Cleveland Metroparks Have New Chief Ranger

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH -- A longtime Cleveland Heights police veteran has been named the new Chief Ranger of the Cleveland Metroparks. Katherine Dolan was a captain with the department and has 17 years of law enforcement experience.

“Katherine brings a strong track record and a wealth of experience in law enforcement to Cleveland Metroparks Ranger Department including safety planning, management and community outreach,” said Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian M. Zimmerman. “She will be a valued asset to our 90+ officers and millions of annual visitors. I also want to thank Captain [Richard] Svoboda for his service and leadership as Interim Chief over the past several months.”

Dolan is taking over the Chief Ranger position from Richard Svoboda, who had been serving in the position on an interim basis. The transition of power will officially take place July 30, 2018. Svoboda will continue to be a captain for the Cleveland Metroparks Ranger Department.

“I’m excited to join the Ranger Department and overseeing the important role of maintaining safety and security across the Emerald Necklace for the millions of annual visitors,” said Dolan in a statement.

Dolan lives in North Royalton and has a Master's of Science degree in Criminology from the University of Cincinnati. She got her Bachelor's of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Toledo.

Ranger jurisdiction covers 23,000 acres of land. The department's goal is to provide a safe environment for 18 million people that annually visit Cleveland Metroparks property.

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