When I read the article about Ranger Wyman, I was astonished and heart-broken she was fired from Deception Pass State Park for negligent driving. Debra Wyman is a hard-working, fun, caring, intelligent woman adored by many.

I have honestly looked up to her remarkable work ethic and enthusiasm for nature over the years.

Without a doubt, no one should be exempt from the consequences following such an offense. She was fired for the first and only offense in her 18 years working for Washington State Parks.

The reason for my astonishment? Many other rangers in the agency have been involved in far worse circumstances and kept their jobs.

A Fort Casey State Park ranger was involved in a domestic violence case, intoxicated and beat up his daughter then hiding in a bunker at Fort Casey and removed at gun point by police. This ranger still carries a firearm and has a job. A Fort Flagler State Park manager was pulled over for DUI, flashed his badge at the officer to get himself out of it. This ranger still has a job. A Lake Wenatchee State Park ranger was presented with a drug charge while on duty. This ranger still has a job. A Yakima-Sportsman State Park ranger has multiple DUI charges and attempted to hide one of them. This ranger also still has a job.

This leads to the question; how do these male rangers still have jobs, but Debra Wyman doesn’t?

Trish Staplen
Mount Vernon