To: All
I use to refer to Ian as the Lone-Ranger being out there by himself on San Miguel for long periods without seeing too many visitors. He is without a doubt one of the finest persons I have worked with over his career at the Park. Ian introduced me to the Park communications system many years ago. He was the single most person responsible for the success of the Channel Islands National Park multiple repeater system. For those who are not acquainted with Ian, he is none other than kd6vwr (E). A true professional Ranger with a host of specialties from diving, firearms, communications, tower climbing, logistics and security. As a volunteer it was my pleasure to accompany Ian to many remote sites and provide a tech-assist. I wish he and Marcella all the best with his new career.
Bill Talanian (volunteer)
NPS Communications System
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Subject: New Life for Old Rangers Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2018 21:21:31 -0800 From: Williams, Ian <ian_williams@nps.gov>
This month was due to be the end of my career with the National Park Service. Next week I reach mandatory retirement age from law enforcement and therefore will no longer eligible for the San Miguel Island ranger position in which I've served for the past 25 years. I was scheduled to be retired from the agency on January 31, but have been fortunate enough to be given a new opportunity here at the park.
Today, for the first time in my career, I came to work as something other than a park ranger. It feels strange to say that after 35 years, and I guess I'll always still think of myself as a ranger, but my job with the NPS is now as a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist. The job is a one-year term position that can be extended up to four years. (It's a bit like a continuing resolution, only longer.) It will give the park a chance to try having a position that is dedicated to safety, and it will give me a chance to try to help the rest of the park staff to make the Channel Islands a safer place to work and visit.
For anyone that was planning on getting together with us on February 3rd for a retirement party, I'm happy to report it has been cancelled. Although it is always fun to see everyone at those events, believe me, I'm a lot happier to still be working with so many of them.
Marcella and I came out to San Miguel today for one final tour. Even though I had to start the new position before the end of the month, I had previously been scheduled out here for one more week to wrap up a few projects and pack up what has been our home for 25 years. Leaving the island will still be a sad moment, but it's a lot better knowing that I'm not yet leaving the park and the people that make Channel Islands the world's greatest national park.
/s/ Ian WilliamsSafety & Occupational Health SpecialistChannel Islands National Park1901 Spinnaker DriveVentura, CA 93001(805)658-5700 x5971