Corporal Brandon Bartz of the Missouri State Park Rangers has been named 2015 Park Ranger of the Year by ServiceWear Apparel. The national award is presented each year to honor a park ranger who goes above and beyond in service. The company selects the nominees based on submissions and the public votes online for the winner.
"The lifesaving actions of Cpl. Bartz are nothing short of heroic," said Sara Parker Pauley, director of the Department of Natural Resources. "His exemplary conduct is a reflection of the rich tradition of the Missouri State Park Rangers."
Cpl. Bartz was nominated for his actions at Castlewood State Park after a guest jumped from a cliff and became stuck 140 feet from the ground. Cpl. Bartz climbed the rock face to reach the victim. Supported only by a small tree, he spent more than two hours with the victim, administering aid and offering encouragement and comfort, before being extricated to safety.
"Cpl. Bartz is very deserving of this honor," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks. "His selfless actions represent the best of Missouri State Park Rangers, who work hard every day protecting parks and ensuring visitors’ safety."
For additional information on Cpl. Bartz and the other finalists, visit servicewearapparel.com/ranger/finalists.php. For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.