Sacramento County Department of Regional Parks has a new Chief Park Ranger - John Havicon.
Havicon has dedicated nearly 30 years of service to County parks, beginning his career as a seasonal worker. Havicon assumed duties as Chief Park Ranger on May 18, 2014.
“We are proud to announce John Havicon as our new Chief Park Ranger,” said Jeff Leatherman, Director of Regional Parks. “John’s experience and extensive background ensures that, in this new position, he will continue to provide the leadership that keeps our parks safe.”
Havicon began his career with Regional Parks as a seasonal Park Ranger Assistant in 1985. He moved into a full-time Park Ranger position after completing the Police Academy and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training. His experience includes 17 years as a Park Ranger and 10 years as a Park Ranger Supervisor.
“I am honored to be appointed to Chief Park Ranger. I began my career with the intention of protecting our parks and helping and educating the public, and I will continue to do so in this new position,” said John Havicon.
County Park Rangers are peace officers who have the same level of authority as a County Sheriff Deputy or a City Police Officer. All Rangers have completed extensive training at the Sheriff’s Academy, and enforce laws applicable to Regional Parks, specific County ordinances, and California Vehicle, Penal and Health & Safety Codes within all County Regional Parks.
“Our County Rangers, including myself, have a passion for parks; we don’t do it for the pay, we do it for the love of the job,” added Havicon.
In addition to the Chief Ranger, Sacramento County Department of Regional Parks currently employs 17 full-time Park Rangers, and two Park Ranger Supervisors. To learn more about Regional Parks, visit the Sacramento County Regional Parks website.
Writer: Danielle Spang, Communication and Media Intern
