Bill Overby is Commander of the Parks Law Enforcement Academy at Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon, WA. He was a Park Ranger with Washington State Parks for 32 years, including 20 years as manager of Deception Pass State Park. Commander Overby recommends you don’t let the park define you, even as you give your all to your career.
What We Talk About
• How are cadets are not prepared when they arrive at the academy
• How to tell if cadets will stand out in the academy
• The importance of writing well
• Traits of Rangers who become leaders
• Biggest challenge of being a Park Manager
• How to handle a promotion when you now supervise your peers
• Recruitment and retention of employees
• The importance of appearance
• Balancing your career and family life
Resources
• Deception Pass State Park
• Parks Law Enforcement Academy at Skagit Valley College
• Music by Jason Harrod
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Great guy and glad to have had him as my commander in the PLEA.
Thanks for listening and commenting Chris. I am glad he was my commander too. Definitely had an impact on my career.
Bill Overby is an outstanding instructor and caring individual. The Commander is also hard as nails in preparing his
Park Law Enforcement cadets for the real world of law enforcement. He quickly has you dismiss the idea that the academy is going to be a “Walk in the park”. You are challenged physically and intellectually from day one by Bill, the entire faculty and college staff. And here is some sound advice. Start working out two months before attending
I took this class when I was 50 and it damn. near killed me. Bill encourage us every step of the way.
Overby cares very deeply about all his cadets during the program and after the graduation. I still have his business card he gave each of us and said “Keep in touch but also call me if you need me.” He means it.
I would trust the Commander as my backup and my life.
Mary Ledwith
Past National Park Ranger now Grammar School Teacher
Parks:
●Cape Hatteras National Shore Interpretation
●Morristown National Historic Park Law Enforcement
●Jockey Hollow NPS. Washington Head Quarters
●Edison National Historic Site
●Summit Dept of Recreation
●Girl Scouts of Northern NJ Professional Girlscout.
Thanks for listening and commenting Mary. Commander Overby is a tremendous guy.
Jody, you can take off all the parks I worked at the end of my comment. I just wanted you and Bill to know how I grew after the academy. This comment also. 😉 Thanks.