CLEARFIELD — For A. Myers, a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors and a meaningful connection with a family friend helped shape a career path that now places him on the front lines of protecting Pennsylvania’s natural resources.
Myers, a recent graduate of the Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy, said his inspiration to become a ranger began at a young age. A close family friend who worked as a ranger introduced him to the profession, sparking an interest that would eventually guide his educational and career decisions.
“I grew up talking with her and learning about what she did,” Myers said. “That really led me down this path.”
A graduate of Clearfield Area Junior Senior High School, Myers initially pursued a different direction in higher education. He enrolled at Slippery Rock University, studying Early Childhood and Special Education, but quickly realized the field was not the right fit.
After revisiting conversations with his ranger mentor, Myers made a pivotal decision to change course. He transferred to Penn State DuBois, where he earned a degree in Wildlife Technology, a move he credits with opening the door to his current career.
“That degree really opened my eyes to the biology of our natural resources,” he said. “It helped me understand just how important it is to protect them.”
Following his time at Penn State DuBois, Myers attended and graduated from the Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy at Temple University’s Ambler campus, completing the rigorous training required for the role.
He described his educational experience as both rewarding and demanding.
“If you wanted to do well, you had to dedicate a lot of time to studying,” Myers said. “Whatever time I had left went into training — weights, cardio, agility. It was a constant routine of study, train, eat, sleep, and repeat.”
Now beginning his career in the field at Parker Dam State Park, Myers said the most fulfilling part of the job will be protecting wildlife and ensuring visitors can safely enjoy the park.
“I grew up hunting and fishing, so I take conservation seriously,” he said. “But I also enjoy seeing people experience the parks — whether it’s a kid catching their first fish or a family out on a hike.”
As a ranger, Myers’ day-to-day responsibilities can vary widely, from enforcing park regulations to responding to emergencies.
“In the simplest terms, my job is to ensure visitor safety and enforce park rules,” he said. “But every day is different. You never know what might happen.”
That unpredictability, he noted, is both one of the most challenging and defining aspects of the role.
“It’s like any law enforcement job — you don’t know what’s coming next,” Myers said. “It could be a search and rescue or something as simple as helping someone locked out of a cabin.”
Despite the challenges, Myers remains focused on balancing enforcement duties with education and conservation efforts.
“You have to use your time wisely whenever you get the chance,” he said.
Looking ahead, Myers has set his sights on advancing within the profession. His goals include becoming certified as a firearms, taser, and defensive tactics instructor, as well as joining the DCNR Honor Guard.
As he begins his career, Myers brings with him not only technical training, but also his passion for the outdoors — something he hopes will leave a lasting impact on both the environment and the visitors he serves.
Editors note: Mr. Myers requested that his full name be omitted from the above story. This is not an error.
