Ranger Bios
L. Brough, Senior Ranger, Horsetooth District
Growing up on the outskirts of Fort Collins, I had the opportunity to spend countless hours recreating in the Larimer County parks that I find myself patrolling today. It feels great to know that I am doing my part to protect and manage the same properties that got me hooked on the outdoors for others to enjoy. I started my dream job as a Park Ranger in 2011 as a seasonal boat ranger at Horsetooth Reservoir. Since then, I have worked in a variety of roles in our park system and am currently the Senior Ranger at Horsetooth Reservoir. My hope is that our visitors find the same love for the outdoors that I have found while recreating in our parks.
M. Feldman, Ranger II, Horsetooth District
Growing up near the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina, it was easy to find a love for the outdoors right in my own backyard. I spent my high school and college days working on trail crews, eradicating invasive species, and educating outdoor users of issues facing the conservation of our public lands.
In 2015, I received a degree in Natural Resources Management from North Carolina State University. After working seasonally as a wilderness ranger in the White River National Forest and as a technician at Rocky Mountain National Park, I knew my passion for being a Ranger was something I desired as a career. In fall 2017, I was given an opportunity to obtain my Colorado P.O.S.T. training through Larimer County. I feel exceptionally fortunate to be a part of the Larimer County Rangers and to be able to assist and educate our visitors every day.
C. Kirby, Senior Ranger, Carter Lake District
I didn't know I wanted to become a Park Ranger until after I graduated from college. I didn't really know what the job entailed. I was an interpretive guide when I was able to ride along with the Rangers at night when my shift was over, and I was hooked. It is such an ever-changing experience where every day is different, our office is the most beautiful cubicle imaginable and the job offers constant challenges to keep you on your toes.
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Biology from Colorado State University. I worked seasonally from 1998 through 2005 for various government and private organizations such as the CSU Intramural Sports department, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Glacier Park, Inc. I was doing things such as pulling weeds, weighing and measuring fish throughout Denver-metro areas and in the mountains, relocating endangered Boreal Toad tadpoles, enforcing rules through intramural sports, gaining supervisory skills, tour guiding and bus driving in the 1936 Tour Buses of Glacier National Park, providing campfire programs and educational adventures as an Interpretive Guide, and being a park ranger at North Sterling State Park and Carter Lake.
The fun jobs didn't come without hard work and dedication in the less fun jobs like cleaning toilets, collecting grocery carts, data entry and cashiering. I got hired on as a full-time Park Ranger for Colorado State Parks at Boyd Lake State Park managing the boat and sign programs for 2 years before I joined the Larimer County Dept. of Natural Resources team where I have called it my home for more than 10 years. I am currently one of the department’s Arrest Control and Defensive Tactics instructors for not only our department but also the Larimer County Sheriff's Office, a Field Training Officer and Boat Academy and Ranger Excellence School Instructor. It has been a long road, but the experience has helped give me the tools to be a success in this competitive field and I love coming to work.
W. Talbott, Senior Ranger, Big Thompson District
I have always had the desire to work in a natural resource field. After many years of working in a service industry, this desire came true. I was hired as a seasonal ranger in the spring of 2002 while I was enrolled at Colorado State University. I graduated CSU with a degree in Natural Resources Recreation and Tourism in 2006 and was hired by Larimer County Department of Natural Resources on a full-time basis at that time. I truly enjoy working with the public in this very diverse field.
V. Wilcox, Ranger II, Red Mountain District
As a young child, I was blessed to have a father that spent many days with me in the outdoors, hunting, fishing and hiking the mountains of Arizona. It gave me my strong desire to live and work in the mountains. After meeting and marrying my wife, and starting my family and having a 20-year career in the fire service, we picked up and left hot Arizona for much cooler Colorado.
I attended Pima Community College, Aims Community College, University of Arizona and Colorado State University obtaining my education in Emergency Services Management. I ended my first career of 25 years as a firefighter/medic in Arizona and Colorado in 1999 to start a new career.
I was hired as a seasonal ranger for Larimer County Natural Resources and fell in love with the profession. I decided to pursue a new career as a Larimer County Ranger. I quickly found it required training and education in many different areas, such as psychology, resource management, law enforcement, land stewardship, emergency medical services and wildland firefighting. I completed the Colorado State Law Enforcement Academy (P.O.S.T.) in 2003 and have continued my training and education throughout my career.
I am currently assigned to the “Red Mountain District” in north central Larimer County and continue to enjoy the best natural resources career anyone could hope for.
