The flag outside the ranger station at Fort Funston was at half-mast for a week in June 2000, honoring a park ranger, two volunteers and their pilot who were killed when their small plane crashed in Alaska's Denali National Park.

"We had the best rescue crews in the state involved in this search today," said Superintendent Stephen P. Martin. "All of our hearts are aching, these men were members of the community of Talkeetna and the National Park Service. There are no words to describe what an incredible loss this is."  Press Release    News Report

We may not agree with all of the Park Service's policies, but this is a good time to remember that many good people work hard and sometimes risk their lives in its service. At Fort Funston, we depend on the local rangers to protect and rescue visitors -- both human and canine. Sometimes, the political is not personal. In our battle over Fort Funston policy at the legal and political level, we're using the courts of law and public opinion. But let's maintain and build friendship and respect for the individual Park Service employees on the ground at Fort Funston.

- Michael B. Goldstein, Editor

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To First Section of Fort Funston Forum