Staff Spotlight, Patrick Barr and Christopher Goggin

Staff Spotlight, Patrick Barr and Christopher Goggin

Collier-Seminole State Park

Patrick Barr started his dream career with the Atlanta Police Department in 1986. Retiring after 35 years, he moved to St. James City, Florida. Patrick then decided that sitting around wasn't for him so he decided to try a new career as a park ranger. Protecting Florida's natural resources as well as being a welcoming presence for our park visitors and campers now takes top priority. Patrick says, "The time I spent at the Atlanta Police Department was a prerequisite/stepping stone for me to be here. It's a great place and great people to work with." Patrick drives 1.5 hours a day one-way from his home to Collier-Seminole State Park, but he says it's worth the drive for him. He wouldn't want to be anyplace else.

Our other new team member, Park Ranger Christopher Goggin, has lived in Collier County for 33 years. Before joining the Florida Park Service, Chris was a corrections and law enforcement officer for the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. Chris is also a U.S. Army combat veteran and was awarded the Purple Heart. Since Chris enjoys the outdoors and working with wildlife, and having a father who is a park ranger at Koreshan State Park, he knew working for the Florida Park Service would be a good fit. With both boots on the ground, Chris is taking the lead in presenting engaging and educational guided nature walks. His vision for the future is to advance in the Florida Park Service and to one day manage one of our amazing four-time Gold Medal Winning State Parks.    

After settling into their new park ranger positions, Patrick and Chris will be training in areas of park administration, maintenance, protection, resource management and visitor service. Already having a bit of time in the ranger station has both of them primed for our busy winter camping season, handling a total of 104 campsites.

Becoming familiar with our maintenance procedures will help the rangers keep our vehicles, tractor and equipment running smoothly. The men are eager to get out in the field to explore our many miles of hiking trails while helping to treat and remove non-native plants to restore areas to their original natural state.

Visitor service is a top priority here at Collier-Seminole State Park. The welcoming nature of both Patrick and Chris is sure to make any park visitor feel welcomed.

Stop by Collier-Seminole State Park and say hello to Patrick and Chris, and plan to spend the day hiking our trails or paddling on the Blackwater River. Both experiences are sure to please. We'll see you soon in ...the Real Florida!