Public Safety Department
Stark County Park Rangers exist not only to protect parkland and wildlife, but also park visitors. Park Rangers strive to keep Stark Parks a safe and enjoyable place to visit, and do so by being certified peace officers through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA). They are sworn and commissioned officers with full powers of arrest. Each Ranger goes through multiple months of field training to learn specific job duties pertaining to park policing. They have the ability to enforce state laws, including wildlife, watercraft, and traffic laws, as well as Stark County Park District ordinances.
Park Rangers are also trained in ice water rescue and general first-aid and CPR. You may see Rangers working closely with other police departments in Stark County as we have a mutual-aid agreement with law enforcement entities across the county.
Patrol Methods
Stark County Rangers are able to keep parks, lakes, and hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails safe by use of various patrol methods, including patrol cars, foot patrol, bicycle patrol, ATV patrol, and boat patrol.
Meet Maverick the K-9 Ranger
K-9 Maverick is a purebred English Labrador Retriever and the second K-9 officer to serve in the Stark County Park District Ranger Department. With his friendly demeanor, sharp instincts, and strong work ethic, Maverick is already making a lasting impression as both a community ambassador and a skilled working K-9.
Maverick was officially sworn in on October 8, 2024, during a special ceremony recognizing his vital role in supporting park safety and law enforcement operations.
Partnered with his handler, Ranger Turner, Maverick has successfully completed intensive training and is now fully certified in the following disciplines:
Tracking: Locating missing persons or suspects through scent trails
Article Search: Detecting and retrieving items with human scent
Narcotics Detection: Identifying illegal substances during investigations
As a fully certified K-9, Maverick plays a key role in supporting patrol efforts, enhancing investigations, and assisting with search and rescue operations within the park district and during mutual aid situations.
Community Policing
Stark County Park Rangers utilize a community-oriented policing approach. You may see a Ranger during Stark Parks' Ranger for a Day, Catfish with Cops, and Ranger Bass Tournaments. They also attend National Night Out, Safe Kids Stark County, and many other local events.
Ranger Explorer Program
The Ranger Explorer program gives young adults ages 15 to 20 the chance to explore, observe, and participant in natural resource enforcement with Stark Parks Rangers.
Explorers learn wildlife laws, firearm safety, and various patrol methods including vehicle ride-alongs, bikes, and watercraft.
Ranger Comments
Please use this form to submit a commendation or feedback regarding a member of the Stark County Park District Public Safety Department.
