The National Ranger Training Institute

Because Anything Involving Blades of Any Type is Cool

2012-01-30T07:43:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to the Ohio University Synchronized Skating Team for their third place finish in the MidWestern and Pacific Regional Competition in Plymouth, Michigan this past Saturday. Their division doesn't have a National Championship, but if it did, they'd be on their way. They have medaled every season since the team was formed.
OU Hockey's weekend wasn't quite the same.

Because Jobs are Scarce:

2012-01-30T07:35:00.001-05:00

Philadelphia Police Recruiting
What THAT is is a horrible hat, right up there with the New Jersey State Police.

Orange County deputy shot outside Minnie Rogers Juvenile Center - KFDM-TV Channel Six

2012-01-27T13:34:00.000-05:00

Read This.
The takeaway, and never was the term more appropriate, is:
Wear your vest
Juveniles can be just as dangerous as anyone else
Wear your vest
Cuffs are a temporary, insecure way of temporarily securing someone
Wear your vest
Keep it together mentally no matter what
Wear your vest
Win
Orange County deputy shot outside Minnie Rogers Juvenile Center - KFDM-TV Channel Six

Today’s Almanac – Thursday, January 26, 2012 (NPS Digest)

2012-01-26T11:44:00.000-05:00

Today’s Almanac – Thursday, January 26, 2012 (NPS Digest)

Twelve Arrested Or Cited For Drug And Resource Violations (NPS Digest)

2012-01-26T11:43:00.000-05:00

Cool arrests:
Twelve Arrested Or Cited For Drug And Resource Violations (NPS Digest)

Military takes off ‘Birth Control Glasses’ - Lake County News-Sun

2012-01-26T10:04:00.000-05:00

Military takes off ‘Birth Control Glasses’ - Lake County News-Sun
Not bad, but they could have built some side protection into the frame and a little more coverage, so sailors wouldn't still have to deal with trying to get inserts fitted into their field eye-pro. Now all that's needed is an ANSI Class 2/3 vest with a CDI factor. It doesn't even have to be a high one, just something...

GL-0025-9 Protection Rangers (Laterals) (NPS Digest)

2012-01-25T08:24:00.000-05:00

GL-0025-9 Protection Rangers (Laterals) (NPS Digest)
Haleakala NP: Haleakala National Park on Maui is looking for several commissioned rangers.

Haleakala rangers are continuing to recalibrate the law enforcement patrol program. Rangers are focusing on community and interagency relations and reengineering the park’s SAR and EMS capabilities to include creating a helicopter short haul program. The rangers will promote an aggressive training program, are empowered decision makers, and operate in a self-directed team framework. They will be responsible for planning as a team the work which best accomplishes the mission.

New equipment purchases and a GSA fleet ensure rangers have the gear they need to perform their jobs. Those selected will be responsible for both front and backcountry patrols. Strong law enforcement, EMS and SAR skills and professional certifications, especially technical rescue, aviation, and helicopter short haul, are highly desired. Opportunities for leadership in the LE, EMS and the SAR programs exist, as does opportunity for advanced training in tactics, security, aviation, tracking, and firearms.

All positions require both a current Level 1 commission and NREMT certification...

Search For Four Missing People Scaled Back (NPS Digest)

2012-01-25T08:18:00.000-05:00

Search For Four Missing People Scaled Back (NPS Digest)
Mt. Rainier NP: On Monday, the seventh day of the search for four people in two missing parties on Mountain Rainier, the mountain came out of the clouds for the first time, providing perfect weather for extensive air and ground operations. In spite of a major search effort, the parties were not located. With the return of winter weather and the odds of a favorable outcome declining daily, operations are being scaled back and will transition back to the park today. Investigators will continue to work on an in-depth investigation, and operations are shifting to an extended limited continuous search. Family liaisons worked with four separate families throughout the week. The consulate provided translators to assist in overcoming language barriers with family from Korea. Ninety-one people were assigned to the search over the course of the incident, which was managed by the Western Incident Management Team (Denny Ziemann IC). The team took over management of the search on January 21st, providing assistance to a park staff depleted by the impacts of the tragic shooting of Ranger Margaret Anderson.

Three Rescued From Car Swept Down River (NPS Digest)

2012-01-24T10:58:00.000-05:00

Three Rescued From Car Swept Down River (NPS Digest)
A family of four was attempting to drive across the rain swollen Little River last Thursday evening when their vehicle was swept downstream. At daylight, one of the adults swam to the riverbank and walked out, reporting the accident about 8:30 a.m. Rangers began a hasty search, locating the vehicle approximately 100 yards downstream from Hartline Ford. A coordinated rescue was begun with personnel from the park, Fisher Rescue Squad, and Adamsburg Fire Department, supported by two Alabama State Police helicopters. The two children, ages two and four, and one adult were safely airlifted from the vehicle. They were taken to the DeKalb County Hospital for evaluation. All four were treated and released. Ranger David Walker is investigating. Charges are pending.

Bill's Note: I'm a hypocrite and have driven through water that I should not have. But it is always hugely risky, even in vehicles that are equipped to ford water. And Crown Vics, Impalas, Caprices and Chargers are very definitely NOT equipped to cross water. There have been incidents near, and probably on, campus, as close to the river as we are. With the wet weather we've had over 2011, and the bizarro weather we are having now, this winter and spring may be sporty. A couple of inches of water is all it takes if its moving fast enough.

Rangers, Officers Successful Intervene In Suicide Attempt (NPS Digest)

2012-01-23T14:50:00.000-05:00

Rangers, Officers Successful Intervene In Suicide Attempt (NPS Digest)
I can't count how many saves there have been over the years.
Useless trivia: Mackinac Bridge, and several other bridge and tunnel authorities have their own police departments. If patrolling the circular loop road in the park is bad, driving back and forth over the bridge has to be a close second.

DNC Employee/Past Seasonal Ranger Killed By Falling Tree (NPS Digest)

2012-01-23T14:38:00.000-05:00

DNC Employee/Past Seasonal Ranger Killed By Falling Tree (NPS Digest)
Ryan Hiller, an employee of Delaware North Companies and a former seasonal protection ranger for the park, died last Saturday when a tree landed on his tent cabin in the stables housing area during a storm...

Use Caution with New Running Shoe Technology | Armed with Science

2012-01-23T14:35:00.000-05:00

Use Caution with New Running Shoe Technology | Armed with Science

By Maj. Zack Solomon, U.S. Army Public Health Command

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (Jan. 3, 2011)

...Now, a new trend, a departure from control and cushioning, has emerged — the minimalist running shoe.

A minimalist running shoe is extremely flexible and low to the ground to create the sensation of barefoot running. By running in a shoe with minimal cushioning, most runners will naturally reduce their stride length to avoid landing painfully on their uncushioned heel. This change in running form reduces initial joint impact and promotes a return to what some consider a more natural foot motion.

The growing popularity of minimalist running shoes in both the civilian and military communities was sparked by the promise of increased running performance and decreased risk of running injuries. Although the jury is still out on whether minimalist running shoes will live up to these expectations, the trend will surely grow as shoe companies expand and market their latest minimalist shoe product lines.

Soldiers interested in making the switch from a traditional running shoe to a minimalist design should exercise caution in doing so because a sudden change in equipment or training can result in sore muscles and joints, blisters and even injuries, which could include stress fractures. The calf muscles will require the greatest adjustment followed by the muscles of the foot and hamstrings. Running impact forces may also increase temporarily as the Soldier adapts to a shortened stride and forefoot strike...

Moodle

2012-01-20T17:34:00.004-05:00

RAP22: You likely received an email from a nps.gov address, if not, check your spam filter. Bring the info contained within to class on Monday and we'll try to all get logged in.

For the Glut of Students, by Which I Mean Two, Who Have Come From Montana:

2012-01-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

'Hands-Free Bozeman' Cell Phone Law Now In Effect - News Story - NBCMontana NBC Montana
Back during his short career as a lawyer, my dad went and took the Montana Bar exam, with the idea of retiring there. But then I might have missed all of the wonder, joy and satisfaction of working at Hocking College. I also just missed being drafted to 'Nam by a matter of months.

I've pretty much already have a hands-free cell phone: I touch it as seldom as possible. We already have a generation who actually don't jump and wait a couple rings before answering when it goes off at midnight, knowing it means either that a good guy or girl got hurt or a warm-water decomp has blimped it's way to the surface of a stock pond with what appears to be a couple gunshots to the back of the head.

INDEPENDENCE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK: Man Fatally Assaulted In Park

2012-01-18T14:57:00.001-05:00

Man Fatally Assaulted In Park

A contract security guard in front of Independence Hall reported hearing a female screaming on Chestnut Street around 2:30 a.m. on January 14th. Responding rangers found a man in his early 20s lying on the sidewalk in front of the Second Bank of the United States, evidently the victim of an assault. He had no pulse and was unresponsive; the rangers immediately began CPR and called for EMS and police assistance. An AED was employed, but indicated that a shock was not advised. The man was taken to Jefferson Hospital, where he remained on life support until members of his family could arrive. He was removed from life support that evening and succumbed to his injuries. Witnesses said that the man and two women with him were attempting to hale a taxi after leaving a local bar, and that the man, who was reportedly intoxicated, became agitated at a taxi driver who declined to stop for them and began shouting obscenities at the driver. A car right behind the taxi then pulled up next to him and four men jumped out and assaulted the man. They then fled down Chestnut Street. None of the assailants were known to the two women who were accompanying the victim. The suspects have not yet been identified, but footage from park surveillance cameras is being reviewed. Investigators are hopeful that the suspects will be identified after the footage is released to local media outlets. The National Park Service is assisting Philadelphia PD with the investigation. The victim has been identified as Kevin Kless, 23, a resident of Philadelphia.

(Bill's Note: the take-away from this is to make sure that any homicide occurs or murder victim collapses and dies just outside your jurisdiction, so at least you can stall taking the lead and keep your offense numbers and clearance rate in the acceptable range.)

ICS In Action

2012-01-18T14:50:00.001-05:00

Autistic Teenager Found After Overnight Search

(Bill's Note: "Ripped the patch off" sounds nice and dramatic, but they are held on by Velcro, and given my comments on Velcro during Duty Equipment Issuance, you know I dig the drama.)

New Less-Lethal Research

2012-01-17T12:22:00.000-05:00

This is a cut-and-paste from an email from the National Institute of Justice, if the links don't copy you'll just have to go to the NIJ/NCJRS website and ferret out the reports yourself:

"Through the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, NIJ has made available the following final technical reports:
    * Establishment of Interdisciplinary Working Group for Review of Kinetic Energy Munitions (pdf, 28 pages)
    * Respiratory and Cardiovascular Response During Electronic Control Device (ECD) Exposure in Law Enforcement Trainees (pdf, 33 pages)
    * Test Methodologies for the Assessment of Less-Lethal Kinetic Energy Rounds (pdf, 38 pages)
    * The Effect of TASER on Cardiac, Respiratory and Metabolic Physiology in Human Subjects (pdf, 29 pages)
    * Development of Standard for Less-lethal Kinetic Energy Rounds (pdf, 7 pages)
    * Enhanced Ergonomic Model of Repeating RAP Launcher With Tech-Data Package (pdf, 11 pages)"

Pseudo-Pissed

2012-01-17T08:08:00.000-05:00

Product: Model 586 4 Inch Barrel

Apparently, the AARP card wasn't enough, I must fall into the "Classic" line myself, as apparently anything that was used during the run of the TV series "Miami Vice" is now an antique. And charging 7 beans for a 4-inch HB Model 10? They sold for about $350 when someone made it into the really dusty part of the display case. At least make them with the skinny barrel.

Hey, Nobody's Perfect...

2012-01-14T14:34:00.002-05:00

GLOCK Inc.announces that it is voluntarily exchanging the recoil spring assembly (RSA) on its new Gen4 pistols shipped between August, 2009, to July 21, 2011, to ensure each pistol’s performance meets the company’s demanding standards.

apparently is relatively old new, but the first I'd heard of it. I'm no more or less of a GLOCK person than anyone else, but the S&W M&P series is really starting to get my attention. When I compare my Gen 1 G21 to the equivalent Smith, or my Gen 1 G19 to the M&P 9c, I'm not certain why I'd choose a Gen 4 GLOCK over the Smiths. GLOCKs are fine pistols, but I'm guessing that their once-huge market share is dropping.

I doubt that the SIG 250 series is contributing much to this.

Air Florida Flight 90 and USPP Eagle One

2012-01-14T13:34:00.001-05:00

30th Anniversary of the Air Florida Flight 90 Crash

Don Usher, the helicopter pilot, is currently the Superintendent of NPSLETC. At least once the helo's skid went in the water, which means he got low, real low. Really, really low. The USPP was one of the early adopters of rotorcraft, and I believe are still the primary responders in the DC metro area for air support.

After 9/11, all non-mil aircraft where grounded by the FAA, so LE and EMS aircraft couldn't fly. My understanding is that the USPP Eagle helicopters were the first civilian aircraft cleared to fly after the attacks, being sorely needed around the DC area.

RAP22 Schedule Changes

2012-01-14T13:23:00.004-05:00

The Academy schedule for next week has totally changed. Tuesday will be 8 hours of HAZMAT Awareness, topics and hours for the remainder of the week will be distributed that day.

Winter Weather Advisory

2012-01-12T12:31:00.001-05:00

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR ATHENS CO, 7 PM THIS EVENING 1/12/12 TO 3 PM FRIDAY 1/13/12, WATCH FOR CHANGING WEATHER. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR HEAVY SNOW, WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 3 PM FRIDAY 1/13/12.

A New Year's Resolution, Better Late Than Never

2012-01-10T10:12:00.000-05:00

One that makes sense and I can keep:
CDC - Blogs - Public Health Matters Blog – New Year’s Resolution: Be Ready
Or, as the bad Gremlin said in the movie from 1984, invest heavily in shotguns and bottled water.

Great Article/Editorial

2012-01-06T16:40:00.000-05:00

The ODMP Blog: Park Rangers: The Unsung Heroes of American Law Enforcement
...and such a wide variety of ways to get killed, too.

As bad as it may be here, our counterparts overseas, in Africa, Asia, and the rest of the third World are just as likely to get murdered over an illegal parrot or bushmeat poaching. It isn't really a walk in the park.

T2 Treatments for PTSD Get Virtual | Armed with Science

2012-01-06T08:15:00.000-05:00

T2 Treatments for PTSD Get Virtual | Armed with Science

I can't speak to the program used in this article, but T2 makes a number of apps I've found useful. Their website is well-worth checking out for anyone confronting adverse conditions.

Inside the Manhunt for the Ranger Killer - Article - POLICE Magazine

2012-01-06T08:07:00.000-05:00

Inside the Manhunt for the Ranger Killer - Article - POLICE Magazine

MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK: Memorial Services Set For Ranger Margaret Anderson

2012-01-05T12:29:00.003-05:00

MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK: Memorial Services Set For Ranger Margaret Anderson
A memorial service will be held this coming Tuesday to celebrate the life of Ranger Margaret Anderson, who was fatally shot by an assailant on January 1st.
The service will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10th, at Pacific Lutheran University (12180 Park Avenue S, Tacoma, Washington). Arrangements are in progress and will be shared as they become available.
The family asks that donations be made in lieu of flowers. They should be sent to KeyBank, P.O. Box 159, Eatonville, WA 98328. Checks should be made out to the Margaret Anderson Donation Account.
All correspondence, including requests for information, resource offers, and condolences, should be sent to MountRainierInfo@gmail.com. Please send any photos of Margaret for inclusion a multimedia presentation at the memorial to the above address...

Popular Los Angeles Reserve Deputy Recently Qualified for Lone Patrol - News - LawOfficer.com

2012-01-04T17:10:00.000-05:00

I hate citing things when I can't state exactly where the numbers come from, but the public has no idea of the amount of LE services delivered by "less than full time" or "career" cops. I dimly recall that the average agency size in Ohio, or the nation, I can't remember which, is 13 officers, and that somewhere around 30 to 40% of policing is done by part-timers. "Seasonal" or "hobby cop," no one is "just" anything. Of course there are nitwits in the part-time ranks. And there are full-time bone-heads, too. NYPD Auxiliaries work unarmed. They don't catch hot calls, but I can't imagine working in uniform like that, and one of their was killed last year. And when full-timers start bitching about "scabs" and loosing out on special duty details, they need to remember that their days off, vacations, sicktime, and a lot of just plain funky police work, like manning a traffic post when the signal is out, are covered by these guys and girls.

Popular Los Angeles Reserve Deputy Recently Qualified for Lone Patrol - News - LawOfficer.com

Good catch. And I haven't even made one crack about him being a lawyer.

Incoming Academy Students:

2012-01-04T08:30:00.002-05:00

Report NLT 0800 hrs, in uniform, to Room 105 of the New Natural Resources Building.
You will need black pens, a valid operator's license (any state) and notepaper.
Bring any outstanding paperwork that has not yet been returned to Connie.
Your class is identified by two distinct numbers: RAP22 (Ranger Academy Program 22), and BAS12-017, the OPOTC-assigned class number. Commit these to memory.
Leave all cell phones, digital devices, music players, computers, e-readers, tablets or other electronic devices at home or in your car (secured, out of sight). The only digital devices permitted in the training environment are:

Watches that have had any alarms or sounds muted or disabled. If they have a display that is continuously illuminated, the watch should be worn to the inside of the wrist or have the face covered
Calculators (generally not needed on Training Day 1)
Electronic Dictionaries, that either function or are used as spelling aids ONLY

Happy New Year

2012-01-04T08:17:00.001-05:00

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY: Man Jumps To His Death From Parkway Bridge
Bill Note, File Under Tasteless: A beached corpse was probably not in Frederick Law Olmstead's grand plan when landscaped the Biltmore Estate.

NEW RIVER GORGE NATIONAL RIVER: Body Of Suicide Victim Found Below Bridge

MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK: Support Pours In For Anderson Family, Park Staff

2012-01-04T08:12:00.001-05:00

MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK Support Pours In For Anderson Family, Park Staff
From NPS Incidents:
Family and park staff are receiving an overwhelming outpouring of support in the aftermath of the horrific events surrounding the fatal shooting of Ranger Margaret Anderson. The support of park employees and Margaret’s family is now the primary focus of park management.
Several teams have been brought in to provide assistance and relief to park staff – a CISM team of six lead by Dirk Wiley, SETT Team 3, and the Western IMT lead by Denny Ziemann and Kevin Killian. Additional staff and resources from several national parks and agencies continue to provide assistance. The park continues to work with the FBI and Pierce County Sheriff’s Department on the investigation into the incident.
The park is reopening to the public on Saturday, January 7th, after remaining closed since the day of the shooting. The park family is using the time during the closure to begin the recovery.
Plans for a memorial service next week are underway with the date to be determined. The family is requesting donations to the Margaret Anderson Fund at KeyBank in lieu of flowers. Additional details will be provided on specifics of making donations as soon as it is available.

Further Proof Why Photographing Yourself With Guns is a Bad Idea:

2012-01-03T23:26:00.000-05:00

Suspect In Ranger Killing Found Dead (NPS Digest)

2012-01-03T09:02:00.000-05:00

Suspect In Ranger Killing Found Dead (NPS Digest)

Local News | Rangers' jobs increasingly dangerous | Seattle Times Newspaper

2012-01-03T08:55:00.000-05:00

Local News | Rangers' jobs increasingly dangerous | Seattle Times Newspaper

It's a job unlike almost any other: part smiling host for vacationing visitors, part interpretive officer for the country's wild and historic treasures.

Yet, of the 4,000 or so National Park Service rangers, 1,500 of them are all cop. They just have to cover more ground.

On any given day, a ranger such as Margaret Anderson, the 34-year-old mother of two who was shot to death Sunday at Mount Rainier National Park, may help fight a wildfire, set up signs at a snowshoe area, help rescue a stranded climber or teach colleagues emergency medicine. But a ranger also may assist a fellow law-enforcement officer who is chasing a heavily armed suspect up a remote icy road in one of the nation's 397 national parks.

"Many people still think of us as the people who clean toilets or go on walks or respond to hiking accidents," retired park ranger and special agent Ken Johnson said. "That's just not the case anymore."

Continues...

Mount Rainier park remains closed after shooting - AP State News - MyNorthwest.com

2012-01-03T08:47:00.000-05:00

Mount Rainier park remains closed after shooting - AP State News - MyNorthwest.com
MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, Wash. (AP) - Mount Rainier National Park remained closed Tuesday following the discovery of the body of the suspected gunman in the fatal shooting of a park ranger that has devastated the close-knit group of park workers...

Transcript from Mount Rainier National Park shooting press conference | The Adventure Guys - The News Tribune

2012-01-03T08:33:00.000-05:00

Transcript from Mount Rainier National Park shooting press conference | The Adventure Guys - The News Tribune

Park ranger’s killing may be connected to Skyway shooting; suspect still at large | Seattle Times Newspaper

2012-01-03T08:25:00.000-05:00

Park ranger’s killing may be connected to Skyway shooting; suspect still at large | Seattle Times Newspaper

Man sought in park ranger’s killing believed dead; body found in ditch | Seattle Times Newspaper

2012-01-03T08:24:00.000-05:00

Man sought in park ranger’s killing believed dead; body found in ditch | Seattle Times Newspaper

Suspect in Mt. Rainier shooting found dead in snow - CBS News

2012-01-03T08:06:00.000-05:00

Suspect in Mt. Rainier shooting found dead in snow - CBS News

Body found of alleged Mount Rainier shooter

2012-01-02T23:51:00.000-05:00

Body found of alleged Mount Rainier shooter
JANUARY 2, 2012 · 8:33 PM

The intensive manhunt on Mount Rainier for the suspect who fatally shot Park Ranger Margaret Anderson January 1 came to an end on Monday. An aircraft spotted a body lying face down in the vicinity of Narada Falls. Searchers on the ground traversed challenging terrain to reach the subject and confirmed his identity as Benjamin Colton Barnes, the suspect in the shooting. Officials confirm that Barnes was found dead.

An investigation into the incident is being led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with

Park Rangers and Pierce County Sheriff’s Department assisting. The NPS Western Incident

Management Team is en route to the park to assist with planning a memorial service for Ranger

Anderson and with ongoing park needs....continues...

NPS Morning Report 01/02/12

2012-01-02T23:38:00.003-05:00

Mount Rainier National Park (WA) Ranger Shot And Killed By Assailant

Ranger Margaret Anderson, 34, was shot and killed on the road to Paradise at Mount Rainier National Park on Sunday morning. As of this time (early on Monday), the assailant is still at large and a manhunt is underway.

The incident began when a car failed to stop at a required tire chain checkpoint. A ranger tried to pull the car over, and, when it failed to stop, Anderson established a road block with her vehicle. The assailant jumped from his car and opened fire with a shotgun, fatally wounding her. He then fled on foot into the woods. Rangers and law enforcement officers from various agencies responded. The Pierce County SWAT team arrived on scene and they, too, were fired upon while rendering aid to Anderson.

Law enforcement officers closed the park road, evacuated park visitors from Longmire, and locked down Paradise, with all visitors in the area taking refuge in the Jackson Visitor Center. There were 125 park visitors and 17 park staff in the visitor center as of late on Sunday. The visitor center has a restaurant to provide food, restrooms and water, and law enforcement officers are on hand to provide protection.

The search for the murderer continued into the night, with fixed wing aircraft using forward looking infrared to scan the ground. There are a more than 100 officers from a variety of agencies assisting with the manhunt for the shooter, including National Park Service, Pierce County Sheriff, FBI, Washington State Patrol, US Forest Service, City of Enumclaw, and Lewis County Sheriff.

Mount Rainier National Park will remain closed today.

Anderson served at Mount Rainier for four years. She is survived by her husband, also a park ranger at Mount Rainier, and by two young children.

Director Jarvis issued this statement early today:

"Yesterday morning, Park Ranger Margaret Anderson was shot and killed while making a traffic stop at Mount Rainier National Park. As I write this late Sunday night, the murderer is still at large in the park, which has been closed. We are working closely with the FBI and local law enforcement to protect visitors and staff and to track down Margaret's killer and bring him to justice.

"This is a heartbreaking, senseless tragedy. Margaret was just 34 years old. She and her husband Eric, who is also a park ranger at Mount Rainier, have two young children. Margaret was killed while doing her job - protecting the visiting public on one of the park's busiest days of the year.

"Last week, we mourned the death of U.S. Park Police Officer Mike Boehm, who suffered a heart attack while responding to a serious incident in Washington, DC. Mike left behind a wife and a son.

"Our hearts go out to both families, and I ask you to keep them in your thoughts and prayers in the hard days ahead.

"As updates from Rainier are available we will share them with all employees through InsideNPS. These losses are painful reminders of the risks faced by National Park Service employees every day. Please be careful out there and watch out for each other."
[Submitted by Lee Taylor, Chief of Interpretation and Education]

Seattle Times Write-Up

2012-01-02T23:36:00.002-05:00

Slain ranger was living her dream

Ranger Fatally Shot at Mount Rainier

2012-01-02T00:01:00.004-05:00

Ranger Fatally Shot at Mount Rainier

Editor's note: the following is a press release issued Sunday afternoon by Mount Rainier National Park staff. There had been no update as of 8 p.m. Media reports indicate the suspect is 24-year-old Benjamin Colton Barnes, also wanted in a Sunday morning shooting in the Seattle suburb of Skyway. The Rainier incident is on the south side of the mountain, not the side accessed by Enumclaw or state Route 410.

Park Ranger Margaret Anderson, 34, was fatally shot this morning at Mount Rainier National Park. After a driver failed to pull over during a routine traffic stop Ranger Anderson set up a road block to intercept the driver. The assailant got out of his vehicle and shot Ranger Anderson and then fled on foot. It took 90 minutes for back up to reach Ranger Anderson because the assailant continued shooting at law enforcement as they arrived. Visitors at the Paradise area are in lock down at the Jackson Visitor Center along with park staff. The shooter is still at large. Park staff are being assisted in the search for the shooter by Pierce County Sherriff’s Department, Washington State Patrol, and the FBI.

Bill's Note: I hope that it's just a quirk of code, but having a banner for a funeral home over the story is way uncool.

Gunman loose in national park after fatal shooting

2012-01-01T23:47:00.001-05:00

http://www.usatoday.com/

Manhunt launched at Mount Rainier after park ranger killed

2012-01-01T23:42:00.001-05:00

Manhunt launched at Mount Rainier after park ranger killed

(CNN) -- Authorities scoured the national park around Washington's Mount Rainier on Sunday for a man they say fatally shot a park ranger and fled into the woods, a park spokeswoman said.

The suspect remained at large Sunday night, believed to be somewhere in the expansive park, Mount Rainier National Park spokeswoman Lee Taylor said.

Four to five feet of snow is on the ground, including about two feet of fresh powder, where the gunman escaped.

"There's a lot of snow on the ground, (and) it would be difficult to move through quickly," Taylor told CNN. "And it's heavily forested."

The bloodshed began with what the spokesman called "a normal traffic stop" around 10:30 a.m. PT (1:30 p.m. ET). But the suspect didn't heed a request to pull over, prompting a ranger to radio ahead requesting assistance.

Park ranger Margaret Anderson, 34, responded to that call and set up her patrol vehicle as a roadblock.

"When he (the shooter) arrived at that spot, he got out (of his car) and fatally shot her," said Taylor....

2012-01-01T23:34:00.001-05:00

Ranger shot and killed at Mount Rainier park

Special Agent Daniel "Danny" Lee Knapp, United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Government

2011-12-30T12:23:00.000-05:00

Special Agent Daniel Knapp drowned while attempting to rescue a distressed swimmer in the ocean at Playa Escondida, Fajardo, Puerto Rico.

For the Instructional Team:

2011-12-29T15:14:00.000-05:00

Check your e-mail for a message from Tammy, with instructions on how to access the NRTI/NPS Moodle LMS system that was discussed in November. Let me know if you have difficulties, and I'll definitely not be able to help you out. But we'll get in touch with Tammy who will make it all better. Note that you have access to both the lesson plans and the student texts. Connie and I will be adding the NPS student texts to the OPOTA material in the notebooks, BUT, if there is material that you provided back whenever that went into the notebooks, it won't be there. Please get us updated or current material, we'll print it and it will be made available for the class it's needed in.I'm really trying to whittle back at the extraneous material that I had added over the years, not knowing how much actual use it got. My goal will be to make a digital library available for students who want material above and beyond the state and federal material. That may wind up on the NPS Moodle site, or the NRTI Moodle site, or Scribd, or Google Docs, or somewhere else. But for know, i want to start the notebooks clean and from scratch. Once that's been mastered, then I'll return to kludging them up with handouts on how to retrieve DNA from blood taken from the stomach of a leech that fed off a suspect.

Twitter / @OSHP: Day 66 - Learning the valu ...

2011-12-29T14:55:00.000-05:00

...and students bitch because I make them wipe down their tables...the Honda of Justice does need detailing, though.

Twitter / @OSHP: Day 66 - Learning the valu ...

DISREGARD / FOUND: “Missing Corey Morris, 9yr old white male, 4ft 125 lbs. Last seen: Yesterday evening at McDonalds. Call 9-1-1 if seen.” from Athens County PIO Network : Nixle

2011-12-29T10:04:00.000-05:00

Disregard all, child was found.
“Missing Corey Morris, 9yr old white male, 4ft 125 lbs. Last seen: Yesterday evening at McDonalds. Call 9-1-1 if seen.” from Athens County PIO Network : Nixle

The Safest Place to Be is the Backstop of a FBI Range

2011-12-28T16:08:00.000-05:00

We have deer, too, including one that stopped by the Tarp of Knowledge for part of a lecture. I was attacked by a turkey, and had an owl scare the pooh out of me when I mistook it for a piece of wood and tried to pick it up. Bats are found in the Mover cover. There are snakes in the Bunker. Spiders get so big you can hear their footsteps. Toads are attracted to lightsticks and strobes at night. And then there was the ostrich...

Find more photos like this on Law Officer Connect

Ranger Receives Coast Guard Certificate Of Valor (NPS Digest)

2011-12-28T08:19:00.000-05:00

Ranger Receives Coast Guard Certificate Of Valor (NPS Digest)

"Ranger Peter Maggio has received the U.S. Coast Guard’s certificate of valor for a rescue he performed in the summer of 2010.

On June 5, 2010, a motorist fell asleep at the wheel, drove off the Nisqually Road, and landed upside down in the Nisqually River. The river was swollen with glacier runoff and the driver was trapped in his inverted vehicle in the middle of the river. At this point the bank drops approximately 40 feet from the roadway to the river.

Being one of the first rangers on scene, Peter donned swiftwater gear and headed into the river. The front of the car was submerged and the back window was broken, with water rushing into the vehicle making it dangerously unstable. Peter broke out the rest of the rear window, entered the vehicle, and worked to cut away the seatbelt while struggling to keep the driver’s head above water. After several tries, Peter was finally able to cut the seatbelts and extricate the driver from the vehicle. He was treated for hypothermia and transported to the hospital by helicopter..."

Cuyahoga Valley NP Protection Ranger - Permanent

2011-12-23T08:56:00.001-05:00

Job Announcement Number:CK579836VM

Man pleads guilty in 2001 ecoterrorist firebombing

2011-12-23T08:35:00.000-05:00

Man pleads guilty in 2001 ecoterrorist firebombing
I didn't know you could actually survive being convicted in China on drug charges. I'd plead guilty to molesting kittens if it would get me out of a Chinese prison and back to an American prison, where all I'd have to worry about would be sharing a 4 rack cell with 6 guys. And forcible sodomy.

Report: Peace officers have purchased more than 7,600 assault weapons - The Daily Breeze

2011-12-23T08:28:00.000-05:00

Breaking news: cops buy guns.
Report: Peace officers have purchased more than 7,600 assault weapons - The Daily Breeze
I'm still trying to figure out what the article is about - an ATF investigation, or that some departments don't provide rifles to their officers, but allow them to purchase their own. There doesn't seem to be any mention of those agencies that require their employees to buy their own guns.

Christmas Music Today

2011-12-22T12:24:00.002-05:00

Last night, as I was escorting the Empress to the Lighting of the Serpent, which is not some Tantric sex act, having heard "Baby It's Cold Outside" 15 times by 9 different performers, I went a little nuts and just starting punching in XM channels at random, finally landing on 70s disco/pop.

It occurred to me that if Rupert Holmes had written and released "Escape: The Pina Colada Song" today, it would have ended with a murder-suicide.

Tracking “Big Red”: NORAD’s Secret Santa Mission « Government Book Talk

2011-12-22T12:12:00.000-05:00

I'm not a huge Christmas person, but every year since the birth of the Princess we have followed along on the NORAD site, which was not nearly as entertaining on 56K dial-up as it is today. I suppose with the chance of Soviet Tupolevs coming over the polar icecap any second becoming pretty much non-existent they have more time to devote to this, but I would think that the NRO, (if it still exists) and National Geospatial Intelligence Agency would have to contribute optical imagery.

The Soviets did have plans, if not actually fly, a 2-man earth orbiter "lab" fitted with film cameras for surveillance purposes. It was also to be fitted with a cannon to destroy other satellites, though I don't think that was ever installed. I have no idea what lighting off a cannon attached to your spacecraft fitted with state of the art combloc flight systems would do to your orbital dynamics, but I'll bet the line for volunteer test pilots was pretty short. But theoretically at least, the Godless Commies would have been able to murder Santa from space.

Tracking “Big Red”: NORAD’s Secret Santa Mission « Government Book Talk

I Hate It When I'm Right:

2011-12-21T10:24:00.003-05:00

In interviewing classes I always use examples of internal thefts and fraud committed by employees and insiders, usually cash from the till at a lodge or park bookstore, or fueling POVs at agency gas pumps. This is just a variation on the same theme
BENT'S OLD FORT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Employee Indicted For Embezzlement
After discovering discrepancies in the audit of gas receipts for park vehicles, Bents Old Fort employees contacted an NPS special agent to help in the investigation. Video surveillance from a local gas station confirmed that the acting facility manager from Bents Old Fort had been using six fleet cards to purchase gas and auto parts for personal use for an amount over $1,000. The employee was indicted in federal court on October 3rd and pled guilty on December 16th to one count 18 USC 641 (embezzlement and theft). The employee will be sentenced on March 2nd.

Veterans Service Organizations: Find One that Fits Your Needs

2011-12-20T11:44:00.000-05:00

Veterans Service Organizations: Find One that Fits Your Needs

Police Brutality Coloring Book Begs Question, ‘What Color Is Pepper Spray?’ | Underwire | Wired.com

2011-12-18T11:20:00.000-05:00

Police Brutality Coloring Book Begs Question, ‘What Color Is Pepper Spray?’ | Underwire | Wired.com

Sergeant Michael Boehm, United States Department of the Interior - United States Park Police, U.S. Government

2011-12-17T16:09:00.000-05:00

Sergeant Michael Boehm suffered a fatal heart attack while responding to a call involving a person who had jumped from the Key Bridge in Washington, DC. The person was found critically injured on the C&O Canal towpath underneath the bridge near 34th Street.

Sergeant Boehm collapsed moments after responding to the scene. He was immediately transported to Georgetown University Hospital where he passed away. The person who jumped from the bridge also died.

Sergeant Boehm was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the United States Park Police for 19 years. He is survived by his wife and son.

Rangers Assist In Takedown Of Stolen Vehicle Ring (NPS Digest)

2011-12-17T12:54:00.000-05:00

West Virginia has career criminals? Only a couple stolen 4-wheelers? Cockfighting? All they needed to find was a still and every stereotype would have been covered.
Rangers Assist In Takedown Of Stolen Vehicle Ring (NPS Digest)
Those Featherlite campers are kind of cool, if you wouldn't mind sleeping in something the size of a coffin. You might even be able to turn one into a tiny mobile meth lab.

Several Portable Toilets And Enclosures Burned (NPS Digest)

2011-12-17T12:50:00.000-05:00

Another shitter torched. This happened at Buxton before, a couple years ago, and during a surfing hippie riot. Maybe it's a serial toilet arsonist, who has some dark issue with plastic crappers. And after the Fluke Man episode of The X Files, who doesn't?
Cape Hatteras NS:
Several Portable Toilets And Enclosures Burned (NPS Digest)

U-N-I-F-O-R-M

2011-12-14T14:54:00.000-05:00

It's called a uniform for a reason: it's uniform. "Close to" or "just like" isn't the same. If the uniform standard specified "similar to," then it would be OK, but it doesn't, and it's not, and I don't want anymore calls. The uniform specified isn't necessarily inexpensive, but it is nowhere near what an actual NPS/ODNR/OSP/BSSA/LAPD/CDC/LASO spec uniform costs. And being a parent, I also know exactly how much it costs to get jeans or shirts with different maker or store brands on them, so stop it. Trust me, you don't want tropical wool pants and shirts (with five starched, not sewn, military creases), braid, a tie, and a dress blouse as your uniform of the day, nor do you want the dry-cleaning bills. And yes, guys, that's "blouse," as in full-length jacket worn over shirt with all buttons polished and buttoned at all time, and your Sam Browne belt trying to turn itself into a brassiere. I could specify less expensive articles, but I don't, and I'll explain why, once:

EXPLODING CROTCHES

In order to keep costs low, the uniform pants are also worn during practical lab classes like firearms and subject control. In the past, less expensive pants were the standard, but women complained that they didn't fit right. More importantly, during high levels of activities, occasionally the seams at the crotch would decide to part ways, leading to more full disclosure than anyone wanted. So, due to women complaining that the pants made their butts look big/small/funny/sideways/upside down and in the interest of keeping everyone's undies, or lack thereof, concealed, you will acquire the specified uniform trousers and wear same, in accordance with the uniform regulations that will be explained in nauseating detail during Training Day 1 Orientation.

Happy Holidays from the National Park Service! (NPS Digest)

2011-12-14T10:04:00.000-05:00

If you are into this sort of stuff...
Happy Holidays from the National Park Service! (NPS Digest)
As for me, bah humbug, Grinch out, I'll be tying a branch to Chloe Satan Dog's head.

Number of police officers killed in line of duty spikes in 2011 - CNN.com

2011-12-14T09:31:00.000-05:00

Bill's Note: Over the past year, and slightly beyond, I've qualitatively noticed what might be an increase in "ambush" type killings, presaged by the murder of 4 coppers in Lakewood WA in late 2009, and most lately in the apparently random killing of an officer at Virginia Tech. I don't see the Occupy movement as a precursor to the collapse of society, instead it seems more of a order-maintenance pain in the ass and an excellent opportunity for cell phone videography of police conduct, good or bad. Of course, "good" is in the eye of the beholder, and editor, so now more than ever it's important to remember our role on the great stage of street theater. They may have their bullets-over-ballots types and nit-wit anarchist wannabees, but they don't seem intent on killing cops.

Number of police officers killed in line of duty spikes in 2011 - CNN.com

Investigation Underway Into Fatal Helicopter Crash (NPS Digest)

2011-12-09T12:35:00.000-05:00

Investigation Underway Into Fatal Helicopter Crash (NPS Digest)
The National Transportation Safety Board released additional details yesterday about the Las Vegas tour helicopter crash in the park that killed five. The agency described the wreckage as having been consumed by fire. The few remaining intact parts included the main and tail rotors. NPS rangers, wildland firefighters and special agents were involved in yesterday's operations, providing support to NTSB, FAA and Clark County Coroner investigators. The terrain required the use of NPS four-wheel drive utility vehicles to get investigators within a few hundred yards of the crash site; from there they were required to hike in. The remains of the five crash victims were recovered by the coroner’s office and transported by park utility vehicle and park ambulance out of the area. The Clark County coroner said that positive identification will most likely have to be made through DNA testing. To protect the site, Superintendent Bill Dickinson issued a temporary closure order for a two-mile radius surrounding the crash site. Today, the park will continue its incident command operations in support of the NTSB investigation with helicopter and additional law enforcement support from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

I Don't Usually Post Youtube Links, But...

2011-12-08T16:16:00.001-05:00

Bert made me:

I did install a set of VZ stocks and custom screws on my carry 1911, and am scouting panels for the 70 Series Colt I inherited from my uncle. For some odd reason, I feel the need for a Wild Bunch old western rig, or maybe a floral carved Yaqui or Bachman slide, just for wearing on the range during classes.And I'm really digging the compact Smith M&P, and am down to 2 GLOCKS.

Officer, Civilian Killed at Virginia Tech - Officer.com

2011-12-08T15:55:00.000-05:00

And some people still wonder why there should be armed, trained, full-performance LEOs on college campuses.
Officer, Civilian Killed at Virginia Tech - Officer.com
I believe that there was a news report that Columbus State Community College finally armed it's cops. Their campus isn't in the worst possible area, but neither are VT, or Columbine HS, or that Amish school in PA....

Grand Tetons LE River Patrol

2011-12-08T08:55:00.000-05:00

Technically and grammatically, I wish agencies would start using the term "riverine," to include the banks, any area within tidal fluctuations and riparian areas. "River" patrol sort of implies something like "highway" patrol," where some guys just won't leave the pavement.

Possible Compromise on Labeling of Combat-Related PTSD | PBS NewsHour | Dec. 6, 2011 | PBS

2011-12-08T08:39:00.000-05:00

Possible Compromise on Labeling of Combat-Related PTSD | PBS NewsHour | Dec. 6, 2011 | PBS

USFWS Refuge December/Holiday Events

2011-12-07T12:40:00.001-05:00

Free Christmas trees! In Alaska! Bring your own (hand)saw.
Ottawa NWR Auto Tour: 12/17
December 2011 Events

NEW RIVER GORGE NATIONAL RIVER: Woman Jumps To Her Death From Bridge

2011-12-07T12:32:00.001-05:00

NEW RIVER GORGE NATIONAL RIVER: Woman Jumps To Her Death From BridgeA Fayette County deputy saw several people gathered near a woman sitting on the rail of the New River Gorge Bridge shortly before 4 p.m. on December 5th. The 40-year-old Virginia woman had stopped her car in the northbound lane of US 19 and climbed onto the railing, 876 feet above the New River. Several motorists had stopped and were trying to talk the woman into moving away from the railing. By the time the deputy could get over to her, she was hanging from the Jersey barrier style rail. As he reached out to grab her forearm, she pushed off and fell to her death. The investigation is ongoing; there was no note found on her or in her vehicle. Rangers Tim Swicegood and Randy Fisher assisted in the body recovery; ranger Chuck Noll assisted with traffic control on the heavily used corridor.

Motorcyclist Killed In Accident In Park (NPS Digest)

2011-12-07T12:27:00.000-05:00

Motorcyclist Killed In Accident In Park (NPS Digest)
Cuyahoga Valley NP
On the morning of November 12th, there was a single motorcycle collision on Truxell Road near Brandywine Golf Course. The operator, who was not wearing a helmet, lost control of his Harley Davidson while negotiating a curve in the road and crashed into a tree on park property. He was dead at the scene. At the time of the crash, the operator, who was a U.S. Navy veteran, was on his way with a motorcycle party to a ride honoring fallen Vietnam War soldiers from Ohio. Speed was a contributing factor.

Not your average sleigh « Coast Guard Compass

2011-12-07T12:26:00.000-05:00

Not your average sleigh « Coast Guard Compass

Grand Tetons Seasonal LE Ranger

2011-12-06T17:46:00.001-05:00

SROC-GRTE-12-551148
12 vacancies

Body of Missing Man Recovered

2011-12-06T13:51:00.001-05:00

From NPS Incidents:
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Body of Missing Man Recovered

The body of Ninos Yacoub, 27, one of three hikers swept over Vernal Fall last July, was found in the Merced River approximately 100 yards below the Vernal Fall footbridge last Tuesday. Yacoub has been missing since July 19th, when he, Hormiz David, 22, and Ramina Badal, 21, were seen being swept over the 317-foot-high waterfall. David’s body was found on August 5th approximately 240 feet below the waterfall. Another body was found in the same general area as Yacoub's last Saturday. Positive identification has not been made, but is expected within the next several days.

Looks like a neat program

2011-12-06T13:49:00.000-05:00

Proposals Sought For Risk Management Internship Program (NPS Digest)

January Academy Updates

2011-12-05T11:59:00.001-05:00

I think we are at the point to where we've admitted just about everyone on the waiting list and the final mailings are being prepped and will go out this week. You either have received or will receive shortly your uniform information, and I want to stress that the shirt color is "Law Enforcement Green" and not "TDU Green."If you or your examiner have any questions about the long form medical assessment, contact me or refer to The NPS Medical Standards linked to the right. While you may be admittable to the Academy, it would be pointless to attend if you have a pre-existing medical condition that prevents you from training or from being hired. I've also reached my limit of phone calls asking whether a chiropractor or some other provider can do the exam. It clearly states:

DO
MD
Certified Nurse Practitioner
(Certified) Physician Assistant, which very definitely is NOT the same as a medical assistant.

If they aren't one of the above, I don't care if they are a herbalist, veterinarian, diener (look it up), faith healer, airframe and powerplant mechanic, psychic surgeon, Pilates instructor, tattoo artist or anything else, the exam won't count and you'll have to repeat it, with a prostate check done simultaneously with a reading comprehension test thrown in for good measure.

And a shout out to the young lady who though she shouldn't have to wait in line or follow the normal enrollment process - the guy who got your spot is pretty happy, he was enrolled in late October, pretty much as I predicted would happen when we spoke in August. I'm sure that one of the other program managers is just thrilled to have you in their class.

Big Cypress National Preserve - Release of Florida Panther K304/FP194 (U.S. National Park Service)

2011-12-05T11:49:00.001-05:00

Now that's my idea of a good-looking cougar:

Big Cypress National Preserve - Release of Florida Panther K304/FP194 (U.S. National Park Service)

Links to photos and video in article. I wish we'd get them introduced back into Ohio, we have way too many deer, yappy dogs and small children. I'd also prefer running into a big cat while walking through the woods than your average SE Ohio pot grower.

Suicide Victim Found Near Colonial Parkway (NPS Digest)

2011-12-02T09:49:00.000-05:00

Suicide Victim Found Near Colonial Parkway (NPS Digest)

Today’s Almanac – Friday, December 2, 2011 (NPS Digest)

2011-12-02T09:48:00.000-05:00

Today’s Almanac – Friday, December 2, 2011 (NPS Digest)

Interagency Enforcement Operation Conducted In Park (NPS Digest)

2011-12-01T12:38:00.000-05:00

Interagency Enforcement Operation Conducted In Park (NPS Digest)

Third fast response cutter launched « Coast Guard Compass

2011-11-30T10:56:00.000-05:00

Third fast response cutter launched « Coast Guard Compass

Capitol Reef National Park --This week’s National Park Getaway (NPS Digest)

2011-11-30T10:51:00.000-05:00

I've driven through Capitol Reef, but didn't have the time to stop and explore. I did see enough to put it on my short list, and may figure out a route that hits Capitol, Bryce and Zion, but I'll need at least a month.

Capitol Reef National Park --This week’s National Park Getaway (NPS Digest)

Rangers Successfully Intercede In Suicide Attempt (NPS Digest)

2011-11-30T10:48:00.000-05:00

Rangers Successfully Intercede In Suicide Attempt (NPS Digest)

Eastern Oregon corrections officer stabbed, dies after stopping to help stranded motorist; suspect arrested | OregonLive.com

2011-11-30T10:46:00.000-05:00

This just illustrates that any and every stop has the potential for problems.

Eastern Oregon corrections officer stabbed, dies after stopping to help stranded motorist; suspect arrested | OregonLive.com

Fundamentals of Double Action Revolver Shooting : National Archives and Records Administration : Free Download & Streaming : Internet Archive

2011-11-30T10:05:00.000-05:00

From Chief Bert DuVernay, New Braintree PD, a blast from the past. It's dated 1975, but 1961 appears during the title frame. I still miss my Model 13, and the Colt Python,Officer's Model Match, Trooper and Police Positive have always been on my short list.

I'm trying to avoid buying an engraved rig as pictured for any of my autos. I also love the long swivel rigs with cartridge loops on the belt section.

Fundamentals of Double Action Revolver Shooting : National Archives and Records Administration : Free Download & Streaming : Internet Archive

On another note, the fed archives have huge amounts of interesting, and occasionally current and useful, stuff.

Code 3 BadAssness That I Can't Afford for a Car I'll Never Have

2011-11-28T14:12:00.001-05:00

Final Findings From the Expert Panel on the Safety of Conducted Energy Devices | National Institute of Justice

2011-11-28T13:54:00.000-05:00

Final Findings From the Expert Panel on the Safety of Conducted Energy Devices | National Institute of Justice

At first glance, no surprises, just another study concluding that experiencing EMD is better than experiencing a beat-down.

"...The panel reviewed 300 subdual cases in which a CED was used and later the person died.

In the vast majority of these cases, the original medicolegal investigations concluded that CED exposure was not the cause of death. The panel conducted in-depth reviews of 22 of those 300 cases and reviewed approximately 175 peer-reviewed articles on the physiological effects of CEDs. The panel's report provides findings concerning death investigation, CED use, CED-related health effects and medical response to the use of CEDs. The panel determined that there is no conclusive medical evidence in the current body of research literature that indicates a high risk of serious injury or death to humans from the direct or indirect cardiovascular or metabolic effects of short-term CED exposure in healthy, non-stressed, non-intoxicated persons.

Field experience with CED use indicates that short-term exposure is safe in the vast majority of cases. According to the final report, the risk of death in a CED-related use-of-force incident in the general population is less than 0.25 percent (one in 400)."

What I Did on My Vacation

2011-11-23T15:47:00.001-05:00

From L - R: NPS Honor Guard Ranger, whose job is to intercept me if I grab the certificate and rabbit. Me, and yes, that's a tie, and no, I haven't been propped up from a casket. Brian Peters, Special Agent, DOI Office of LE Training, FLETA Board member and graduate of the very first SLETP held at Hocking, Liz Dodson, NPS Accreditation Manager, Superintendent Don Usher, NPSLETC at FLETC (and incidentally the pilot of the USPP helo that scooped survivors of an aircraft crash out of the frozen Potomac back in the 80's. If you watch the film, the skids actually submerged at least once, that's sporty flying), Tammy Keller, Branch Chief, Basic and Seasonal Training Programs, NPSLETC at FLETC, and another NRTI grad, who still remembers a certain firearms instructor, and a second Honor Guard Ranger, in case I break for the door out of frame to the right.

The meeting was held in a suburb of Annapolis named "Parole," which is not a really flattering name for a community that has hectares of upscale shopping malls and a Whole Foods. Turns out that it was a meeting point for Union and Confederate forces where prisoner exchanges took place, hence the name. I got my shopping in also, as I always do in coastal areas, by purchasing marine grade corrosion inhibitor and electrical terminal protectant.

I Can't Afford the Ammo, So I'm Safe:

2011-11-23T14:19:00.001-05:00

ZION NATIONAL PARK: Woman Seriously Injured In Canyoneering Accident

2011-11-23T11:38:00.001-05:00

From NPS Incidents:
On November 15th, a 26-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman completed the Jolly Gulch canyoneering route, a seldom visited route on the east side of the park. The route involves two rappels, one of 160 feet and the other of 100 feet. After completing the rappels, most canyoneers then hike a mile and a half through the canyon to a road. Instead, the pair attempted to free climb up the side of the canyon with the goal of reaching the canyon rim. The woman fell 60 feet from a small ledge to the ground and suffered shoulder and ankle fractures as well as lacerations to her spleen and liver. The man and woman worked at a local resort and made contact with the resort front desk by family radio. The National Park Service response was delayed due to confusion amongst the resort staff, who initially believed resort employees could resolve the incident without assistance. When a Kane County deputy arrived on scene, he requested an immediate response from the Zion SAR team due to the patient’s deteriorating condition. Ranger/medics Ryan McDonald-O’Lear and Brandon Torres responded and stabilized the hypotensive patient. Ranger Therese Picard was the incident operations chief and led the rope raising operation, which was conducted entirely in the dark. Members of the Kane County Search and Rescue Team assisted with the operation and coordinated the medical helicopter evacuation. The woman survived and is currently in stable condition. The man was cited for failing to obtain a required canyoneering wilderness permit.

Another Reason to Keep a Low On-Line Profile

2011-11-23T09:38:00.000-05:00

'Anonymous' hackers target pepper-spraying UC Davis police officer - latimes.com

4 Views

Bosnian Ambassador Visits National Park in Dayton, Ohio (NPS Digest)

2011-11-22T12:37:00.000-05:00

We have an upcoming class on dealing with diplomats and foreign nationals:
Bosnian Ambassador Visits National Park in Dayton, Ohio (NPS Digest)

Former Border Patrol agent speaks of dangers along boundary | The Sierra Vista Herald

2011-11-22T09:22:00.000-05:00

Former Border Patrol agent speaks of dangers along boundary | The Sierra Vista Herald
While it isn't "good," he doesn't offer a lot of evidence, and extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof. Trans border conflicts have been occurring since maybe the 1500s, and to read the stories of the first settlers all the way up to the exploits of the Punitive Expedition and the adventures of the 30's, 40's and 50's BP agents (Charlie Askins springs to mind, though I hope he was embellishing) would have you think that the Rio Grande was one big stream of blood.

Yeah, there is a political agenda here. Senator McClain withdrew his claim that wildfires had been started by illegals, though it is entirely possible that they were, even though no self respecting border crosser will start a fire that would immediately trip every thermal sensor around, and be visible on FLIR for miles. There are more agents, and more technology of higher sophistication than any of the time along our borders. And the return on investment, and return on expectations has been what, exactly?

What percentage of homicides in Santa Cruz County and Cochise County are directly attributable to border crossers, versus those resulting from domestics and DUIs?

New Mobile App Helps Troops to Self-Manage Behavior, Stress | DoDLive

2011-11-22T09:03:00.000-05:00

New Mobile App Helps Troops to Self-Manage Behavior, Stress | DoDLive

People Just Aren't Trying Anymore

2011-11-16T17:50:00.000-05:00

Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) - Homicide Trends in the United States, 1980-2008

Congratulations

2011-11-15T21:56:00.000-05:00

Reliable sources indicate that Zach M, RAP21, is the proud father of a male quarter-unit. All were healthy last I heard.

Life as Zach knows it is over. OC will be refreshing after changing diapers with that bright-green contents that infants seem to spew from all orifices.

I'm Gone

2011-11-15T21:51:00.000-05:00

I'm out of the office on a working vacation near our Nation's Capitol. With all to see and do, the first day was spent at the Calvert Marine Museum. I learned that they definitely don't build canoes on the Chesapeake Bay the way they do in the Adirondacks or Maine. I also learned that crabcakes are better broiled than fried. And it was really, really refreshing to visit outdoor exhibits - docks and a elevated walkway through shallowwater marsh - that didn't have guardrails. Stupid/clumsy people should be permitted, if not encouraged, to go over the edge.

And kudos to the waitress who told my kid to clean her plate.

Maryland State police cars have cool paint schemes and may give Vermont State Police some competition when it comes to marking the NRTI fleet I'll never get.

When I first read that there was a National Building Museum I though it had to be the most inane thing I'd ever come across - a building about buildings. Now that I've done a little research, I'll need to go. Incidentally, it's right next to the NLEOM. We did the American Art Museum and National Portrait Collection, without looking at one portrait. That was after the National Air and Space Museum. Having been to the Air Force Museum at Wright Pat AFB dozens of times, I'm a little spoiled, but the NASM has what is in my opinion a better collection of spacecraft and astronomical exhibits. Neither of them are Pima - grade, though.

Before leaving, of course I'll visit Arlington, and I want to hit the NSA's National Cryptologic Museum, to see if anyone there can help decipher student's handwriting. And I was heartbroken when I learned that the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology was folded into another organization. I think that the cool parts of their collections went to Fort Detrick, so maybe I'll swing by and see if I can't pick up a souvenir virus.

My ultimate goal is to con my way into the National Reconnaissance Office and National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, so if I don't show up back at work it means I'm in Leavenworth Federal Pen, or the Colorado Supermax