Park Ranger Joseph David Kolodski, United States Department of the Interior

Park Ranger Joseph David Kolodski

United States Department of the Interior - National Park Service, U.S. Government

End of Watch Sunday, June 21, 1998

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Joseph David Kolodski

Park Ranger Joseph Kolodski was shot and killed after responding to a report of a man with a rifle threatening visitors at the Big Witch Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.

He was ambushed and shot as he was stepping out of his patrol car. Ranger Kolodski was the first officer on the scene and had driven past the suspect before radioing to another ranger to stay out of sight until they could work out a plan. He then returned and began to exit his vehicle when he was shot.

Another ranger then arrived at the scene and was fired at before the suspect fled into the woods. Ranger Kolodski was flown to a hospital in Tennessee where he was pronounced dead. The suspect in the shooting was arrested approximately four hours later by a tribal game warden on the neighboring Cherokee Indian Reservation.

The suspect was sentenced to mandatory life without parole and is being held financially responsible for loss of future income to Ranger Kolodski's family.

Ranger Kolodski had served with the National Park Service for 13 years and was an officer safety and defensive tactics instructor for the agency. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age 36
Tour 13 years
Badge 874

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location North Carolina
Weapon Rifle; 7.62 mm
Offender Sentenced to life

ambush, weapons violation

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Heavenly Father, You are Compassionate and Merciful. None of America’s Peace Officers leave home without the fear of not returning at the end of their watch. It is a fear that is lived daily. Unfortunately, the worst does sometimes come to pass, and lives are left shattered. Lord God, bless and keep the hearts and souls of those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Wipe away the tears from their eyes. Soothe their pain and bind up their emotional wounds through the wounds of Your beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In His name, and by His authority, I pray. Amen.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." [Matthew 5:4 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained Independent NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 21, 2025