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Contact: Lorrie Sprague, 304 465-6521
On June 7th, National Park Service Ranger Randy Fisher received two special award citations at a standing-room-only town hall meeting in Fayetteville, WV. Fisher was awarded a special citation from the West Virginia Legislature and an additional award citation from West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin. Both awards recognized his role in saving the life of a man attempting suicide from the New River Gorge Bridge in September, 2006. "We are extremely proud of Randy’s achievements, he is an outstanding ranger and we are fortunate to have him on our staff," said Gary Hartley, Chief Ranger at New River Gorge National River. Fisher was joined in the awards ceremony by Sgt. David Kinzer of the Fayetteville, WV, Police Department, who worked with Ranger Fisher to first talk, and then subdue the man before he might have jumped to his death. Presenting the two awards were three state delegates, one state senator, the Chief of the Fayetteville Police Department and a representative from the Governor’s Office. "That incident on the bridge is an example of how all law enforcement officers are called upon to react to extraordinary circumstances at a moment’s notice," reflected Fisher. "It’s especially nice that Sgt. Kinzer and I were able to help find a happy ending to that story." Before coming to New River Gorge National River, Ranger Fisher worked at Zion National Park in Utah and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. An avid outdoorsman, Fisher is also one of only a dozen NPS rangers who have been selected to serve on the NPS Ranger Honor Guard. This special cadre of rangers represents the National Park Service at the funerals of employees who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The Honor Guard is also deployed to ceremonies, parades and special events of national significance. |
Last updated: February 26, 2015