DEC Forest Rangers - Week in Review

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 the first half of 2025, Rangers conducted 139 search and rescue missions, extinguished 82 wildfires covering nearly 705 acres, and participated in 56 prescribed fires that rejuvenated 1,514 acres of land. In 2024, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions, extinguished 122 wildfires covering nearly 6,500 acres, participated in 60 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,155 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in more than 1,200 tickets and arrests.

"DEC's Forest Rangers bravely protect State-owned and managed lands, as well as the people who use them. Whether conducting a search and rescue call or responding to a wildfire, Rangers are always ready when emergencies strike," DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. "Every day and in all conditions, Forest Rangers demonstrate their expertise and leadership in protecting the public and State lands, serving as role models for the next generation of environmental stewards. DEC encourages interested New Yorkers to visit DEC's website to learn how to become the next New York State Forest Ranger."

Town of Glenville
Schenectady County
Wilderness Search: On November 13 at 1 a.m., the Glenville Police Department requested Forest Ranger assistance with a search for a missing 14-year-old. The teenager was last seen home at 3.p.m. on November 12. Rangers used a thermal-equipped drone to search the wooded area near the house. The Scotia Police Department and Schenectady County Sheriff's Office also joined the search. At 6:20 a.m., a roaming patrol car spotted the subject walking on Sacandaga Road. The teen said they found shelter in a barn to stay dry overnight. Resources were clear at 7 a.m.

Town of Horicon
Warren County
Training: On November 15, Forest Rangers conducted a field search exercise as part of the Basic Wildland Search course at the Horicon Volunteer Fire Department and Curtis S. Read Scout Reservation. Nearly 100 members of local search and rescue teams, local fire departments, and New York State Police participated in the exercise. In coordination with the limited continuous search for missing hunter Tom Messick, search and rescue teams focused on areas that could potentially reveal clues about his disappearance. This training coincided with the 10-year anniversary of his disappearance. Messick went hunting with friends and disappeared when his partners walked away to get some supplies. The search lasted several weeks with 300 professionals and volunteers from more than 15 agencies The training coincided with the ten-year anniversary of his disappearance. DEC asks anyone who might have information about his disappearance call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS