Sunday, January 5, 2014

Where Cops are also Outdoor Educators - Lynn Van Matre

rating : **** / *****

      Is being a cop in the city really the same as being a cop in the forest? Officer Thomas Wakolbinger would argue that yes, indeed it is.

       As Officer Wakolbinger made his transition to take over as law enforcement director for the DuPage County Forest Preserve District he realized the similarities between the two. "When I think about the similarities between the two jobs, I doubt I could find a better fit." Wakolbinger found himself giving out warnings, citations and even arrests. He decided that it would be best if he were to inform the public on these illegal occurrences happening in the parks. Wakolbinger made it his life goal "to ensure that everybody we come in contact with feels that it has been a positive experience." [ In the DuPage County Forest Preserve]

      This article effected me because although Thomas Wakolbinger was retiring from the state department he decided to continue making a difference in the world. Wakolbinger made and continues to make a difference in the lives of his community daily and that is a wonderful thing. I learned from this article that no matter what your age is you can make a difference. I also learned that although when you are camping/hiking/fishing etc. you don't even consider the illegal things happening around you therefore Wakolbinger and his fellow officers are helping to make our experience in the forest that much more enjoyable. This article inspired me to try new things because you never know what the outcome will be until you've experienced it.


Van Matre, Lynn. "Where Cops are also Outdoor Educators." ChicagoTribune.com. April 08, 2004.  < http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-04-08/news/0404080235_1_ranger-preserves-warnings  >

1 comment:

  1. Excellent article and review. No further feedback required.

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