The 33 graduates will assist millions of visitors across shoreline and inland Connecticut state parks. They’ll also facilitate public safety and education.
HARTFORD, Conn. — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, or CT DEEP, celebrated the graduation of 33 new Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Rangers on Wednesday, following their completion of a 120-hour training academy.
The 2025 graduates will join 10 returning rangers to help support public safety and enhance the visitor experience in state parks across Connecticut, including shoreline destinations such as Hammonasset Beach, Rocky Neck, Silver Sands and Sherwood Island.
EnCon Rangers, who wear bright yellow shirts, serve in both educational and limited law enforcement roles. They are authorized to issue infractions for park regulation violations and assist visitors.
“We are grateful for the dedication, hard work and love for the outdoors our graduates have displayed,” said CT DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Millions of visitors will have an enjoyable experience in our Connecticut State Parks this summer thanks to their efforts.”
EnCon Police Sergeant Jeffrey Bruno, who oversees the ranger program, praised the class for its “passion, resilience and strong sense of service.”
CT DEEP officials noted in a release on Thursday that the ranger program has become a valuable pipeline into law enforcement, with former rangers now serving as police officers and emergency dispatchers. Graduates in the 2025 class hail from towns throughout Connecticut and as far away as Bayside, N.Y.
The Ranger Academy received training support from the Police Officer Standards and Training Council and various local and state law enforcement agencies.
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