Southern Ute Tribal Ranger Babe Lansing was recently awarded the title “Ranger of the Year” by her fellow officers from the Department of Justice and Regulatory for “going far and beyond expectations in serving the tribal membership while being professional in protecting the natural resources of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation,” praise that was given to her by Tribal Ranger Captain Charles Hamby.

“We have a great group of people, and everyone out here does an excellent job. I look at different things to make my decision, and when I decided to nominate Babe Lansing as Ranger of the Year, it’s because she evaluates herself, and to me, that’s a great sign of an exceptional law enforcement officer,” he said.

Lansing has served the Southern Ute Indian Tribe as a ranger for four years, and has since become a Field Training Officer (FTO) who manages new trainees before they are sent off to the field, while gaining a better perspective to advance officer training in the future.

“She’s very humble, and that’s another area that justifies the position of being Ranger of the Year,” Hamby added. “She’s a big team player, and any task she’s given is done with success … she cares about the job she does for the tribal membership, and all of those ethics come into play whenever given the task.”

Upon receiving the recognition, Lansing stated, “I wasn’t expecting to receive this [honor], because I just go out and do my job for the membership,” she stated.

“This is the first time I’ve been noticed for this kind of award, and it makes me really proud to know that I have fellow officers that appreciate the work I do, because they are people I look to and always have my support. As I receive this award, I just want to say thank you for the encouragement and family system I’ve gained here with all the other rangers and supervisors for always being positive. They are truly a good bunch of people who I respect. I also want to thank my family and fiancée for guiding me on my journey through this chapter in my life.”