5 MetroParks’ rangers named ‘Professionals of the Year’ for Oregon District mass shooting response

The Ohio Parks and Recreation Association has named Sgt. Eric Lane and rangers Scott Janicki, Elyzabeth McDonald, Cory Reis, Kyl Caldwell, Amanda Chiles and Rebecca Dieker Professionals of the Year.

“It’s nice to be recognized in the parks and recreation field for our law enforcement efforts,” Mark Hess, Five Rivers MetroParks Chief of Public Safety, said in a provided statement. “It also shows how important it is that area law enforcement agencies work together.”

>> What to know about the Aug. 4 Oregon District mass shooting 

Ohio Parks and Recreation Association represents more than 2,000 professionals and citizen board members that provide park and recreational facilities and opportunities for Ohioans and protecting and preserving Ohio’s natural resources, according to the nonprofit’s website.

Before being shot and killed by Dayton police, a 24-year-old Bellbrook man killed nine people in the Oregon District during the early hours of Aug. 4 using a pistol modified to work like an assault riffle.

About 30 others were injured.

The size of the crime scene made it hard for medics to arrive immediately, MetroParks says.

The rangers — professionally trained officers — assisted Dayton Police and other first responders with rendering first aid, securing the area and crime scene management.

“The Rangers really performed in an exemplary manner individually and as a group. This was a highly stressful, dynamic and dangerous situation, and the Rangers performed incredibly well – and with a lot of courage and compassion,” Hess said.

Five Rivers MetroParks also earned three Ohio Parks and Awards of Excellence  first place wins for two conservation projects and a program that allows more equitable access to fresh food at the 2nd Street Market.

>> Nominate your Dayton’s best places, people and things for Best of Dayton 2019