Park Ranger Margaret A. Anderson

Park Ranger Margaret A. Anderson

United States Department of the Interior - National Park Service, U.S. Government

End of Watch Sunday, January 1, 2012

Add to My Heroes

Margaret A. Anderson

Park Ranger Margaret Anderson was shot and killed while attempting to stop a fleeing suspect near the Longmire Ranger Station in Mount Rainier National Park, in Pierce County, Washington, at approximately 10:30 am.

Another park ranger had attempted to stop the suspect at a snow-chain checkpoint near the Paradise Ranger Station, but the suspect fled before being intercepted by Ranger Anderson, who had set up a roadblock. Unbeknownst to Ranger Anderson, the suspect was wanted in connection to a shooting the previous day where four people were wounded.

When the suspect reached Ranger Anderson's roadblock, he made a U-turn, exited his vehicle, and opened fire. Ranger Anderson was shot before she was able to exit her patrol car.

After being shot, Ranger Anderson radioed for help as the suspect fled on foot. Responding units attempting to reach Ranger Anderson were held at bay for approximately 90 minutes as the suspect continued to fire on them. The suspect's vehicle was recovered with additional weapons and body armor inside.

The suspect's body was found the following day about six miles from the initial shooting scene.

Ranger Anderson had served with the National Park Service for 12 years. She is survived by her husband and two young children. Her husband also serves as a park ranger in the park and was on duty at the time.

Bio

  • Age 34
  • Tour 12 years
  • Badge 1074

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Location Washington
  • Weapon Rifle
  • Offender Deceased

wildlife management

Most Recent Reflection

View all 1,511 Reflections

Dorothy and Paul,
This year (2024) I am honored to ride with LE United (NJ Division) for Margaret. She attended the Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy at NAU before I started teaching there. The classroom is named in her memory and every time I am there I see her photograph and am reminded of her sacrifice.

Please feel free to reach out to me at the Queen Creek Police Department in Arizona, if you have any questions or plan on attending Police Week in DC.

Sergeant Higgins
Queen Creek (AZ) & Park Ranger Instructor at NAU

March 25, 2024

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.