Park Ranger honored at Retirement gathering at Fort Trumbull

Park Ranger honored at Retirement gathering at Fort Trumbull

On March 31, Henry Alves, the Park Ranger at Fort Trumbull and Fort Griswold, was honored by his staff and the Friends of Fort Trumbull and the Friends of Fort Griswold at a Retirement gathering at Fort Trumbull. The event, because of Covid-19, was held in the Maintenance Building where there was ample room for social distancing and where it was possible to keep the large “garage” doors open.

Ranger Alves served as the Ranger at both Forts for the past 5 years. Previously he had served at Hammonasset Beach State Park, Devil’s Hopyard, Gillete Castle, and People’s State Forest. He has been employed by the Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection for over 30 years.

Ranger Alves said that his proudest achievements at Fort Trumbull have been the personal relationships he had with the public, the Friends Group, and the military, located near Fort Trumbull. In terms of projects, he was proud of the platform that was constructed with the help of the Fort Trumbull Friends for the use of the Coast Guard Band during concerts. He also was gratified to make improvements to the displays inside the Fort and to create educational programs for school groups.

At Fort Griswold, with assistance from the Fort Griswold Friends, his staff was able to outline the barracks inside the Fort, to build a viewing platform to mitigate damage to the earthworks, to establish a cell phone tour of the grounds, and to add displays inside the museum.

Mr. Alves said, “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my full-time staff-Mike McKenna and Eric Hansen, for their dedication and service, the many seasonal staff who have worked for me, my Friends organizations who have been instrumental in so many major project and improvements, and the countless number of volunteers who have pitched in over the years. I owe you a debt of gratitude. If you can remember one thing about me, please know this…If it was important to you, it was important to me.”

He will be remembered for many things- his dedication, his willingness to always find a way, his friendliness, and his vision. Ranger Alves was presented with gifts from his staff, the Friends of Fort Trumbull, and the Friends of Fort Griswold. The Friends wish both Henry and his wife, Beth, a wonderful “next chapter”.