REFERENCE LETTERS

Dear Sirs,

I’m presently employed at the Mohonk Preserve in Gardner, New York as a full time ranger and have been employed in that position for 25 years, since 1995. Our user groups are hikers, swimmers, skiers, bicyclists, equestrians, and rock climbers. My special focus is rock climbing as I’ve been an avid climber for my entire adult life. The Shawangunks, also known as the ‘Gunks’ is the premier climbing destination on the East Coast and the magnificent cliff systems which rise to a height of over 300 feet are owned by the Mohonk Preserve. The cliffs’ close proximity to New York City, as well as several other major cities in the North East, ensures it continued popularity and some would claim, its overuse. It’s world class climbing routes are somewhat unique in North America in that the rock’s horizontal stratification creates fissures that cracks and cleave off, often leaving behind the formation of a series of overhanging ‘roofs’ that must be surmounted, which results in exciting and exposed climbing, even for those of modest ability, so it’s not only expert and intermediate climbers that flock to the Gunks, but also beginners and rank rookies. We service a diverse and unpredictable user group.

I am an expert in high angle rescue operations. Because we are responsible for one of the most popular climbing destinations in North America, we continually train in high angle rock rescue and extraction. Every Monday we under group rescue training to ensure that our skills are razor sharp, second nature, and that we work with utmost efficiency as both individuals and as a team. We are the first responders to any emergency situation or accident scenario; we are the front line, responsible for saving lives when every minute counts. We assess the scene, discern the nature of the injury, apply emergency medical treatment, devise an extraction plan and implement it, and package the victim for transport to a hospital. I’ve seen it all: sprained ankles, broken bones, head and spinal injuries, body recoveries. The nature of our work necessitates that we work in close alliance, and interface seamlessly with, numerous local and state fire, police, and sheriff departments.

I’ve known Donald Perry for 25 years, since I first arrived at the Mohonk Preserve. I have roped up and climbed with Donald Perry numerous times, placing my life directly in his hands and trusting to his rope management and rigging skills. I’ve had occasion to observe the broad range of his abilities and can say without reservation that he’s a consummate and expert rigger, totally responsible and trustworthy, with a vast store of experience, has likely spent as much time on the sides of cliffs and smokestacks as he’s spent on the ground, and acts with decisiveness. Should any emergency scenario arise on the job that requires swift decision making and expert action, I have no reservations that Donald will meet the challenge with the utmost skill, competence, and professionalism. I trust in Donald’s skill and experience as much as I trust in anyone’s.

If you should wish to contact me personally, I would be pleased to speak with you and to answer any questions you might have regarding Donald Perry.