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Volunteer Ranger Patrols End

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 6, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - After some four months, volunteer ranger patrols in Pasco County parks have ended abruptly.

The program's demise appears to stem from a disagreement between Paul Van Schaick, who developed the patrols as chief ranger, and Fred Buckman, director of the Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department.

"I am sorry to report that the Pasco County Ranger Patrol will cease operation due to a lack of support from the park director," Van Schaick wrote in a Nov. 29 letter to county commissioners.

Buckman responded later: "I was and am certainly a strong supporter of this program. I specifically recognized the rangers at our volunteer luncheon and initiated a resolution recognizing them.

"We plan to try hard to keep the program alive if we can find a way, but Paul's initiative and leadership was important, so we must seek new leadership."

The focus will be on offering information and assistance to the public, said Buckman, who added that the ranger program will remain a volunteer effort.

"Paul apparently had demands of our department and its staff, including myself, which we could not meet within his requirements adequately," Buckman concluded.

In his letter, Van Schaick wrote that "there is too much crime being perpetrated in our parks, and management is not availing themselves of the over 100 years of law enforcement expertise available free to them" from the ranger volunteers.

"Our top members represent retired police chiefs, state police detectives, sheriff's department command staff and federal ranger law enforcement officers. We have served as a crime prevention deterrent, all at no cost to the county," continued Van Schaick, a retired Massachusetts State Police officer.

He softened his stance somewhat after receiving "a conciliatory communication" from Buckman.

"I have come to accept and understand his position as he communicated it to me," Van Schaick said. "As they say, better late than never. It is just such a shame it had to come to this only by the abolition of the ranger program."

Back in May, Van Schaick envisioned the volunteers serving as unofficial greeters, passing out brochures among other duties, providing another layer of security and safety, and perhaps reminding patrons of park rules against unleashed dogs and digging for artifacts.

By submitting to a background check and committing to at least four hours a week, the rangers would get free uniforms and training, he said. Eighteen volunteers began regular patrols in late July.

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