[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 4 (Monday, January 8, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E9]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING SUPERINTENDENT RANDY KING ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE 
                         NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. REICHERT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 8, 2018

  Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, as a member who has the honor of 
representing the heart of Mount Rainier National Park, the jewel of the 
8th Congressional District and Washington State, I rise today to 
recognize Superintendent Randy King for his outstanding service to our 
country, the environment, and the National Park Service and to 
congratulate him on his retirement on January 2, 2018.
  Randy was raised in Michigan and attended Michigan State University, 
where he developed his love of the outdoors through outdoor excursions 
with family and friends. After college, he began his accomplished 40-
year career with the National Park Service, serving in six national 
parks including Yellowstone, Acadia, the Intermountain Regional Office, 
and even an assignment in Australia. In 2003, Randy moved to Mount 
Rainier National Park to serve as the Deputy Superintendent, including 
a 15-month detail as Acting Superintendent in 2009 through 2010. Since 
2011, Randy has served as the Superintendent of the Mount Rainier 
National Park.
  The challenges of managing the diverse landscape and needs of this 
park are endless. It includes 235,625 acres of forests, meadows, and 
mountains, and a National Historic Landmark District. Every year, Mount 
Rainier is graced with millions of day-hikers, climbers, and outdoor 
enthusiasts who enjoy the visitor centers, back-country, and summit of 
the mountain's 14,410 foot summit. With every visit comes inherent 
dangers from the wild landscape and it was often up to Randy and his 
team to plan and engage in rescue and recovery efforts. Randy managed 
all of these challenges with skill and grace.
  During his tenure, Randy worked tirelessly to maintain open, honest 
relationships with surrounding community leaders, businesses, staff, 
and visitors. He oversaw upgrades to the permitting process, 
renovations to historical landmarks, improvements to trail and road 
access, increased stewardship opportunities within the park, and the 
opening of a memorial to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for 
their service to this country. I had the honor of working closely with 
Randy when we passed legislation to name the Eatonville Post Office 
after Ranger Margaret E. Anderson who gave her life protecting visitors 
in the park. As Co-Chair of the National Parks Caucus, Randy and I have 
worked together on many projects over the years in an effort to 
strengthen and protect our parks.
  Randy is a proven leader whose warmth, kindness, and charismatic 
leadership is a credit to the National Park Service and will be missed 
at Mount Rainier Mr. Speaker, I again offer my congratulations to 
Superintendent Randy King, for his service and dedication to the 
community and visitors of the Mount Rainier National Park.

                          ____________________