In The News 11 October 2025

DeWine announces formation of safety group in Ohio State Parks

COLUMBUS – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced the members of a new working group that will examine how state and local governments provide emergency services at Ohio's 76 state parks. 

The Public Safety in Ohio State Parks Working Group will be co-chaired by Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz. Other members of the working group include: 

Lt. Colonel Pat Brown, Office of Law Enforcement, ODNR
Eric Burns, Chief of EMS, Tri-Village Rescue Service
Chief Robert Butler, Independence Police Department
Jason D'Onofrio, Commissioner, Hocking County Board of Commissioners
Heidi Fought, Executive Director, Ohio Township Association
Sen. Theresa Gavarone, District 2
Josh Gardner, District Manager, ODNR
Bill Houk, Program Coordinator, Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association
Melinda Huntley, Executive Director, Ohio Travel Association
Sheriff Stephen Levorchick, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office
Lt. Colonel Josh Swindell, Ohio State Highway Patrol
Dan Swords, Deputy Director, Division of EMS, Ohio Department of Public Safety
Steven White, Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Coast Guard and
Woody Woodward, Executive Director, Ohio Parks and Recreation Association.

Governor DeWine called for the creation of the group after vetoing a provision in the state operating budget that would have required ODNR, without additional appropriation, to reimburse the local government for emergency response services provided at South Bass Island State Park.

"We certainly recognize that the popularity of Ohio’s state parks can result in more emergency calls and higher expenses for surrounding communities," said Governor DeWine. "I've asked this working group to examine the demand for emergency services in our state parks and how that demand impacts local communities." 

The working group will hold its first public meeting at the Ohio Department of Public Safety, 1970 W. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday, November 18 at 10 a.m.

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