“We have been fortunate to have Steve here in the Smokies,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “He has admirably served and protected the people of this park, while working in partnership with many federal, state and local agencies that support the park.” 

Kloster has worked as chief ranger since May 2015, holding various other law enforcement positions throughout his career in the Smokies and serving as acting chief ranger five times between 2009 and 2015. 

Originally from upstate New York, Kloster began his career with the National Park Service in 1983 as a park technician at Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site in Pennsylvania, working at a variety of other parks before arriving in the Smokies in 1988. 

He’s had an illustrious and decorated career, with awards and honors received during his 35 years of service including the Department of Interior’s Exemplary Act Award of 1992 and the Georgia Medal for Valor, both for the rescue of a pilot involved in a mid-air collision. He received the Special Act Award in 1993 for a parkwide marijuana eradication program in the Smokies, the Quality Step Increase for outstanding performance in East District operations in 1998, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Employee of the Year Award and the 2001 National Park Service Southeast Region Harry Yount Award for protecting resources and serving visitors in an exemplary way.