News Release
USDA Forest Service
Washington, D.C.		
	
FS-0311	Contact: Heidi Valetkevitch, (202) 205-1089	

FOREST SERVICE FILLS LEADERSHIP POSTS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT

WASHINGTON, May 28, 2003 - USDA Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth today announced the agency’s selections to lead Law Enforcement and Investigations office.  Selected were Ronald A. Sprinkle, director and David L. Ferrell, deputy director.  

“The Forest Service is extremely fortunate to welcome Ron, who has such a unique mix of law enforcement and security experience from 20 years with the Secret Service, and a strong background in natural resources management and law enforcement,” said Bosworth.

Sprinkle is currently assistant special agent in charge of the White House Security Branch, Presidential Protection Division, and U.S. Secret Service.  Ferrell is currently special agent in charge of the Forest Service’s Intermountain Region (southern Idaho, Nevada, Utah and western Wyoming).

“David brings a wealth of field law enforcement experience to his new assignment and with Ron, will make a great team in leading the outfit’s law enforcement and investigations program,” said Bosworth.  “I look forward to working with both of them.”

As director of law enforcement and investigations, Sprinkle will provide leadership to more than 700 law enforcement officers and special agents assigned to Forest Service offices nationwide.  Since 1983, he served with the U.S. Secret Service in a variety of positions at several field offices throughout the United States.  Before that, he worked for the U.S. Department of Interior National Park Service as a ranger and commissioned law enforcement officer at Yellowstone and Big Bend National Parks as well as several other Park Service units. 

“The national forests and grasslands are irreplaceable American treasures.  My family and I have developed a deep affection for them through our extensive visits,” said Sprinkle.  “I have a high regard for the outstanding professionals that care for them so it is a great honor to be joining them in ensuring that the public feels safe and secure when visiting these wonderful places.” 

Ferrell began his career with the Forest Service in 1984 at the agency’s Job Corps centers.  In 1993, he moved to its law enforcement and investigations branch and completed training in federal law enforcement and criminal investigations.  He served as a uniformed law 

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enforcement officer on the National Forests in North Carolina, a criminal investigator on the national forests in Georgia and a supervisory special agent in the agency’s Southern Region, Atlanta, Ga.  

“I’m excited about the challenges of a new position and helping to direct and manage a program at the national level.  I’m also looking forward to working with Ron with his experience and demonstrated leadership,” said Ferrell.

Sprinkle received a bachelor of arts in social science from the University of North Carolina, Asheville, in 1972.  Ferrell received a bachelor of science in physical education with a minor in recreation from East Tennessee State University, in 1985.

Sprinkle replaces former director of Law Enforcement and Investigations William Wasley, who retired in April.  Ferrell replaces former deputy director Kim Thorsen, who transferred to U.S. Department of the Interior’s Law Enforcement and Security.  Sprinkle will report at the end of June and Ferrell at the end of July.

Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations is charged with the protection of people and natural resources on the 191 million acres of national forests and grasslands managed by the agency and visited by hundreds of millions of people each year.  Every year, the organization responds to more than 300,000 incidents, including marijuana and methamphetamine production, wildland fires and arson and search and rescue operations.  

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