There's a new Chief Ranger at Death Valley National Park. Philip Johnson will lead the Visitor and Resource Protection program, which includes law enforcement, fee collection, emergency medical services, structure fire response, and search and rescue in the 3,400,000-acre park.

Last year, Death Valley National Park’s Visitor and Resource Protection staff responded to 84 requests for assistance, 98 medical emergencies, 17 search and rescue incidents, 26 motor vehicle accidents, 16 structural or vehicle fire incidents, and 628 law enforcement patrol contacts.

Superintendent Mike Reynolds said, “I’m thrilled to have Philip Johnson at Death Valley permanently. He is a calm and collaborative leader. He brings a tremendous breadth of skills and experience.”

Johnson started his National Park Service (NPS) career as a volunteer for Yosemite Search and Rescue in 2002. He worked for the NPS at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. He worked in Yosemite National Park for 11 years, leaving as the Valley District Ranger in 2021. He most recently served as the Chief Ranger of Devils Postpile National Monument. He is a two-time recipient of the Department of the Interior Valor Award.

Johnson commented, "I am looking forward to working with the incredible Death Valley team, the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe, park partners, and cooperating agencies in protecting the park's natural and cultural resources for future generations of visitors. Our focus going forward is to build out our preventative search and rescue program, enhance our fee collection technology, continue the rehabilitation of park campgrounds and increase support for our patrol rangers."

Superintendent Reynolds added, “I believe Philip’s approachable nature will strengthen our relationships with the many partners that help the park during emergencies.”

Johnson is a 2000 graduate of the University of California at Berkeley with a bachelor's degree in geography. Johnson said that he and his family (wife: Janet, daughter: Pearl, and son: Jude) are excited to explore the canyons and peaks of Death Valley National Park.