Aaron France of Schoharie is one of 38 new graduates from the 23rd Basic School for New York State Forest Rangers.
As part of the Department of Environmental Conservation'‘s Division of Forest Protection, New York Forest Rangers protect the state's natural resources and communities and stand ready to support states across the country in the face of emergencies like wildfires.
A ceremony held Friday in Lake Placid celebrated graduates from across the state who followed extensive law enforcement and natural resources training in the classroom as well as in the field.
“From rescuing lost or injured hikers to fighting wildfires here in New York and across the nation, our dedicated Forest Rangers regularly put themselves in harm's way to protect our communities,” Governor Kathy Hochul said.
“I applaud this new class of rangers for their hard work in completing an extremely difficult training regimen as they now join the ranks of hundreds of other officers who continue to protect New Yorkers and our treasured natural resources every day.”
For the last six months, recruits have endured strenuous training at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry campus and the Huntington Wildlife Forest in the Town of Newcomb.
The initial 40 Ranger recruits, who entered the academy in May were trained in a wide range of rescue techniques, including rope rescues, and received extensive training in wildfire suppression, prescribed burns, water rescues and wildlife protection, among other skills.
Thirty-eight graduates will join the State’s Forest Ranger force for a total of 159.
The graduates are: Matthew Adams, Lake Clear; Gregory Bowler, Saranac Lake; Ashly Carabetta, New Rochelle; Nicholas Caswell, Warrensburg; Kaitlyn Clute, Saratoga Springs; Alexander Cooley, Oswego; David Corey, Tupper Lake; and Peter Dempf, Bethlehem.
Also: Sean Dixon, Watertown; Audrey Emerson, Greig; Charles Foutch, Syracuse; Aaron France, Schoharie; Chelsea Geyer, Northville; Mary Greagan, Bethlehem; Robert Hamm, Pittstown; Michael Holdridge, Peru; and Erich Horn Jr., Kingston.
Also: Jacob Jansen, Tupper Lake; Nathaniel Laymon, Ilion; Jacob Maxwell, Chittenango; Michael Miller, Branchport; Evan Nahor, Long Lake; Allison O’Connell, Lake Pleasant; Patrick Odell, Keene Valley; Joseph Ordway, Canisteo; Christopher Pelrah, Constantia; Seamus Peterson, Hicksville; Paul Quinones, Saratoga Springs, and Jane Raffaldi-Smith, West Hurley.
Also: Ryan Richer, Horseheads; Allison Rooney, Keene; Aubrey Russo, Patchogue; Timothy Schweider, Lindenhurst; Neilson Snye, Tupper Lake; Tanner Stone, Schroon Lake; Nicholas Streczywilk, Cheektowaga; Dustin Vaile, Camden; and Jacqueline Waligory, King Ferry.