Ranger Hannah Sheley | Photo: Fiery Gizzard State Park Social Media
A ranger at Fiery Gizzard State Park is receiving statewide recognition for her dedication to conservation, visitor safety, and community service.
Tennessee State Parks recently announced that Ranger Hannah Sheley has been named the Tennessee State Parks Ranger of the Year for 2025, honoring what park officials described as her professionalism, leadership, and commitment to protecting both visitors and natural resources.
The award is presented each July and recognizes a ranger’s performance and accomplishments from the previous calendar year. It is awarded during the annual Tennessee State Parks Management Conference, which is typically held at Montgomery Bell State Park near Nashville.
According to the park, Ranger Sheley has played a key role in a wide range of efforts at Fiery Gizzard, from writing grants aimed at improving the park to leading educational and interpretive programs for local schools and community groups.
Park officials also highlighted her actions during a dangerous flash flooding incident near Sycamore Falls last summer. During the emergency, two hikers became trapped by rising waters when rescue teams were unable to reach the area. Drawing on previous experience as a raft guide, Sheley reportedly navigated hazardous high-water conditions and successfully led the hikers to safety.
In addition to emergency response work, the park credited Sheley with helping remove hazardous trees along trails, maintaining emergency response certifications through ongoing training, and monitoring sensitive natural resources, including the endangered White Fringeless Orchid.
Park leaders praised Sheley for bringing “an uplifting spirit” to her work and thanked her for her courage, dedication to conservation, and service to the community.
The Ranger of the Year recognition is one of the top honors awarded within the Tennessee State Parks system and recognizes exceptional service and leadership among park rangers statewide.
