“I just wanted to reach out to say thank you for the training, information, and advice that you provided me during the academy. I recently applied for the Direct to FLETC (Federal Law Enforcement Training Center) announcement, completed my final interview, and was selected to move forward in the hiring process with the National Park Service (NPS). I don’t believe that I would’ve been selected for this position if it wasn’t for the program and its instructors and staff. The time and effort you all put into the program has definitely set me up for success in my future career as a park ranger. I look forward to my training at FLETC and hope that it is even half as good as the NAU program.” U.S. Park Ranger Shaun Donnelly (PRLEA Class #44)
“The PRTP program offered at NAU is a high-quality training experience that sets you up for success as a law enforcement ranger. I found that the connections and networking created in the program have been long-lasting.” Zach Nelson, Supervisory Field Ranger, Grand Tetons National Park (PRLEA Class #26)
“The program gave me everything necessary to prepare for a career as a law enforcement ranger with the NPS. Though the days were sometimes long, the academy prepared me for the real world. The instructors are phenomenal, incredibly knowledgeable, and work hard to help people learn and grow. NAU’s PRLEA also prepared me for FLETC*. The programs are nearly identical, and as a result, FLETC was not nearly as difficult as I assumed it would be. If you are interested in a career with a land management agency, I highly recommend you attend the academy at NAU.“ U.S. Park Ranger Matthew O’Brien (PRLEA Class #42)
“I cannot recommend the NAU academy highly enough. The range and number of instructors is truly phenomenal. Furthermore, NAU is located in an area that is rich with natural and cultural resources – a perfect learning environment. As with most things in life, you will get back what you put in. If you put in the work, you will likely succeed. Go there prepared and you will leave with a wealth of practical experience and with a robust network of professionals to help you build your career. Attending the NAU PRLEA was an incredibly valuable experience for me. I would do it again in a heartbeat.” -Mitchell Belles (PRLEA Class #45, Best in Class)
“As one of many of the program’s instructors, I can say that NAU’s PRLEA provides students an exceptional opportunity to obtain the training required to be a law enforcement park ranger. The job requires not only a strong love for the out-of-doors, but also skill and self-confidence. NAU’s PRLEA provides both to students and lays the foundation for their eventual work in the “real world”. I think I speak for all the program’s instructors when I say we look forward to meeting you, watching you grow, and assisting you in becoming that asset our parks and natural resources so desperately require.” Sgt. J. Randy Servis, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office (ret.) and Lieutenant and Regional Supervisor, Arizona Department of Agriculture (ret.)
“There are a lot of people who go through NAU PRLEA and it is a testament to the quality of the program. Four of the 5 of us who interviewed together for Direct to FLETC* went to the program. Keep up the good work.” Jake Tweeten (PRLEA Class #44, Best in Class)
“I found the scenario-based training at NAU’s PRLEA program to be very helpful in preparing me for working as a law enforcement ranger and later attending FLETC*. It’s a major commitment to attend the academy, but worthwhile.” U.S. Park Ranger Austin Awender, Lassen Volcanic Park (PRLEA Class #42)
* Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. FLETC provides PRLEA graduates with additional training that qualifies them for permanent positions with the NPS and other agencies.
Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy, Flagstaff, Arizona 