Deception Pass State Park ranger fired after drinking and driving in park

By JESSIE STENSLAND
Whidbey News Times Assistant editor
August 31, 2012 · Updated 4:51 PM 

A park ranger was fired from her job at Deception Pass State Park in August for drinking and driving, according to a state parks spokeswoman.

Debra Lynn Wyman was arrested on suspicion of DUI inside the park at about 1:30 a.m. on June 4. She told the arresting officer that she was off duty, but she was in her uniform and her service weapon was in the back seat, the Island County prosecutor’s office reported.

Wyman blew 0.105 and 0.098 in the breathalyzer. The legal limit in the state for blood-alcohol content is 0.08.

Sandy Mealing, a spokesman for state parks, said an investigation was conducted and Wyman was fired Aug. 15. Wyman was drunk in the park and in uniform, which are violations of law, she said.

Mealing said Wyman had been drinking at one of the host sites, in her uniform, and then attempted to drive home in her own vehicle.

The officer released Wyman to a friend and she was not booked.

Island County Prosecutor Greg Banks said Wyman had no priors, so she was allowed to plead in district court this week to negligent driving in the first degree, which is an “alcohol offense” that counts as a prior if she ever gets another DUI.

Wyman received a suspended jail sentence and was ordered to pay $941 in fines and fees. She’s on two years probation and must get an alcohol-abuse evaluation and complete treatment, if prescribed.

 

Contact Whidbey News Times Assistant editor Jessie Stensland at jstensland@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360.675.6611 ext. 5056.

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