Citizens Receive Yellowstone Superintendent’s Commendation
Written by Andrew-Rossi on January 20, 2020
Two citizens were officially honored by Yellowstone’s superintendent, but for an unorthodox reason.
This past September, Frank and Terry Dinovi were staying at the Mammoth Campground. While there, Terry, a registered nurse, witnessed an incident of apparent child abuse and neglect. Being trained to identify child abusers and their victims, Terry and Frank reported their observations to Park Rangers. Thanks to their tip, Yellowstone law enforcement officers began collaborating with multiple state and national agencies.
The abusers had been taking their six children across the country, staying at campgrounds from Alaska to Arizona. It was in Arizona that the adults were apprehended and charged with felony child abuse, child endangerment, aggravated assault, and kidnapping. The six children were removed from their custody.
In recognition of the Dinovi’s recognition of child abuse and subsequently reporting it to authorities, Yellowstone Superintendent Cam Sholly formally recognized the Dinovi’s recognition with the Yellowstone Superintendent’s Commendation. Their bravery saved six children from further harm.
