Maryland State Park Ranger Honored for Service and Volunteerism

(L to R) Steve McAdams, Executive Director, Gov. Office of Community Initiatives; Bill Basil, Executive Director, National Service Corporation; Ranger Chris Gleason-Smuck; First Lady Yumi Hogan. Photo credit Joe Andrucyk

The Governor’s Office of Service and Volunteerism recognized Maryland State Park Ranger Chris Gleason-Smuck for his exemplary public service. In addition to his state responsibilities, Gleason-Smuck volunteers many hours of his free time to his local fire and rescue departments.  

First Lady Yumi Hogan presented the AmeriCorps Alum Award to Gleason-Smuck during the 32^nd Annual Governor’s Service Awards program on Oct. 26.

The event honored 14 individuals and volunteer groups that contributed a significant amount of time to helping others.

“The department is fortunate to have not only a hard-working customer service professional, but also an experienced medical technician on staff,” Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “Chris’ hard work and volunteer experience has made him a knowledgeable, trusted and well-respected public servant throughout his community.”

Gleason-Smuck is a full-time ranger at the South Mountain Recreation Area complex (comprised of Gathland, Greenbrier, South Mountain and Washington Monument state parks, and South Mountain State Battlefield) and serves as a first responder with the Boonsboro and the North Point fire departments, and the Boonsboro Ambulance Co. He volunteered approximately 400 hours last year.

“When emergencies arise in the park, he comes to work, even on his days off,” Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nita Settina said. “Coworkers trust Chris’ extensive experience, his confidence and his calm demeanor in critical situations.”

In 2013, Gleason-Smuck received the Maryland Park Service’s Valor Award for saving the life of a woman in anaphylactic shock at Greenbrier State Park.  Additionally, he was named a Top Ten Responder by the Boonsboro Ambulance Co. in 2012.

He devoted much of his time over the course of four years to the Maryland Conservation Corps, an AmeriCorps program that teaches young adults about natural resource management as they carry out park conservation projects.

Settina noted that Gleason-Smuck’s volunteer spirit has helped to bridge gaps in emergency response services between organizations in the region. “His personality makes him someone that people really enjoy working with,” she said.

View the other service and volunteerism award winners and learn more at http://gosv.maryland.gov/serviceawards.html.