Things that make you go hmmmm…
DES MOINES, Iowa —Some three dozen Iowa park rangers are now carrying semi-automatic weapons. The Department of Natural Resources recently paid $1,400 for each gun. They are civilian versions of M-16 rifles. Iowa park rangers are certified peace officers like police, sheriff’s deputies and state troopers.
“There’s always that possibility in the law enforcement world. It is going to be needed or it will be needed. Now that I’m issued the rifle, I’m glad it is something else that I have the ability to use,” said Carly Fairly, a Pleasant Creek Park ranger.The rangers said the guns will help them assist other departments.
All rangers must complete three days of training at a shooting range.