January 2, 2012

Margaret Anderson - National Park Service - Washington

Park Ranger Margaret Anderson, age 34, of Mount Ranier, died on January 1, 2012, in Pierce County, Washington.

She was a member of the National Park Service. She had 4 years of service.  

Margaret was shot and killed while attempting to stop a fleeing suspect near the Longmire Ranger Station in Mount Rainier National Park, in Pierce County, Washington, at approximately 10:30 am. Another park ranger had attempted to stop the suspect at a snow-chain checkpoint near the Paradise Ranger Station, but the suspect fled before being intercepted by Ranger Anderson, who had set up a roadblock. Unbeknownst to Ranger Anderson, the suspect was wanted for shooting four people in a nearby community the previous day.  When the suspect reached Ranger Anderson's roadblock, he made U-turn, exited his vehicle, and opened fire with a shotgun. Ranger Anderson was struck by the shotgun blast before she was able to exit her patrol car.  After being shot, Ranger Anderson radioed for help as the suspect fled on foot. Responding units attempting to reach Ranger Anderson were held at bay for approximately 90 minutes as the suspect continued to fire on them. The suspect's vehicle was recovered with additional weapons and body armor inside. 

Angels of God, pray for
Margaret.  Pray for Eric, who
is left to raise his children
without their mother.
The suspect was found dead about six miles from the initial shooting scene.

Margaret is a 1995 graduate of Westfield High School. Her dream was to become a Park Ranger. 

Margaret is survived by many loving friends and relatives including her husband Eric, who is also a park ranger, and their two young daughters - Anna, age 3, and Katie, age 1. 

Pray for all who die in the line of duty. 

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Margaret Anderson is in heaven. Let us pray that she is at peace and is with God. Amen

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