Dale Antonich began his career with the National Park Service as a seasonal park ranger at the Grand Canyon in 1972. He held a variety of seasonal laborer, park technician, and ranger jobs from 1972 through 1977. His seasonal employment included assignments at the Grand Canyon, Lake Mead National Recreation Area (NRA) and Death Valley National Park.
In 1977, he accepted a full-time career position as a park technician at Golden Gate National Park. In 1981, Antonich accepted a promotion position as a park ranger at the Santa Monica Mountains NRA. In 1984, Antonich moved from Santa Monica Mountains (NRA) to the Grand Teton National Park accepting a promotion to law enforcement specialist park ranger. In 1986, Antonich was selected for the Chief Ranger position at Death Valley National Park. Antonich became the Chief Ranger at Lake Mead NRA in 1991.
During his 33-year career Antonich received numerous awards and recognition including:
* 1974 Commendation for a Rescue at Grand Canyon
* 1974 Member of Unit Citation for Rescue at Lake Mead
* 1978 Commendation for Rescue performed at Golden Gate National Park
* 1984 Sustained Superior Performance Award
* 1991 U.S. Department of Interior Valor Award for Rescue
Antonich also received the highest award that can be bestowed upon a ranger by peers, the Harry Yount Award. He received this award in 1999 from then Vice-President Al Gore. This is an annual award named after the nation’s first park ranger.
“Dale has dedicated his entire professional career to the mission of the National Park Service. He has committed his life to the resources, park visitors, park staff and our partners. He has provided leadership in the development and management of emerging operations and the professionalization of ranger positions within the National Park System. He has made countless personal sacrifices for the Service. Dale’s experience, commitment, contributions, and dedication to his job and fellow employees, will be surely missed," said Superintendent William Dickinson.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a unit of the National Park Service.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
