2601. The position opened March 10th and closes on March 24th.
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.