The Maryland Park Service graduated 20 new state park rangers from its intensive training program during a ceremony on November 11, 2025, at the Eastern Garrett County Volunteer Fire Hall in Frostburg.
This year’s class, the 15th since the modern ranger school began in 2009, completed four weeks of training at the future Savage Highlands State Park in Garrett County, a site acquired by the Department of Natural Resources in late 2024 and set to open to the public in 2026. The former privately owned lodge provided cabins, yurts, and facilities for the program, marking the first time ranger school used the location.
Maryland Park Service Director Angela Crenshaw addressed the graduates at the event. “Graduation marks the culmination of weeks of training, learning, and growth as a person and a park ranger,” Crenshaw said. “I am exceedingly proud of and excited for our newest class of Maryland Park Service Rangers. I hope this experience serves you well as you begin the next chapter in service to our parks and communities. Congratulations on a job well done to all of our deans, visiting deans, chefs, instructors, our planning team and everyone who helped make the inaugural class at Savage Highlands State Park a success.”
Trainees contributed directly to park development by rerouting a section of the Red Trail, applying techniques to reduce water erosion through proper trail cutting and grading. The curriculum emphasized core ranger duties: operations, maintenance, interpretation, and customer service. Under veteran rangers serving as deans, participants faced practical exercises, written exams, and real-world scenarios covering emergency response, search and rescue, resource management, and park operations.
Hands-on sessions included operating heavy machinery such as skid steers and excavators, with instruction on trailering and safe handling. Rangers practiced water rescue techniques at Frostburg State University and completed firearm safety training at the Savage River State Forest Shooting Range after passing a hunter safety course. Additional training occurred at nearby Western Maryland sites, including Deep Creek Discovery Center and New Germany State Park.
Graduates must complete one year of operational experience for full certification. Two received peer-selected awards: Thomas Souhrada earned the Ranger Award for dedication and spirit, while Shea Walsh received the Dean’s Award for academic achievement.
The new rangers, assigned by region, include in the Eastern Region: Kevin Dietrich at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park, Kara Holland at Assateague State Park, and Robert Wullschleger at Tuckahoe State Park. Central Region assignments feature Dirk Fardelmann and Stephen King at Gunpowder Falls and Patapsco Valley state parks, respectively, along with Moya Michelin and Thomas Souhrada at Sandy Point State Park, Matthew Dymowski and Tanner Shepherd at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, Seth VanZomeren at Seneca Creek State Park, William Gibb at Elk Neck State Park, Caleb Smith at Patapsco Valley State Park, and Ryan Snyder at Susquehanna State Park.
Southern Region placements are Matthew Bershon and Michael Bullock at Point Lookout State Park. Western Region graduates include Mark Akers at Herrington Manor State Park, Megan Schwertz at Deep Creek Lake State Park, Shea Walsh and Carter Conaway at South Mountain Recreational Complex, and Kendra Bree at Fort Frederick State Park.
The Maryland Park Service manages approximately 90 sites statewide, including state parks, historic areas, battlefields, rail trails, and natural resource management areas, supported by 256 staff members in ranger, maintenance, planning, and administrative roles.
Savage Highlands State Park, located near Grantsville, will add lodging options and trails to Garrett County’s offerings when it opens, enhancing access in a region known for outdoor recreation around Deep Creek Lake and Savage River State Forest. The ranger school, held annually, rotates locations to expose trainees to diverse environments, from coastal Assateague to mountainous Western Maryland.
Prospective rangers typically enter through seasonal positions before advancing to the competitive school, which accepts applicants with relevant experience or education in natural resources, law enforcement, or related fields.
