August 26, 2005

Dear Mr. Hutchinson,

On behalf of the Association of National Park Rangers, a professional organization of over 1,000 dedicated National Park Service employees and alumni, I would like to express thanks for allowing our organization to comment on the case of Veronza Bowers (35316-136). The decision reached in this matter will have a profound affect on the sense of security and public support all National Park Service staff need in order to be effective stewards of America's special places.

On August 5, 1973, United States Park Ranger Ken Patrick was murdered in the line of duty while on patrol at Point Reyes National Seashore. In April 1974, Mr. Bowers was convicted and sentenced in San Francisco Federal District Court to a life term in prison for the murder of Ranger Patrick. In this time of heightened security here at home, we believe a decision by the Commission to parole Mr. Bowers would send the wrong message to the federal law enforcement community we all depend on to protect our public lands and citizens. Indeed, it would send the wrong message to Mr. Patrick's family and friends, to every employee of the National Park Service, and to all federal agency personnel-that the memory of Ranger Patrick's ultimate sacrifice somehow holds lesser importance than the early release of a convicted murderer. This decision would strike at the heart of every park ranger who puts themselves in harm's way daily to protect our national heritage, and expects the full weight of the federal justice system to stand behind him or her should it ever be needed.

The definition of parole is the release of a prisoner before his term has expired on condition of continued good behavior. A key point to remember is that Mr. Bower's behavior, despite however exemplary it may have been during his incarceration, is far from good. The Association of National Park Rangers is unaware of Mr. Bowers ever expressing remorse over his actions. In fact, to the knowledge of our organization Mr. Bowers has never admitted that he has done anything wrong. In order to have "continued good behavior" Mr. Bowers needs to take the first step toward good behavior by assuming responsibility for his illegal and immoral actions, the murder of Ranger Patrick, and admit that his actions were wrong. Until such time as Mr. Bowers makes that admission his parole would be a slap to the face of all hard working, dedicated federal employees.

The Association of National Park Rangers respectfully requests that the Parole Commission ensures that Mr. Bowers serves the original intent of his sentencing, a life sentence. Please send a firm message that violence perpetrated against federal employees is not tolerated by this, or any, Administration, and that justice will be served upon those who commit it.

Sincerely,

Dear Mr. Gonzales,

On Aug. 5, 1973, United States Park Ranger Ken Patrick was murdered in the line of duty while on patrol at Point Reyes National Seashore. In April 1974, Veronza Bowers was convicted and sentenced in San Francisco Federal District Court to a life term in prison for the murder of Ranger Patrick. Mr. Bowers is currently being held in the Federal Penitentiary in Coleman, Florida. The U.S. Parole Commission has recently granted parole for Mr. Bowers, and he is scheduled to be released from his "life" sentence on June 21, 2005.

On behalf of the Association of National Park Rangers, a professional organization of over 1,000 dedicated National Park Service employees and alumni, I would like to express my deep concern over the planned release of Mr. Bowers. In this time of heightened security here at home, we believe this decision by the Commission sends the wrong message to the federal law enforcement community we all depend on to protect our public lands and citizens. Indeed, it sends the wrong message to Mr. Patrick's family and friends, to every employee of the National Park Service, and to all federal agency personnel-that the memory of Ranger Patrick's ultimate sacrifice somehow holds lesser importance than the early release of a convicted murderer. This decision strikes at the heart of every park ranger who puts themselves in harm's way daily to protect our national heritage, and expects the full weight of the federal justice system to stand behind him or her should it ever be needed.

The Association of National Park Rangers respectfully urges you, the Attorney General of the United States, to do everything within your power to reverse the decision of the Parole Commission and ensure that Mr. Bowers serves the original intent of his sentencing, a life sentence. Please send a firm message that violence perpetrated against federal employees is not tolerated by this, or any, Administration, and that justice will be served upon those who commit it.

Sincerely,