Talk about a tough first week on the job. The new Chief of Park Operations for the Central Park Conservancy, Damon Bennett, was just six days into his new post when a storm dumped a foot and a half of snow on the park. 

"Having a major snowstorm in his first week was definitely a challenge, he stepped up to it really well,” said Betsy Smith, president and CEO of the Central Park Conservancy. 

"When we know that it's a snowstorm coming in, we immediately put our crew on stand-by and start prepping all of our equipment, making sure that it's ready to go,” said Bennett, a Westchester native who comes to the organization that cares for the park from the military.

He spent 26 years in the Army, his specialty, logistics. It’s something that comes in handy leading a staff of more than 200 working around the clock to keep the 843-acre urban oasis open for New Yorkers seeking to enjoy it in the snow. 

"As soon as the snow starts hitting our crews immediately launch into action,” said Bennett, who notes that crews work through the night so they can get as much done as possible, clearing the way for park-goers to gain access for the magic that is Central Park in the snow. Bennett says he is thankful that longtime conservancy employees really have this down to a science. 

"I was amazed knowing how well they know the park,” said Bennett. 

Would Bennett have liked a little less eventful first week? Not necessarily. He says this gave him the opportunity to see his staff at work under some pretty adverse conditions. Mainly though, he is just glad to be here at Central Park.

"You know I served my country and now I'm serving the citizens of New York and that's just a great feeling”, said Bennett.