DEC Forest Rangers - Week in Review

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.

As of July 1, Rangers have conducted 139 search and rescue missions in 2025, extinguished 82 wildfires covering nearly 705 acres, and participated in 56 prescribed fires that rejuvenated 1,514 acres of land to date. 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."

Town of Lewisboro
Westchester County
Water Rescue: On Aug. 30 at 5 p.m., while off duty spending the day at a nearby lake with family, Forest Ranger Lieutenant Gullen was alerted to someone calling for help near a popular cliff-jumping area. A 42-year-old jumped from approximately 50 feet and suffered a back injury upon entry into the water. Lt. Gullen jumped off his boat and swam to the injured subject. Lt. Gullen performed a spine assessment while the subject was still in the water and determined it was a high-risk injury. Lt. Gullen borrowed a paddleboard from a nearby group and stabilized the patient in a spine-safe position, then swam the subject approximately 150 yards to the nearest residence where EMS was waiting. EMS transported the subject to the hospital for successful surgery.