Josh Campbell, a 1993 Houston High School graduate and colonel of the Missouri State Park Rangers, is both the State of Missouri and Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month for March 2026.
He was selected for his service to the department and for his actions immediately following a helicopter crash at Meramec State Park.
On Jan. 29, 2026, a helicopter carrying three Missouri state parks team members and a private pilot crashed into the Meramec River. Everyone aboard was able to self-rescue and received medical care at Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital.
Col. Campbell demonstrated outstanding leadership during and after the incident.
“Col. Campbell provided a calm, stable presence at the scene,” said Laura Hendrickson, director of MoDNR’s Division of State Parks, who nominated Campbell for the award. “Situations such as this underscore the strength of the Missouri state parks team under stress and in difficult conditions.”
Throughout the incident, Col. Campbell coordinated the response with multiple agencies and organizations, and he served as the department spokesperson at an impromptu news conference. His response ensured the prompt and accurate exchange of information internally and externally.
Col. Campbell oversaw swift removal of the aircraft wreckage, coordinating the process with the aircraft owner, the insurance adjuster and the towing company. The prompt attention given to the cleanup of the crash site helped prevent the need for an extensive environmental cleanup of the river and surrounding area.
“Col. Campbell’s work demonstrated the department’s ability to operate across bureaucratic boundaries to successfully communicate and calmly resolve what could have been an even greater disaster,” said Kurt Schaefer, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, who also nominated Campbell for the award. “We are very grateful to him for his exceptional leadership, calm demeanor and outstanding management of a life-threatening situation and its aftermath.”
Campbell joined the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in December 2017 and resides in Rolla.