Sacramento County Regional Parks Rangers do much more than patrol local parks. They respond to emergencies, help visitors in distress, enforce applicable laws and ordinances, and work every day to keep patrons safe and our Sacramento County’s park welcoming.
On Aug. 19, Sacramento County Regional Parks held award ceremonies recognizing Rangers for their work in 2024 and 2025. Awards honored lifesaving efforts, outstanding service, safe driving, good conduct, military service and other contributions to the department.
Ready when seconds matter
The Rangers’ lifesaving work was especially evident during the summer of 2025, when the Park Rangers Marine Unit responded to 82 water rescues on the upper American River. That compares with 47 water rescues in 2024 and 29 in 2023.
Several rescues were highlighted during the awards ceremonies. On July 5, 2024, Sgt. Trevor Schnitzius, Sgt. Marc Piazza and Ranger Scott Jepsen were assigned to the Marine Patrol Unit near the Clay Banks when they saw a 5-year-old child and his father fall into the river. The child was wearing a life jacket, but his father was not. The strong current swept them downstream as the father struggled to stay afloat while holding onto his son.
The Rangers immediately responded, throwing a rescue line to the father. He was able to hold onto the line while the Rangers pulled both him and his son to safety. Their actions were recognized with a 2024 Lifesaving Award.
The 2025 Lifesaving Award recognized 11 Park Rangers for their actions responding to emergencies and water rescues throughout the year. Their quick response, teamwork and commitment to public safety helped protect visitors in some of the most challenging conditions Rangers encounter. The award recognized Sgt. Elmer Marzan, Sgt. Marc Piazza, Sgt. Roger Perez, Sgt. Trevor Schnitzius, Rangers Scott Jepsen, George Tzikis, Jared Houston, Noah Barron, Aaron Love and Vanessa Moreno, and Park Ranger Assistant Carlos Cueva.
Quick action helps save a life
Park Rangers are often the first to respond when someone needs help in a County Park. In May 2025, Park Ranger Assistant Carlos Cueva encountered a woman near the Sunrise boat launch who appeared to be experiencing a medical emergency. When she did not respond to attempts to wake her, Cueva called for assistance, and Rangers arrived on scene. Ranger Moor administered Narcan and continued to monitor her until additional help arrived. The woman was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.
Service beyond the badge
Rangers also received recognition for work that extends beyond individual emergency responses.
Rangers David Lunar and Taylor Watson received 2025 Chief’s Commendations for their work investigating a suspected crime in a County park. During the incident, the Rangers conducted a records check and discovered the suspect was on probation and was a registered sex offender. Their investigation uncovered evidence of child exploitation on the suspect’s phone, and they worked with the suspect’s probation officer to establish a probation violation. After a thorough investigation by the Park Rangers, the suspect was ultimately sentenced to eight years in prison for the probation violation and child exploitation charges.
Sgt. Roger Perez also received a 2025 Chief’s Commendation for his work supporting training and recruiting, including assisting with efforts that resulted in seven new Rangers being hired.
From responding to emergencies on the river to investigating crimes, helping visitors and supporting their fellow Rangers, the awards provided an opportunity to recognize the dedication and service of the people behind the badge.