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CPW recognizes 29 employees with awards for their leadership, bravery and dedication
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), in collaboration with the Colorado State Parks Employee Protective Association (CSPEPA) and the Colorado Wildlife Employees Protective Association (CWEPA), recently honored 29 employees for their outstanding service and commitment to protecting the state's citizens and natural resources.
These annual awards recognize CPW officers, rangers and staff who demonstrate exceptional dedication to preserving and enhancing Colorado's outdoors and show a willingness to put their lives on the line protecting the people that enjoy them. Recipients are acknowledged for their expertise in biology, science, law enforcement, leadership, and wildlife or park management, as well as their strong public service ethic, bravery and the respect of their peers.
"Our employees are the heart of Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and their unwavering dedication to protecting our state's natural resources and citizens is truly inspiring," said CPW Director Jeff Davis. "These awards recognize not just their skill and professionalism, but their bravery, leadership and selfless service. Whether it's saving lives, preserving wildlife, or fostering the next generation of conservationists, our team embodies the very best of public service."
John D. Hart Wildlife Officer of the Year
Named after legendary wildlife officer John D. Hart, who retired as CPW's assistant director in 1959, this year's award was presented to Area 6 District Wildlife Manager Ross McGee. Officer McGee distinguished himself through community engagement, innovative conservation efforts, and his commitment to addressing complex wildlife challenges. He has fostered private-public partnerships that opened more than 4,500 acres for public hunting and wildlife surveys, while also managing significant big game migration corridor challenges. Officer McGee's leadership, expertise, and firm yet humble approach to law enforcement make him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
Outstanding Ranger of the Year Award
Established in 1986 and selected by fellow state park rangers, this award went to Park Ranger Corrine Servis, operations manager at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA). Ranger Servis made significant contributions in 2024 by strengthening team collaboration, advocating for temporary employee wage increases, and mentoring new recruits. She also launched the "Rec Rangers" program, engaged in extensive public outreach, and promoted accessibility in outdoor recreation. Her leadership, field expertise, and unwavering dedication to CPW's mission set her apart as a true role model.
Colorado State Parks Employee Protective Association Awards
The CSPEPA is a nonprofit organization established in 2003 to support CPW employees. CSPEPA offers its members retirement benefits, legal protection, serves as a liaison with management staff, and provides representation in matters concerning association membership. Additionally, CSPEPA recognizes outstanding employee and volunteer achievements through various awards. 2024 awardees include:
- Columbine Emerging Leader Award: Cheyenne Mountain Park Ranger Jasmine Wolcott was recognized for her exceptional performance and promise as a future leader, demonstrating skill and dedication beyond her years.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Boyd Lake Park Manager Eric Grey was honored for his long-standing commitment, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to visitor safety and park preservation.
- Valor Award: Lake Pueblo Park Ranger Josh Klosheim was recognized for his courageous response to a shooting incident, securing the scene and providing critical medical care under dangerous conditions.
- Valor Award: Area 8 Assistant Area Wildlife Manager Darren Chacon, despite recovering from a knee injury, waded into the cold waters of Canyon Creek and saved a driver trapped in a submerged vehicle after a rollover crash.
Lifesaving Awards: Fifteen employees were recognized for their heroic actions in rescuing individuals from life-threatening situations across Colorado's parks and waterways.
- - Chatfield Park Ranger Tyler Hall and Chatfield Limited Commission Rangers Kyra Zerucha and William Wayman were honored for their life-saving efforts during a severe storm at Chatfield Reservoir, rescuing multiple individuals and pets under treacherous conditions.
- - Chatfield State Park Limited Commission Boat Ranger Danny Brown rescued a young girl from drowning at Chatfield Reservoir by pulling her from a paddleboard in a violent storm.
- - Lake Pueblo Park Ranger Erin Steinman pulled a disoriented, intoxicated kayaker from Lake Pueblo's dangerous waters, preventing a near-drowning.
- - Lake Pueblo Senior Ranger Daryl Sedar and Park Ranger Josh Klosheim located a missing boater in the dark, saving him from hypothermia and exhaustion.
- - Chatfield Park Ranger Karsen Krier and Limited Commission Ranger William Ellis revived an overdosed man using CPR, an AED, and Narcan.
- - Cherry Creek State Park Limited Commission Ranger Kendra Kimball and Boat Attendant Benson Adams rescued a driver from a sinking car at Cherry Creek State Park, preventing a suicide.
- - Chatfield State Park Ranger Kennedy Miller and Boyd Lake State Park Limited Commission Ranger Emmi Crider led a nighttime rescue at Boyd Lake, saving seven people from rough waters.
- - Chatfield State Park Ranger Timothy Abt and Cherry Creek Park Ranger Levi Reisinger rescued an injured skier by keeping him warm and carrying him to a helicopter landing zone.
"The CSPEPA board is honored to be able to recognize the dedication and amazing work of our CPW officers," said CSPEPA Board President and Cherry Creek State Park Manager Michelle Seubert. "Congratulations to all!"
Colorado Wildlife Employees Protective Association Awards
The CWEPA is one of the oldest employee associations in the state and is dedicated to supporting CPW employees. CWEPA offers its members death and retirement benefits, legal protection, and serves as a liaison with CPW staff. Additionally, the association provides scholarships to members' children pursuing natural resource-related fields and recognizes officers who perform acts above and beyond their duties. 2024 awardees include:
- Lifesaving Medal: Statewide K-9 Program Coordinator Ian Petkash, formerly an Area 1 District Wildlife Manager, found an elderly hunter stranded in the snow, ensured his safety, and helped him recover from exposure.
- Medal of Valor: Area 18 District Wildlife Manager Stuart Sinclair was honored for his bravery in rescuing a dog and assisting a lone firefighter in controlling a structure fire.
- Jon Wangnild Memorial Wildlife Case of the Year: Area 2 District Wildlife Manager Sam Peterson and Area 14 District Wildlife Managers Aaron Berscheid, Tyson Floersheim received recognition for their exceptional investigative work on a complex poaching case, which led to significant legal actions.
- Horizon Award: Area 1 District Wildlife Manager Jacob Sonberg was recognized for his leadership, professionalism, and investigative excellence in wildlife protection.
- Cliff Coghill Career Achievement Award: Area 13 District Wildlife Manager Bob Carochi was honored for more than two decades of service, mentoring new officers, and advancing conservation efforts.
- Administrative/Support Staff Person of the Year: Area 1 and 5 Administrative Assistant Jenny Campbell was acknowledged for her exceptional contributions in managing CPW's administrative operations and supporting staff across multiple regions.
"These awards represent the excellence in service our employee members provide to the public and to the natural resources of Colorado," said CWEPA Board President and Area 5 District Wildlife Manager Casey Westbrook. "It is a distinct honor to know and work alongside these outstanding individuals."
Photo: This year, Ranger Corrine Servis was awarded the Outstanding [truncated for length]
These annual awards recognize CPW officers, rangers and staff who demonstrate exceptional dedication to preserving and enhancing Colorado's outdoors and show a willingness to put their lives on the line protecting the people that enjoy them. Recipients are acknowledged for their expertise in biology, science, law enforcement, leadership, and wildlife or park management, as well as their strong public service ethic, bravery and the respect of their peers.
"Our employees are the heart of Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and their unwavering dedication to protecting our state's natural resources and citizens is truly inspiring," said CPW Director Jeff Davis. "These awards recognize not just their skill and professionalism, but their bravery, leadership and selfless service. Whether it's saving lives, preserving wildlife, or fostering the next generation of conservationists, our team embodies the very best of public service."
John D. Hart Wildlife Officer of the Year
Named after legendary wildlife officer John D. Hart, who retired as CPW's assistant director in 1959, this year's award was presented to Area 6 District Wildlife Manager Ross McGee. Officer McGee distinguished himself through community engagement, innovative conservation efforts, and his commitment to addressing complex wildlife challenges. He has fostered private-public partnerships that opened more than 4,500 acres for public hunting and wildlife surveys, while also managing significant big game migration corridor challenges. Officer McGee's leadership, expertise, and firm yet humble approach to law enforcement make him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
Outstanding Ranger of the Year Award
Established in 1986 and selected by fellow state park rangers, this award went to Park Ranger Corrine Servis, operations manager at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA). Ranger Servis made significant contributions in 2024 by strengthening team collaboration, advocating for temporary employee wage increases, and mentoring new recruits. She also launched the "Rec Rangers" program, engaged in extensive public outreach, and promoted accessibility in outdoor recreation. Her leadership, field expertise, and unwavering dedication to CPW's mission set her apart as a true role model.
Colorado State Parks Employee Protective Association Awards
The CSPEPA is a nonprofit organization established in 2003 to support CPW employees. CSPEPA offers its members retirement benefits, legal protection, serves as a liaison with management staff, and provides representation in matters concerning association membership. Additionally, CSPEPA recognizes outstanding employee and volunteer achievements through various awards. 2024 awardees include:
- Columbine Emerging Leader Award: Cheyenne Mountain Park Ranger Jasmine Wolcott was recognized for her exceptional performance and promise as a future leader, demonstrating skill and dedication beyond her years.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Boyd Lake Park Manager Eric Grey was honored for his long-standing commitment, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to visitor safety and park preservation.
- Valor Award: Lake Pueblo Park Ranger Josh Klosheim was recognized for his courageous response to a shooting incident, securing the scene and providing critical medical care under dangerous conditions.
- Valor Award: Area 8 Assistant Area Wildlife Manager Darren Chacon, despite recovering from a knee injury, waded into the cold waters of Canyon Creek and saved a driver trapped in a submerged vehicle after a rollover crash.
Lifesaving Awards: Fifteen employees were recognized for their heroic actions in rescuing individuals from life-threatening situations across Colorado's parks and waterways.
- - Chatfield Park Ranger Tyler Hall and Chatfield Limited Commission Rangers Kyra Zerucha and William Wayman were honored for their life-saving efforts during a severe storm at Chatfield Reservoir, rescuing multiple individuals and pets under treacherous conditions.
- - Chatfield State Park Limited Commission Boat Ranger Danny Brown rescued a young girl from drowning at Chatfield Reservoir by pulling her from a paddleboard in a violent storm.
- - Lake Pueblo Park Ranger Erin Steinman pulled a disoriented, intoxicated kayaker from Lake Pueblo's dangerous waters, preventing a near-drowning.
- - Lake Pueblo Senior Ranger Daryl Sedar and Park Ranger Josh Klosheim located a missing boater in the dark, saving him from hypothermia and exhaustion.
- - Chatfield Park Ranger Karsen Krier and Limited Commission Ranger William Ellis revived an overdosed man using CPR, an AED, and Narcan.
- - Cherry Creek State Park Limited Commission Ranger Kendra Kimball and Boat Attendant Benson Adams rescued a driver from a sinking car at Cherry Creek State Park, preventing a suicide.
- - Chatfield State Park Ranger Kennedy Miller and Boyd Lake State Park Limited Commission Ranger Emmi Crider led a nighttime rescue at Boyd Lake, saving seven people from rough waters.
- - Chatfield State Park Ranger Timothy Abt and Cherry Creek Park Ranger Levi Reisinger rescued an injured skier by keeping him warm and carrying him to a helicopter landing zone.
"The CSPEPA board is honored to be able to recognize the dedication and amazing work of our CPW officers," said CSPEPA Board President and Cherry Creek State Park Manager Michelle Seubert. "Congratulations to all!"
Colorado Wildlife Employees Protective Association Awards
The CWEPA is one of the oldest employee associations in the state and is dedicated to supporting CPW employees. CWEPA offers its members death and retirement benefits, legal protection, and serves as a liaison with CPW staff. Additionally, the association provides scholarships to members' children pursuing natural resource-related fields and recognizes officers who perform acts above and beyond their duties. 2024 awardees include:
- Lifesaving Medal: Statewide K-9 Program Coordinator Ian Petkash, formerly an Area 1 District Wildlife Manager, found an elderly hunter stranded in the snow, ensured his safety, and helped him recover from exposure.
- Medal of Valor: Area 18 District Wildlife Manager Stuart Sinclair was honored for his bravery in rescuing a dog and assisting a lone firefighter in controlling a structure fire.
- Jon Wangnild Memorial Wildlife Case of the Year: Area 2 District Wildlife Manager Sam Peterson and Area 14 District Wildlife Managers Aaron Berscheid, Tyson Floersheim received recognition for their exceptional investigative work on a complex poaching case, which led to significant legal actions.
- Horizon Award: Area 1 District Wildlife Manager Jacob Sonberg was recognized for his leadership, professionalism, and investigative excellence in wildlife protection.
- Cliff Coghill Career Achievement Award: Area 13 District Wildlife Manager Bob Carochi was honored for more than two decades of service, mentoring new officers, and advancing conservation efforts.
- Administrative/Support Staff Person of the Year: Area 1 and 5 Administrative Assistant Jenny Campbell was acknowledged for her exceptional contributions in managing CPW's administrative operations and supporting staff across multiple regions.
"These awards represent the excellence in service our employee members provide to the public and to the natural resources of Colorado," said CWEPA Board President and Area 5 District Wildlife Manager Casey Westbrook. "It is a distinct honor to know and work alongside these outstanding individuals."
Photo: This year, Ranger Corrine Servis was awarded the Outstanding [truncated for length]
