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 2025, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions, extinguished 202 wildfires covering 840 acres, participated in 68 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate 1,649 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in more than 1,100 tickets and arrests. Also in 2025, 41 Forest Rangers were deployed to fire assignments in 10 different states.

“Our Forest Rangers are elite law enforcement leaders who put their lives on the line when they respond to a search and rescue, wildland fire, or State land violation,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “We’re fortunate to have them patrolling State lands and keeping people safe. Their expertise and professionalism are valuable assets, not only in New York, but around the country wherever emergencies arise."

Town of Thurston 

Steuben County 

SUV Over Embankment: On January 11 at 12:30 p.m., Forest Ranger Dormer responded to a call for a car over an embankment on South Hill Road. Ranger Dormer and a member of the Thurston Fire Department located the vehicle and learned that, in addition to the adult driver and passenger in the front, there was a child in the backseat. The two rescuers quickly removed the child from the vehicle and checked them over to ensure they were not injured and warm. The Savona Fire Department and New York State Police joined Ranger Dormer and the Thurston Fire Department to stabilize the vehicle with straps so they could safely remove the driver and passenger. Rescuers reunited the family, and a bulldozer pulled the SUV up the icy hill.

Vehicle over embankment (photo attached)

Sullivan County 

Training: On January 12 and 17, Forest Rangers Franke, Jeffery, Kocher, and Schweider taught the classroom and field portions of the basic wildland search class to the Sullivan County search and rescue team. The team is made up of members of multiple fire departments who often assist Rangers in search and rescue missions. Training together ensures more successful real-time missions throughout the county. 

Search and rescue training (two photos attached)

Town of Keene 

Essex County 

Wilderness Rescue: On January 15 at 10:36 p.m., the mother of a 20-year-old skier called Ray Brook Dispatch to report that her son was injured and could not hike back from Mount Marcy to his vehicle at Adirondak Loj. At 3:17 a.m., Lake Colden Caretaker Raudonis met the skier on the trail, rehydrated him, and escorted him to the outpost. The skier was suffering from hip pain and cramping. He spent the night at the outpost and was able to walk out under his own power in the morning. At 11:35 a.m., Rangers Lewis and Rooney met him near Marcy Dam and assisted him back to his vehicle. Resources were clear at 2:57 p.m. 

Town of Denning 

Ulster County 

Wilderness Rescue: On January 16 at 1:30 p.m., while on routine patrol along the Phoenicia East Branch Trail, Forest Ranger Jeffery encountered a 33-year-old beginning a hike of Table Mountain. Ranger Jeffery expressed concern over the late start, but the hiker was confident in their ability, had the proper gear, and proceeded. At 2:27 a.m., the hiker from Hopewell Junction sent an SOS from a satellite device with coordinates on Fisherman’s Path, which parallels the Neversink River. It’s a common trailless exit route for many of the Catskill peaks. Icy road conditions delayed Ranger response time.  At 6:30 a.m.,Rangers Franceschina and Jeffery located the hiker who was visibly suffering from rapidly progressing hypothermia after falling into the river and becoming fully submerged. Rangers quickly changed the hiker into dry clothes, used a heated blanket, and provided hot liquids. After talking to the hiker, they learned the hiker changed plans and included Lone, Peekamoose, Table, and Rocky Mountains. Rangers assisted the hiker to the trailhead and advised them to seek further medical attention if any swelling, blisters, or discoloration occurred. Resources were clear at 8:30 a.m. 

Town of North Hudson 

Essex County 

Wilderness Rescue: On January 18 at 7:46 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a group of five hikers reporting one member of their party was ill and needed assistance back from Dix Range. Forest Rangers Jansen and H. Praczkajlo responded. The ill hiker was extremely fatigued and Rangers transported them and their partner to their vehicle while the remaining hikers continued to the summit of Macomb Mountain. Resources were clear at 10:41 p.m. 

DEC Division of Forest Protection Job Opening
DEC is now hiring a full-time communications specialist trainee in Ray Brook, Essex County. Details and information on how to apply by January 28 are available at  

https://statejobs.ny.gov/public/vacancyDetailsView.cfm?id=207004. 

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s “Hike Smart NY,” “Adirondack Backcountry,” and “Catskill Backcountry Information” webpages for more information.