BLM’s McCoy named Ranger of the Year

SANTA FE, NM—U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management law enforcement officers attending the National Law Enforcement Leadership Team Conference recently honored one of their own as “Ranger of the Year.” BLM Director Kathleen Clarke was on hand to present Dan “Perry” McCoy, a BLM law enforcement officer with the Grand Junction Field Office, the award. McCoy was selected for the prestigious award by the director of the BLM Office of Law Enforcement and Security for his professionalism, cooperation, integrity and honor.

“Ranger McCoy has the special ability to effectively interact with the general public, and local law enforcement and non-law enforcement personnel alike,” Grand Junction Field Manager Catherine Robertson said. “Through McCoy’s positive and determined work ethic, not only do BLM’s community partnerships benefit but, more importantly, so do our public lands.”

“Ranger McCoy is a true asset to both the Grand Junction Field Office and BLM’s law enforcement program.” BLM Special Agent in Charge John Silence said. “McCoy possesses the innate ability to correct unwanted action through both enforcement and education, in such a way that he can issue a violation notice to an individual, and then have that person shake his hand and thank him for his insight and professionalism.”

“What’s unique about Ranger McCoy is his strong collaborative work ethic in supporting local law enforcement and his true concern for public safety. Ranger McCoy is a pleasure to work with,” expressed Lt. Don Hendricks with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office.

McCoy never hesitates to participate in “extra-curricular” duties. He often represents the agency at national conferences, makes presentations to youth groups, or takes on additional duties such as supervisory ranger, state firearms coordinator, or assistant state staff ranger. A “normal” day’s work for McCoy can range from ticketing for illegal dumping to rescuing a dirt biker who overestimated their riding ability to educating the public about public land rules and regulations. McCoy is chiefly responsible for protecting natural resources, as well as looking out for public health and safety, on 1.2 million acres of BLM public lands administered by the Grand Junction Field Office.

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Editor’s Note: Photo available upon request.