The Bucks County Commissioners have publicly lauded the county’s park rangers for their investigative work that led to the recovery of stolen tools and an arrest in connection with a burglary at the African American Museum of Bucks County.
Last month, Chief Ranger Patrick Durkin and his department received a letter of commendation from the commissioners for their role in resolving the theft of approximately $2,500 worth of construction tools from the museum, which is currently under construction at Core Creek Park in Middletown Township.
Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo, a Republican, read the commendation that detailed how the rangers’ investigation quickly led to the recovery of the stolen items and the apprehension of a suspect with a lengthy criminal history.
“When the missing items turned up in a Facebook Marketplace listing from a pawn shop in Hamilton, New Jersey, the rangers interviewed the shop owner, identified a suspect with an extensive criminal record and made an arrest,” DiGirolamo stated.
The commendation highlighted the rangers’ round-the-clock role in “educating, protecting, and serving the visitors of Bucks County park system.”
“Your hard work and dedication to working hand in hand with the community ensures our parks are safe and secure for everyone who visits,” DiGirolamo added.
Commissioner Bob Harvie, a Democrat, also commended the rangers for their efforts and highlighted their work as a police department.
Durkin expressed gratitude for the recognition.
“It means a lot to us, so thank you,” he said.
The Bucks County Rangers are responsible for patrolling 26 county-owned parks, reservoirs, government complexes, historic resources and recreation sites. They cover more than 9,000 acres across the county.
