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4 women in law enforcement at Virginia State Parks
At the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, law enforcement (LE) rangers go beyond traditional policing; they serve to protect both people and the natural and cultural resources of Virginia’s state parks, as well as other state-owned sites like natural area preserves.
Among these dedicated professionals are remarkable women breaking barriers in a historically male-dominated field. Keep reading to meet four female law enforcement rangers at Virginia State Parks, learn about their paths to law enforcement and discover what motivates them to preserve the past and protect the future.
Amanda Bishop
Park Ranger LE, Claytor Lake State Park
Officer Bishop
Academy graduation: 2024
Years in law enforcement: 1 year in August 2025
Areas of focus: Supervising maintenance and housekeeping staff, site safety tasks, patrolling the park, interacting with park visitors, assisting with maintenance projects/tasks and helping other rangers when needed.
Who inspired you to work in law enforcement?
I was inspired to work in law enforcement by my brother and other law enforcement rangers talking to me about the job.
Why did you choose a career in law enforcement at Virginia State Parks?
I chose law enforcement in Virginia State Parks because my first job was at the park system, and I grew to love it. I had worked as a wage employee for about 11 years prior, and I wanted to be able to work in state parks full time. I wanted to help protect them in a different way because things can happen in state parks, too, not just outside of state parks.
Tell us more about your background and career path with Virginia State Parks.
State parks was my first job. I started at Claytor Lake State Park when I was 16 as a housekeeper and stayed in that position until I was 22.
Then I served in the U.S. Army from 2012 to 2016 on active duty in South Korea, Colorado and Kuwait. I worked most of summer 2016 at New River Trail State Park as a trail guide on horseback.
After a 3-year break, I came back to Virginia State Parks in 2018 and eventually to Claytor Lake as a housekeeping wage employee again. I worked at Claytor while attending college. I earned an associate degree in forensic science from New River Community College, then transferred to Radford University (RU) to earn my Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and minor in conservation law enforcement.
Right before I graduated from RU, Claytor Lake opened a park ranger law enforcement position, so I applied and was blessed to get it. I graduated RU in December 2023 and began working full-time at Claytor Lake in January 2024 until academy began in April. Academy was until August 2024, then I started the Field Training Program, completing it by January 2025.
What advice would you like to offer to girls or women who aspire to work in law enforcement?
My advice for other females would be to work hard, be willing to listen, always ask questions and don't take anyone's crap just because you are female wanting to do law enforcement. You have to try this type of work before you really know if it's for you or not.
For females wanting to work law enforcement in Virginia State Parks, I think working in state parks prior as a wage, seasonal or full-time ranger is helpful because you already have knowledge of how parks operate and what visitors may be like that you could encounter.
Jessie Carter
Chief Ranger, Natural Bridge State Park
Officer Carter
Academy graduation: 2018
Years in law enforcement: 6 years
Areas of focus: Provide quality visitor services for guests, informing them of the Natural, historical and cultural resources of Natural Bridge State Park. Enforce rules, regulations and laws.
Who inspired you to work in law enforcement?
Officer Jim Jones, park manager, Natural Bridge State Park. After connecting in the fall of 2016, Jim made sure I had knowledge of resources and encouraged me to join the Career Development Program to become more competitive for park ranger law enforcement interviews.
Why did you choose a career in law enforcement at Virginia State Parks?
I am very passionate about cultural, historical and natural resources. I have daily opportunities to engage with visitors from all over the world. I get to be part of a lot of people’s first-time experiences, fishing, hiking and stargazing to name a few.
Tell us more about your background and career path with Virginia State Parks.
I was working as a historical interpreter prior to employment with Virginia State Parks. I am fortunate to have opportunities as a contact ranger and volunteer coordinator prior to full-time state park employment, in addition to taking in the Park Ranger Career Development Program.
What advice would you like to offer to girls or women who aspire to work in law enforcement?
It is a very fulfilling job that can lead to many opportunities. The connections you make with your law enforcement peers are connections that will last a lifetime.
Meggan Saul
Park Ranger LE, Pocahontas State Park
Officer Saul
Academy graduation: 2023
Years in law enforcement: 1 year in May 2025
Areas of focus: Public safety, conserving natural and cultural resources, and community engagement.
Who inspired you to work in law enforcement?
I had a coworker in Virginia State Parks who really showed me the path and was a huge support system through it all. I'm thankful for that. That coworker had a choice to just be a coworker, but they chose to build me up, show me skills and support me all the way.
Why did you choose a career in law enforcement at Virginia State Parks?
I have wanted to be a park ranger more than I can breathe since I was a kid. I grew up outside. To be able to protect the community as well as educate them on natural resources so the generations to come can have a chance to enjoy the outdoors is a dream come true.
Tell us more about your background and career path with Virginia State Parks.
I started in 2021 at Smith Mountain Lake State Park as a seasonal contact ranger. In 2022, I became an education support specialist at Holliday Lake State Park, so I led educational programs for the public. During this time, I got the amazing opportunity to do educational outreach at Campbell County Public Schools and teach at the elementary school for the very same teacher who taught me. In 2023, I started at Pocahontas State Park as a law enforcement ranger, and it has been an amazing opportunity. I'm currently finishing up my bachelor’s degree in environmental science online.
What advice would you like to offer to girls or women who aspire to work in law enforcement?
For women who aspire to work in law enforcement, run after it, be honest with yourself, work hard and never count yourself out before you even start.
Stephanie Venarchick
Assistant Park Manager, Kiptopeke State Park
Officer Venarchick
Academy graduation: 2020
Years in law enforcement: 5 years
Areas of focus: Public safety, resource protection, visitor assistance and education. Enforce park regulations and state laws. Conduct regular patrols of the park and respond to emergencies, to ensure safety of visitors and staff. Monitor wildlife, investigating environmental violations and collaborating with conservation teams to prevent damage or misuse of these assets.
Who inspired you to work in law enforcement?
Growing up, I spent most of my time with my family outside exploring parks, hiking trails and learning about the wildlife around me. Those experiences sparked a lifelong passion for the outdoors, conservation and protecting the natural environment. As I got older, I knew I wanted a career that combined my love for nature with my desire to help people.
Becoming a law enforcement ranger was the perfect path – it allows me to protect both visitors and the resources they come to enjoy. I’m able to use my knowledge of wildlife and conservation every day, whether it’s educating the public, enforcing laws that protect the land or ensuring everyone’s safety. What inspires me most is knowing that my work helps preserve these special places for future generations while encouraging others to respect and appreciate the natural world.
Why did you choose a career in law enforcement at Virginia State Parks?
I chose the law enforcement path within Virginia State Parks because it allows me to serve in a role that aligns closely with both my personal values and the mission of the agency. Virginia State Parks are dedicated to protecting natural and cultural resources while providing safe, enjoyable outdoor experiences for the public. That mission reflects my own passion for conservation, education and public service.
Tell us more about your background and career path with Virginia State Parks.
I have a bachelor’s degree in biology. I got my start with Maryland State Parks in 2014 as a seasonal employee and worked my way up to a full-time non-law enforcement ranger in 2015. I accepted a full-time park ranger law enforcement position with Virginia State Parks in November of 2019 at Kiptopeke State Park, and since then, I have become the assistant park manager.
What advice would you like to offer to girls or women who aspire to work in law enforcement?
My advice to girls and women interested in law enforcement is to believe in your abilities and stay focused on your goals. This career can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Surround yourself with mentors and support networks – whether it’s other women in the field or professional organizations – because having people who understand the unique challenges you may face makes a difference.
Develop a strong mindset and remember why you chose this path. Your “why” will keep you grounded on tough days and remind you that you belong in this career. You bring a valuable perspective to the field, and your presence can inspire the next generation of women in law enforcement.
Interested in working in a law enforcement career at DCR? Learn more about our Public Safety and Law Enforcement Staff at dcr.virginia.gov/public-safety-law-enforcement. For a list of current openings, please go to dcr.virginia.gov/jobs.
If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.