IN TENNESSEE’S vast network of state parks, park rangers serve as more than stewards of nature. They’re trained first responders, ready to act when emergencies strike. Whether it’s a hiker lost in the Smokies, a medical crisis on the Cumberland Plateau, or a wildfire threatening native habitats, these rangers are often the first on scene. Equipped with law enforcement training, search and rescue skills, and deep knowledge of the terrain, they bridge the gap between public safety and environmental protection. Their presence ensures that Tennessee’s wild spaces remain not only beautiful but safe for every camper, climber, and curious explorer who enters.
Park Ranger Mark Matzkiw is one of 300 full-time commissioned rangers serving across Tennessee’s 61 state parks, according to the Tennessee Park Ranger Association. With over a decade of experience as both a park ranger and mounted patrol officer, Matzkiw brings a rare blend of dedication and expertise to his role. Driven by a deep love for Tennessee’s natural landscapes and the people who explore them, he works tirelessly to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Whether patrolling trails or responding to emergencies, Matzkiw’s mission is clear: to preserve the beauty of the parks and safeguard those who come to enjoy them.
LOVE OF THE OUTDOORS LEADS TO A CAREER
Growing up in a family that worked in the medical field, Matzkiw said he was encouraged to follow the same path; however, his love for the outdoors led him to pursue a career where he could combine both.
“My family has a history with the medical profession, so they were pushing towards the medical route, and I did that for a little while, and I did all my premed stuff and got finished up with that, and got ready to apply for medical school,” he explained. “And I had been working for Tennessee State Parks during that time, doing seasonal part-time work. During that time, I felt I just had a decision to make, and I decided that I wanted to pursue being a park ranger. I felt I would be much happier doing that.”
Matzkiw then took a job with the chief rangers’ office, where his experience would continue to branch out and grow.
“I started my career in the chief ranger’s office for the state,” he said. “I was asked by the chief ranger to come in train some of the mounted patrol horses. He knew my history of rodeoing and training horses, so he asked me to come in and help do that on a part-time basis. From there, I just kind of grew into doing a lot of different jobs within the chief ranger’s office. I also helped at Henry Horton, where I worked for a little while and then transferred to Tims Ford [State Park], where I have been since 2019.”
Matzkiw is also a mounted patrol officer. Tennessee State Parks are home to a group of mounted patrol rangers who assist in patrol, training, and public engagement across six parks statewide. According to the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy, these rangers and their horses are trained to respond to emergencies and patrol remote areas of state parks. The horses interact with the public, providing a friendly face at park events and enhancing the visitors’ experience.
As the unit leader of the Mounted Patrol, Matzkiw said this is one of his favorite aspects of the job.
“I get to work with horses a lot, which is a big part of my background and something I’m really passionate about, so that just puts the icing on the cake of the job for me,” he said.
BEING A FIRST RESPONDER
While a park ranger might not be the first thing one thinks of when naming a first responder, they are very much the first to respond in several situations.
“Usually when you think of first responders, you think police, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and the like, but as park rangers, we encompass all of those,” explained Matzkiw. “We have to go to the Police Academy just the same as every other police officer. All of us have to have medical licensure. The minimum is emergency medical licensure, but like me, I’m an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician. Also, not everyone, but a good portion of us are certified firefighters as well. Basically, I explain to people that we do all of the services that you would expect to get, as far as police, fire, and ambulance. We do fill those roles, but in more rugged environments such as the woods or places that may be inaccessible to police or ambulances.”
LIVING THE DREAM
Matzkiw said coming to work each day is a dream come true. One of the aspects that he truly enjoys is the variety that the job offers.
“There are a lot of different things that are really great about my job,” explained Matzkiw. “You never know what awaits you, and it’s always something different each day. It’s always something new, and it’s usually fun things we get into. That’s not to say that there aren’t stressful or bad times, but most of the time when I come to work, it’s a positive experience.”
Matzkiw added that his love of Tennessee’s natural resources only grows each day, and he welcomes visitors to come out and enjoy one of Tennessee’s greatest assets: our state parks.
“The parks are a basic right, and I think that it’s very important,” he said. “Theodore Roosevelt set apart all the land for our national parks, and then the states followed suit. I believe humans need that connection with nature and the opportunity to get out and escape from the complications we tend to create in life. Being outdoors is beneficial for everyone, and God’s creation is good for all. It is good for your soul.” GN
