Press Releases
05/01/2025
DEEP Environmental Conservation Police Celebrate Graduation of the 2025 Ranger Academy
EnCon Ranger Class to Support Visitor Experiences in State Parks
(HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) celebrated the graduation ceremony for the 2025 Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon) Ranger graduating class on Wednesday, April 30th. Thirty-three recruits successfully completed a 120-hour training academy to become EnCon Rangers. An additional 10 Rangers will return to the field from previous years.
The EnCon Rangers are an extension of the EnCon Police and provide limited law enforcement responsibilities in State Parks throughout the state including popular shoreline destinations: Hammonasset Beach, Rocky Neck, Silver Sands, and Sherwood Island State Parks. The program supports the core mission of DEEP’s EnCon Police and provides Rangers with training and experience to prepare them for a future career in law enforcement and the opportunity to serve their community.
“We are grateful for the dedication, hard work, and love for the outdoors our graduates have displayed throughout the Ranger Academy,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Millions of visitors will have an enjoyable experience in our Connecticut State Parks this summer thanks to their efforts and support of the Environmental Conservation Police.”
Rangers are readily identifiable in bright yellow shirts and engage with the public to foster a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors. They serve in an educational role but also can enforce the laws within State Parks. EnCon Rangers can issue infractions for violations of any park regulation or law, as well as provide assistance to visitors.
“Our parks are thriving, and thanks to the dedication of our Rangers, they remain vibrant outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy,” said EnCon Police Sergeant Jeffrey Bruno, the training sergeant for the EnCon Ranger Program. “The newest class brings passion, resilience, and a strong sense of service. It’s inspiring to see new and returning Rangers working together to support our communities, with the continued encouragement of our partner agencies.”
When asked why he wanted to be an Encon Ranger, graduate Nathan Ribeiro-Caez responded, “I am excited for the opportunity to pursue a lifelong passion I have had for the outdoors and apply it to a law enforcement position that could further my career in this field.”
The graduating Rangers have come from near and far to attend the CT Encon Ranger Academy, from towns such as Southbury, Enfield, Branford, Torrington, Burlington, Glastonbury, Stafford, Fairfield, Guilford, New Britain, Newington, Mansfield, Cheshire, Southington, Stamford, Haddam, East Hampton, Griswold, Prospect, North Stonington, Clinton, Plainville, East Haven, and Bayside NY.
DEEP is pleased with the continued success of the EnCon Ranger program in preparing Rangers for a career in law enforcement. To date, EnCon Police has hired four Environmental Conservation Police Officers who previously were EnCon Rangers. In addition, two EnCon Rangers became emergency dispatchers who provide vital support for officers working in the field. Numerous others have gone on to work with other local, state, and federal agencies since serving as EnCon Rangers.
DEEP would like to acknowledge the Police Officers Standards Training Council (POSTC) for its continued support of the EnCon Ranger training academy. Training staff from other law enforcement agencies provide vital support during the academy and include the following staff:
- Connecticut POST: Director Fasano, Training Officer Reilly, Training Officer Petersen
- Chester Police Department: Sergeant DeCrosta
- Connecticut Department of Children and Families: Marc Williams
- Connecticut Juvenile Court: Sergeant Max Bertsch, Ret.
- Connecticut State Police: Trooper First Class White
- Greenwich Police Department: Officer Rinaldi
- Hartford Police Department: Sergeant Mordasiewicz
- New Britain Police Department: Officer DeGray
Also, our thanks to the support of EnCon Staff and Academy Training Sergeant Bruno and Officer Landry.
Follow EnCon Police on Facebook at Connecticut State Environmental Conservation Police.
The 2025 EnCon Ranger Academy Graduating Class. Credit: CT DEEP
- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110