Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Five Killed in Auto Accident in Park
Rangers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park responded to a two-car
collision that resulted in five fatalities and two injuries just after
10 p.m. on March 26th. Killed were G.N., 80, his wife, M.N.,
64, A.D., 70, his wife, B.D. (no DOB
available), and M.N.'s mother, Audrey Fentress (no DOB
available). The N.s were all from Chesapeake, Virginia, and the
D.'s from Virginia Beach. M.N. was driving the 1997 Chrysler.
She had just emerged from the Legion Bridge and was crossing the
northbound lanes of the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Spur (U.S. 441) en route
to a condo at Westgate when her vehicle was struck on the passenger side
doors by a 1990 Honda Accord driven by J.H.,18, of Lebanon,
Tennessee, who was traveling north on the Spur. J.H. and his 16-year-old
passenger, J.B., were flown by Lifestar to the University of
Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. J.H. was suffering from head and
facial injuries. J.B.'s injuries were less serious and he has since
been released from the hospital. M.N. and Fentress were in
the front seats of the Chrysler; the D.'s and G.N. were in
the rear seats. All five occupants of the N. vehicle were pronounced
dead at the scene. Seat belt usage is uncertain in both vehicles.
Responding along with rangers were Gatlinburg Fire and EMS, Sevier
County Rescue, and police officers from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and
Sevierville. Tennessee Highway Patrol investigators were also called in
to conduct a joint reconstruction and investigation in conjunction with
rangers. Ranger Ken Meyer is the lead investigator on the incident.
[Submitted by Rick Brown, District Ranger]
Badlands National Park (SD)
Employees Rescue Two from Vehicle Fire
On March 10th, park employees Ken Thompson and Roger Myers were
traveling towards Martin, South Dakota, to attend a training program in
Colorado. Their journey was slowed at times by reduced visibility caused
by wind gusts exceeding 50 mph that picked up flying dirt and debris
from nearby drought-parched fields and grasslands. As blowing dirt
reduced their speed, Thompson and Myers came upon a motor vehicle
accident involving two vehicles, one on fire and the other rolled over.
Two people — W.B. and A.B. of Martin — were trapped
inside the burning vehicle. Thompson and Myers forced one of the
vehicle's doors open and rescued both the B.s just minutes before the
entire vehicle became involved in the developing fire. They then
protected the two victims from the dust storm until emergency response
personnel arrived. At least three people were transported to local
hospitals, including Myers and Thompson, who were treated for smoke
inhalation and minor burns. Both were later released and continued on
their trip to Denver. W.B. was airlifted to the Rapid City
Regional Hospital, where he is listed in serious condition. State and
local law enforcement authorities temporally closed the roadway until
weather conditions improved. Had it not been for the quick actions
of Ken Thompson and Roger Myers, serious and possibly fatal injuries
could have been sustained by the B.s. Ken Thompson is a member of the
parks structural fire brigade and a volunteer for the Wall Fire
Department.
[Submitted by Mark Gorman, Acting Chief Ranger]
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (KY)
Man
Convicted for Threatening to Murder Rangers
Rangers Greg Mullin and Karen Bradford arrested D.V. last
Octobr 3rd for driving under the influence, aggravated DUI, resisting
arrest and wanton endangerment following a motor vehicle accident
involving two vehicles. During the arrest, D.V. resisted and had to be
physically overpowered and restrained. As he was being transported to
jail, he repeatedly made murder threats against both rangers. D.V. was
denied bail at the preliminary hearing after it was determined that he
was a danger to society. The U.S. Attorney's Office decided to charge
D.V. with interfering with an agency function by resisting arrest and
with two counts of threatening to assault and murder a federal law
enforcement officer. On March 3rd, D.V. was convicted in federal court
on all three charges, with an aggravating circumstance of threatening to
murder both Mullin and Bradford. D.V.'s criminal history includes two
convictions for vehicular manslaughter, five DUI's, and numerous
incidents of resisting arrest. D.V.'s toxicology report indicated that
he had a BAC of .330. Charges are still pending in Kentucky state court
for the DUI and wanton endangerment violations.
PARKS AND PEOPLE
NPS Office at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
National Park Ranger Integrated Academy 501 Graduates
On March 17th, Regional Director Pat Hooks delivered the graduation address to National Park Ranger Integrated Academy 501 at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. This class was dedicated to the Southeast Region so they could develop a regional intake program. The class of 22 trainees was comprised of 12 intake rangers hired for various parks within the Southeast Region. Eleven of the twelve successfully completed the basic academy. The class graduated 10 expert shooters, with Mike Kujala and John Maurer each scoring 297. Jason Marsh received the Distinguished Fitness Award and will have his name placed on the Honor Wall at the Physical Techniques Division. Six rangers scored a perfect 300 at the Driver Marine Division. Vince Sidders received the Academic Award plus the FLETC Director's Award, which is selected by class peers. Aaron Shandor received the NPS Director's Award for the overall best performance for both FLETC and NPS tests and practical exams. The overall class average was 91.56.
[Submitted by Superintendent]
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (PA)
GS-11 Contracting Officer
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is seeking a full performance GS-11 contracting officer. The person selected will be responsible for performing the full range of contracting officer duties, as well as supervising two support staff and overseeing the property management program. While not absolutely necessary, property management and supervisory experience is desirable. The successful applicant will possess a Level II contracting officer's warrant and be capable of attaining a Level III warrant within 12 months. This position will also provide some higher-level contracting support to nearby parks. Delaware Water Gap NRA is a 70,000-acre park located along 40 miles of the Delaware River, which forms the boundary between northeastern Pennsylvania and northwestern New Jersey. The park is approximately 80 miles west of New York City and approximately 100 miles north of Philadelphia. Nearby towns are Stroudsburg and Milford in Pennsylvania, Newton and Sparta in New Jersey, and Port Jervis in New York. All services, including elementary and high schools, colleges, medical services and other community needs, are available in Stroudsburg, Port Jervis, and Newton, and housing for rent or purchase is available in these and other communities. The park has a wide variety of settings, ranging from urban/suburban to rural. There are ample employment opportunities for spouses looking for work in the nearby communities. The amenities, activities and excitement of major cities can be found a short drive away in New York City or Philadelphia. The park is within the NY-NJ-CT-PA locality pay area (20.99%), but the actual cost of living reflects the more rural nature of the park. Relocation costs will be paid for eligible employees, and park housing may be available. Those interested should forward applications as directed in the merit promotion announcement available on USAJOBS. Click on "More Information" below for a copy of the announcement. For additional information, contact personnel officer Diane Kimsey (570-588-2420) or chief of administration Malcolm Wilbur (570-588-2413).
[Submitted by Malcolm Wilbur, Administrative Officer] More Information...
Submission standards for the Morning Report can be found by clicking here. 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 Visitor and Resource Protection, WASO, with the cooperation and support of Delaware Water Gap NRA.