The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is proud to present the latest episode of “On the Front Lines,” the agency’s video series profiling staff and the important work they do to conserve the environment, protect New York's natural resources, and serve the public.

"We are proud of this series, which gives the public a behind-the-scenes look at the great work our dedicated employees do every day across the state to preserve and protect the environment for generations to come," DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. "It's also an opportunity for New Yorkers to get to know our employees and the reasons they chose careers at DEC. A special thanks to Ranger Michael Thompson for his hard work to protect the Southern Adirondacks and these lands’ peerless natural resources.”

The latest episode featuring Ranger Thompson can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqlBxkd2c28.

Ranger Thompson has been with DEC for 11 years and currently patrols Fulton and Hamilton counties. As a Forest Ranger, there are three primary aspects of his job: search and rescue, the wildlife fire program, and the care, custody, and control of state lands. Ranger Thompson is on-call 24 hours a day, and is often called upon to respond to dangerous situations.

Last summer, Thompson led a 20-person inter-agency crew out west to help battle a 30,000-acre wildfire in Montana’s Kootenai National Forest. Ranger Thompson says the 17-day assignment was an opportunity to help and an intense experience that prepared him for the many challenges crews face when battling raging flames.

When he’s not at work, Ranger Thompson enjoys hunting and spending time with his family.

'On the Front Lines' is posted monthly on DEC's YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/nysdecvideos and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NYSDEC and Twitter https://twitter.com/NYSDEC pages. Watch past episodes on DEC's YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnBbYubhbH1Xl9vDnioaZO1bSrTOLNNmw.