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 2023, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 370 search and rescue missions, extinguished 146 wildfires covering nearly 1,400 acres, participated in 52 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,000 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in hundreds of tickets and arrests.  

“DEC Forest Rangers are among the nation’s most versatile first responders, utilizing their expert training and wide-ranging knowledge to protect natural resources while encouraging responsible stewardship among those who visit State lands and sites,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Their expertise in wildland fire suppression, technical rescue techniques, and law enforcement mean that Rangers are always prepared to successfully execute critical missions, here in New York State, as well as across the continent.” 

Town of Keene 

Essex County 

Training: On Jan. 22, Forest Rangers Mecus and Rooney worked on their climbing skills in the Trap Dike, a class four climb that should only be attempted by those with proper experience and equipment. Rangers Mecus and Rooney are expert climbers and used this opportunity to prepare for potential rescues. 

Rangers Mecus and Rooney in the Trap Dike (photo attached)

Hamlet of Ray Brook 

Essex County 

Training: On Jan. 24, six DEC Communication Specialists participated in a CPR course, the first step in the new Emergency Medical Dispatch certification. Successful completion of the course allows Communication Specialists to provide emergency callers with medical assistance until Forest Rangers arrive on scene. 

CPR training for DEC Communication Specialists (photo attached)

Town of Horicon 

Warren County 

Training: On Jan. 25, Forest Ranger Lieutenant Arnold and five Rangers from DEC Region 5 participated in flat ice rescue training. Rangers used an airboat to get close to the subject while preserving the stability of the ice the subject was holding on to. Rangers practiced swimming to the subject to tether a rescue rope and then pulling the subject onto the boat. The training is essential as weather to date has not been consistently cold enough for local bodies of water to completely freeze over. More information about ice safety is available at https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2024/1/dec-encourages-anglers-to-safely-enjoy-ice-fishing-this-winter 

Flat ice rescue training in Horicon (photo attached)

Town of Collins  

Erie County 

Training:  On Jan. 26, eight Forest Rangers from Region 9 participated in their annual flat ice rescue training. Rangers reviewed general principles for ice rescue, how to help a subject self-rescue, and techniques for using throw bags and ropes.  

Flat ice rescue training in Collins (two photos attached)

Town of Lysander  

Onondaga County  

Wilderness Rescue: On Jan. 28 at 3:15 p.m., Forest Ranger Chappell responded to a call for a subject who fell through the ice at Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area. An Oswego County Sheriff’s Office drone pilot spotted the subject and helped direct rescue crews to the location. At 4:10 p.m., Ranger Chappell and members of the Phoenix Fire Department located the 38-year-old from Baldwinsville. The subject was walking along the marshy area in hip waders when he fell through ice approximately one and half inches thick - not thick enough for walking. Although the subject’s hip waders flooded, he was able to get to an island to remove the hip waders, move around to keep warm, and call 911. Ranger Chappell worked with the Belgium Cold Springs Fire Department using an inflatable boat to pull the subject to safety. Greater Baldwinsville Ambulance Corps treated the subject for mild hypothermia and checked on the rescuers. Resources were clear at 5:30 p.m. New York State Police, North West Fire District, and Onondaga Sheriff’s Office also responded. 

Oswego County Sheriff’s drone view with and without thermal imaging (photo attached)

Town of Wilmington 

Essex County 

Wilderness Rescue: On Jan. 28 at 4:25 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a group of five hikers who lost the trail on Whiteface Mountain. At 5:52 p.m., Forest Rangers learned one of the hikers had injured their ankle. Ranger Black served as Incident Commander with six Rangers in the first wave of responders and another six Rangers and three members of Search and Rescue of the Northern Adirondacks (SARNAK) prepared to assist with carry-out efforts. At 10:30 p.m., Rangers reached the hiking group from New Jersey, checked out the injured ankle, provided extra layers for warmth for all five subjects, and helped walk the group down the trail. Resources were clear at 1:22 a.m.

Whiteface rescue (photo attached)

Town of Belfast 

Allegany County 

Wilderness Search: On Jan. 29 at 12:45 a.m., Allegany County 911 requested Forest Ranger Assistance in the search for a missing 13-year-old from Belfast. Five Rangers were joined by New York State Police (NYSP) Troopers, NYSP Canine Unit, NYSP Drone Unit, and the Allegany County Sherriff’s Office Drone Unit. In the dark, crews followed footprints in the snow for miles. The subject was mostly following roadways, but also went in and out of brush. At 11:15 a.m., rescue crews found the subject approximately eight miles from home. The teen was wearing jeans, a winter coat, and a hat, but only rubber clogs on his feet. Allegany County Medical Transport Service drove the subject to the hospital for treatment of hypothermia and frostbite. Resources were clear at 12:48 p.m. DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement, the Allegany County Fire Coordinator, Belfast Fire, and Belfast Ambulance also assisted in the search.

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: http://on.ny.gov/NYSForestRangerRoster