Public safety support includes local communities
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Millions of visitors travel to Missouri’s 93 state parks and historic sites every year for recreation and serenity. A specialized team of professionals works hard to keep those parks safe and protected. Missouri state park rangers serve a challenging, unique dual role, combining law enforcement with public education and resource protection.
Unlike traditional police officers, a ranger’s office spans thousands of acres, waterways and historic landmarks. Their responsibilities are as diverse as the parks they protect.
Missouri state park rangers are fully commissioned state-certified law enforcement officers. They enforce state laws and state park regulations, as well as conduct investigations and perform patrols. They are often the first responders for medical emergencies, search-and-rescue operations and other emergencies, such as flooding and wildfires.
“Our rangers train extensively, preparing them for all types of situations,” said Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Kurt Schaefer. “Recently, we have had some incidents that could have ended very differently, had it not been for the preparation, the level-headedness and the quick-thinking of our rangers. I am very proud of the way our rangers handled the events.”
Missouri state park rangers have been involved in several incidents over the last few weeks. In February, rangers assisted with a manhunt in the southern part of Missouri. The manhunt involved the fatal shooting of two Christian County deputies and the injury of another during a traffic stop, along with the death of suspect. This involved an hours-long search in a wooded, rugged terrain south of Springfield, near Highlandville.
Earlier this month, a park ranger successfully apprehended a suspect following an attempted assault and high-speed pursuit. The incident began when the suspect nearly struck the ranger’s vehicle while fleeing the scene of a theft. With assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the suspect was taken into custody and found to be in possession of a stolen generator and controlled substances. The suspect remains in custody without bond on several felony charges, including Assault 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action.
This past weekend, rangers were involved in an incident at the Dollar General across the road from Washington State Park. A male subject had barricaded himself inside the store and was holding five hostages. Due to the proximity to the state park, our rangers quickly arrived on scene, diverted highway traffic, established a perimeter and began negotiations. Thankfully, the subject was taken into custody, and no hostages were harmed.
Last week, state park rangers also responded to drowning at Meramec State Park, several domestic disturbances, several medical emergencies, traffic stops and assisted with a Special Olympics event.
“These are examples of the outstanding work our rangers do,” Schaefer said. “Their contributions to public safety in not only our state parks but also in their communities are invaluable. I am proud of the commitment they demonstrate daily to the preservation and excellence of Missouri state parks.”
The primary source of funding for the state park system, including the state park ranger program, is half of the dedicated constitutional tax of one-tenth-of-one-percent Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax. The tax provides about three-fourths of the division’s budget for operation and development of state parks. All additional funding for Missouri’s Division of State Parks comes from revenues generated in the state park system and some federal funds.
For more information on our 93 state parks and historic sites, visit www.mostateparks.com
Missouri’s Division of State Parks is part of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.