Ten days after a review board directed the National Park Service to reinstate Teresa Chambers as chief of the U.S. Park Police, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar moved to do just that.
The personnel movements brought to an end a seven-year odyssey Chief Chambers was sent down after political appointees in the Bush administration fired her for warning that staffing cuts would endanger public safety.
In the end, it was determined she was wrongly dismissed for being a whistleblower.
Secretary Salazar today announced that Sal Lauro, who was made chief after Ms. Chambers was ousted, will become a senior advisor in the Interior Department as of January 31 and that Ms. Chambers will be reinstated as chief of the Park Police as of that date as well.
At Interior Mr. Lauro "will work closely with Kim Thorsen, the deputy assistant secretary for law enforcement, security and emergency management to launch a comprehensive review of all aspects of the department’s and bureaus’ law enforcement activities and programs," release from the department said.
“Sal Lauro is a tremendous asset to the Department and I appreciate his willingness to continue to play a leadership role in our law enforcement programs,” Secretary Salazar said in the release. “He exemplifies the professionalism and dedication of our strong and proud Park Police force.”
The secretary also pointed to Mr. Lauro's accomplishments as chief of the Park Police and that he looks "forward to Teresa Chambers continuing to advance that agenda.”
“From strengthening security at the Statue of Liberty without diminishing the visitor experience, to serving as a strong, steady, and innovative leader for the force, Chief Lauro has charted the right course for the Park Police,” added Park Service Director Jon Jarvis. “I look forward to working with Teresa Chambers as she returns to the National Park Service and to continuing to advance down the path of progress that we
are on.”
Ms. Chambers said she looks forward to returning to "to the United States Park Police and to work alongside the men and women of that organization who have the privilege of serving the law enforcement profession while also serving our country.”
“Each day, as part of the National Park Service, these officers, along with law enforcement rangers, walk through the pages of history as they protect and secure our national monuments and parks and those who visit them," she added. "I look forward to assisting Director Jarvis and the entire National Park Service team in continuing their fine record of service.”
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Comments
A mere seven years after having the audacity to speak the truth to power, she gets her job back. Great for her, but not exactly inspiring to other would be whistle-blowers in the NPS.
You're very correct, Ranger. Just try and EVEN discuss the Grand Canyon Mule Issue with with anyone that works for either the Concessionaire or NPS at the Canyon.
Wow, you guys never let go of this mule thing, do you?
You've obviously never been! :)
When you've been with people that have been everywhere and done everything and you ride with them and they actually are in tears at the end of the Ride and admit it's the BEST thing they've EVER done, it stays with you. The efforts by an arrogant and ignorant individual with twisted statistics and misguided motivations should not be able gloat in victory over something that is so inseparable as the Canyon and the Mule Ride. There are individuals in NPS that are given to questionable decisions. I'll stick with something someone said that I thought was profound,"Everyone has something to learn in the Canyon." I believe it was "humbling" that he was referring to and I'd like to see it displayed by more in this conversation.
Thanks for the conversation.
Guys...
I don't have an informed opinion on the mule issue, so I stay out of it.
This thread, however, is about the fact that Jarvis is helping to right a wrong that was done by Bush cronies. Let's celebrate that and congratulate Chief Chambers on having a brass pair to knock together. Let her have her moment.
It's a deal.
All the best to Chief Chambers, really!
With that said, a suggestion that Director Sarvis correct a disservice done by one of his own (cronies:). Again, best to you Chief Chambers, aka Brass Ones. I like!
As I expected, any thing that happened under the Bush administration would be demonized. The truth is all these officials hold their positions at while they accept the changes and work with the policies that the officials in charge establish. Right or wrong, there is no reason why someone who may may whine about cost cutting adjustments and policy changes may be seen as not a team player, hence let go. there is nothing "whistle-blowing" about lawful changes in policies and staffing. It happen in the organization I worked in under the Clinton administration....get with it or get out. Oh, but since it was under the Clinton administration then it was okay. What a bunch of hypocrites.