Park Ranger Dan Hancock

Ranger Dan Hancock’s first job was as a lifeguard at Lee State Park. He grew up near Bishopville, South Carolina and a summer job as a lifeguard was a perfect fit. Hancock eventually found his way back to the State Park Service and worked as a park technician at Lake Wateree State Park. He used his time at Lake Wateree to get an up-close look at what is required of park rangers and carried that experience on to become a park ranger at Rivers Bridge State Historic site, where he works today. 

Hancock, like most park rangers, performs many different tasks on a day-to-day basis at his park. He can often be found mowing grass and removing trash. Working at a historic site also presents him with the opportunity to work on interpretation of the site and lead park visitors on guided tours of Rivers Bridge. We asked Hancock what he finds most satisfying about his job, and we were not disappointed with his answer! Hancock says: “The finished product. Whether it’s the satisfaction of guests from the interpretation of the park, a smile from a kid after completing the Junior Ranger Program or the clean look of the park after mowing is finished.” 
That answer alone attests to the variety of job duties park rangers perform on any given day. Thank you, Ranger Hancock, for all you do!