SULLIVAN COUNTY — On Aug. 17 at 11:15 p.m., White Lake Fire Department requested Forest Ranger assistance with a search for a missing hiker on Boy Scout property. The 21-year-old called 911 to report they were lost and their cell phone battery was dying. They did have water, a whistle, and extra layers of clothing.

Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office launched a drone to assist in the search. Rangers Franke and Schweider conducted linear searches with White Lake Fire Department. At 12:30 a.m., Ranger Schweider and the White Lake Fire Department made voice contact with the subject from Brooklyn. They reached the subject 15 minutes later, provided electrolytes, and transported the subject to the command post for EMS evaluation. Resources were clear at 2 a.m. 

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.    

As of July 1, Rangers have conducted 139 search and rescue missions in 2025, extinguished 82 wildfires covering nearly 705 acres, and participated in 56 prescribed fires that rejuvenated 1,514 acres of land to date. 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 burning out of control, 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.”