Crater
Lake Chief Ranger to Retire: Dave Brennan has been on the job
for 7 1/2 years
Herald and News
Klamath Falls, Oregon
December 3, 2007
By LEE JUILLERAT
H&N Regional Editor
Dave
Brennan, Crater Lake National Park's chief ranger the past 7-1/2
years, doesn't like the word, "retirement."
"We
call it a renewal rather than a retirement because it's a chance
to try something new," explains the 51-year-old Brennan, who
will end his 27-year National Park Service Dec. 31.
Federal law enforcement staff and firefighters are allowed to
retire after 20 years, and he plans to take advantage of that
opportunity.
"For
me and my wife, while I'm still young and healthy it gives me an
opportunity to do different things," Brennan said. "It's very
important for us to enjoy other parts of life. I'v seen some
friends hang on. I'v come to admire those who retire earlier
than later."
Keeping outside
He and
his wife, Kate Kennedy, have a house in Ashland, where she
teaches high school. They enjoy whitewater kayaking, skiing and
bicycling - "all my outdoor activities." Brennan also hopes to
"dabble in writing." He envisions finding "different ways to
contribute," possibly through another career, volunteer service
or membership in different organizations.
Brennan's Park Service career began in 1980 at Sequoia and Kings
Canyon National Park in California. He has been at Crater Lake
since June 2002, when he transferred from Grand Canyon National
Park.
"When
he came to Crater Lake he was prepared and that has really
proven out," Superintendent Chuck Lundy said of Brennan.
"Whenever we've had complex incidents Dave really never
encountered any situations he couldn't manage in a professional
way."
Major incidents
During
his years Crater Lake, major incidents included the shooting
death by a ranger of an out-of-control camper, the still
unsuccessful search for Sammy Boehlke, who was 8 when he
disappeared in October 2006 - "the largest search this park has
ever seen" - and, that same year, the Bybee Complex fire, which
park officials allowed to burn because it did not threaten any
structures in or near the park.
Brennan's departure will occur at the same time Lundy retires.
"One
of the beauties of the Park Service is we have a mobile enough
work force that we can get an infusion of new people that helps
keep us fresh and on our toes," Brennan said, referring to his
and Lundy's retirements.
Of
working at Crater Lake, Brennan said he remains awed by "the
landscape, the snow. All the different varieties of snow - the
same place is different every time you look at it. The sheer
physical beauty of the park in all its moods."
