U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. today welcomed Ernie Hernandez as the newest full-time park ranger at the Great Falls National Historical Park in Paterson. A Passaic County resident and retired Bergen County Sheriff, Ernie is a U.S. Army combat veteran with several deployments to Afghanistan under his belt. He still serves as a Drill Sergeant in the Army Reserves.

 “It brings me great pride to welcome a decorated veteran like Ernie to the Paterson Great Falls family,” said Rep. Pascrell.  “With his career in our Armed Forces and at the Bergen County Sheriff's office, Ernie is exactly the kind of public servant we want to serve as a face of this jewel of the National Park System."

“My job in the Army differs from the park service quite a bit, but the [Stetson] hats are similar so I think I’ll adapt just fine. I’m looking forward to working in Paterson as a ranger to welcome visitors and do what I can to make their experience memorable,” said Hernandez.

Ernie worked last summer as one of the national park’s first part time, or seasonal, rangers. He was hired for the new permanent position under the Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) Authority, which permits federal agencies to hire eligible veterans without competition. 

“As a veteran myself, I am absolutely thrilled to bring a decorated soldier on board,” said Darren Boch, the park’s superintendent. “Military service members bring a great deal of experience and dedication to their jobs, and as a uniformed federal agency, the National Park Service is a great place for veterans seeking to continue service to their country.”

Ernie will be tasked with mentoring and coaching members of the Great Falls Youth Corps, high school age youth who work in the park during the summer. He will also work with the City and volunteers on operating the park’s newly rehabilitated welcome center, which is having a new gift shop and reception area installed in time for National Park Week the third week of April.

Rep. Pascrell introduced the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park Act of 2009, HR 280.  This bipartisan legislation designates a National Historical Park at the Great Falls in Paterson. The language from the bill was incorporated into the larger Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009, HR 146, which was signed into law by President Obama in March of 2009.

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