French Creek State Park will welcome two new Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) rangers this summer following the graduation of the 2025 ranger and park manager trainee academy.
Nicholas Cento and Kevin Gatta, both members of this year’s 27-person graduating class, have been assigned to French Creek, one of the most popular outdoor destinations in southeastern Pennsylvania. Their new roles will focus on strengthening visitor services, promoting public safety, and protecting the natural resources across the park’s nearly 8,000 acres.
The graduation ceremony was held at Little Buffalo State Park in Perry County, where DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn congratulated the new rangers and park managers. “We are proud of the Class of 2025. Their dedication and hard work during training have prepared them for long, successful careers in our state parks system,” said Dunn.
The 19-week training program covered a range of essential skills including visitor engagement, environmental education, and law enforcement responsibilities. As DCNR rangers, Cento and Gatta will be sworn officers with duties ranging from enforcing park rules to offering safety guidance to the thousands of visitors who explore French Creek each year.
State Parks Director John Hallas emphasized the importance of their work. “This group has shown great dedication and a strong commitment to service,” he said. “Completing the ranger academy is a tremendous accomplishment.”
DCNR rangers serve year-round in Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks and over 2 million acres of forestland. The positions are critical in supporting outdoor recreation, conservation, and educational outreach across the Commonwealth.
More information about ranger careers and park resources can be found at employment.pa.gov and dcnr.pa.gov.
