New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate, and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from across New York State.
In 2024, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions, extinguished 122 wildfires covering nearly 6,500 acres, participated in 60 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,155 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in more than 1,200 tickets and arrests.
“DEC’s Forest Rangers bravely protect State-owned and managed lands, as well as the people who use them. Whether conducting a search and rescue call or responding to a wildfire burning out of control, Rangers are always ready when emergencies strike,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “Every day and in all conditions, Forest Rangers demonstrate their expertise and leadership in protecting the public and State lands, serving as role models for the next generation of environmental stewards. DEC encourages interested New Yorkers to visit DEC’s website to learn how to become the next New York State Forest Ranger.”
Honoring Assistant Forest Ranger Jackson:
Earlier this month, Assistant Forest Ranger Brendan Jackson passed away while camping. Since joining DEC in 2008, Brendan served as a remarkable steward of natural resources focused on educating and assisting New Yorkers seeking to connect with nature, particularly in the remote Adirondack wilderness. With his most recent service as Assistant Forest Ranger in the High Peaks, Brendan put the public’s safety above his own when responding to rescues, suppressing fires, patrolling trails, and helping maintain backcountry facilities. He continued much of this work into the winter as a trusted interior caretaker at Marcy Dam and Colden and, early in his career, as an intern at DEC’s Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, repeatedly demonstrating his commitment to educating New Yorkers about the importance of protecting our natural resources. A Division of Forest Protection Honor Guard served at the funeral last week. We offer our condolences to his friends and family. Brendan was 42 years old.
Brendan Jackson and his friend, Owen the dog
Brendan Jackson
Town of Webster
Monroe County
Public Outreach: On June 25, Forest Ranger Captain Wickens and Ranger Raffaldi-Smith spoke to students at Webster Montessori Elementary School. Rangers shared insights into their work, highlighting their roles in wildland firefighting. Students used backpack pumps and learned about the importance of putting out fires. To wrap up the presentation, students enjoyed a campfire and s’mores.
Ranger Raffaldi-Smith at Webster Montessori Elementary School
Town of Denning
Ulster County
Wilderness Rescue: While on patrol June 25 at 2:40 p.m., Forest Ranger Stratton was flagged down by a member of the public reporting that a hiker fell on the rocks at the Blue Hole and was bleeding from the head. Ranger Stratton found the 39-year-old from Brooklyn and cleaned and dressed the wounds. Neversink EMS responded and transported the patient to Ellenville Hospital.
Town of Moreau
Saratoga County
Training: On June 26 and 27, 25 Forest Rangers participated in rope rescue training at Moreau State Park. During this Ranger-led training, participants practiced high-angle rope rescue techniques including the “pike and pivot” method. This technique is utilized for negotiating a 90-degree edge transition with a patient packaged in a litter. Depending on the time of year, it is common for Forest Rangers to use these rope skills weekly in the course of their job duties.
Rope training at Moreau Lake State Park
Rope training at Moreau Lake State Park
Town of Greig
Lewis County
Rescue: On June 27 at 10:30 a.m., Forest Rangers Evans, Hanno, and Lee responded to a call for a horseback rider thrown from a horse and stepped on. Rangers, 3-G Volunteer Fire Department, and Lewis County Search and Rescue reached the 61-year-old from New Hampshire. Rescuers packaged the patient into a rescue litter and loaded them onto a Ranger six-wheeler for transport to an awaiting ambulance. EMS transported the patient to Wynn Hospital. Resources were clear at 12:50 p.m.
Town of Fishkill
Dutchess County
Agency Assistance: On June 27, Fishkill Police requested Forest Ranger assistance in the search for two suspects who fled into the Baxtertown Woods Wildlife Management Area. New York State Police (NYSP) K-9s tracked the suspects and found several articles of clothing. Two Officers spotted the two suspects running into the thick brush. A drone later located the subjects and using those coordinates, Ranger Russo led a crew of law enforcement into the woods. They found both suspects and turned them over to Fishkill Police. Beacon, East Fishkill, and Newburgh Police, along with the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Department, also assisted in the search.
Fishkill suspect search
Town of Canadice
Ontario County
Wilderness Search: On June 28 at 11:45 a.m., Forest Ranger Dormer responded to a call for a car crash on County Route 37 where the driver left the vehicle and ran off into the woods. The subject lost a lot of blood in the crash. A NYSP helicopter crew, a DEC Environmental Conservation Police drone, and the Ontario County Sheriff’s Department joined the search. First responders took the subject to an ambulance for treatment and then turned them over to NYSP. Resources were clear at 4:45 p.m.
Town of Hunter
Greene County
Wilderness Rescue: On June 29 at 11:30 a.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiker on Hunter Mountain suffering from exhaustion. Rangers reached the hiker who didn’t have any food or water and provided sustenance. EMS evaluated the subject and transported them to Kingston Hospital. Resources were clear at 2:30 p.m.
DEC encourages hikers to bring plenty of food and water for their hike in case the hike lasts longer than expected. Proper preparation for a hike can prevent bouts of cramping and dehydration.
Town of Middletown
Delaware County
Wilderness Rescue: On June 29 at 2:30 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiker in Dry Brook Ridge Wild Forest reporting a member of their hiking party suffered an unstable ankle injury at least three miles from the trailhead. Forest Rangers and fire department personnel hiked into the subject, secured them in a wheeled litter, and carried them to the trailhead. At 11:45 p.m., EMS called for a med flight to take the subject to Albany Medical Center.
Dry Brook Ridge Wild Forest rescue
Dry Brook Ridge Wild Forest rescue
Dry Brook Ridge Wild Forest rescue
Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC's Hike Smart NY, Adirondack Backcountry Information, and Catskill Backcountry Information webpages for more information.
If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it's for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on state lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, they can call 911. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region.
