It was one year ago on Oct. 2 that NewsChannel 13 broke the news that people around the country were praying to hear – that the little girl who was kidnapped from Moreau Lake State Park had been found.

The 9-year-old girl was rescued by an elite team of State Police and federal agents.

Her kidnapper was arrested and eventually pleaded guilty to kidnapping and other charges. Craig Ross Jr. was sentenced to 47 years in prison.

The kidnapping prompted calls for increased security and cameras at state parks. Moreau Lake State Park didn’t have them, and police said video of cars leaving the park would have helped them find Ross earlier.

Now, one year later, the state has invested in security cameras at state parks. Both at the entrance and exit and other areas around the park, but they don’t want to say exactly where they’ve installed them. 

Also, the state has added fencing around the perimeter of the park, which now makes it necessary for people to enter and leave through the main gate rather than simply walking from the road to campsites, or other areas of the park.

The Governor’s Office said $53 million has been invested to improve public safety at the state’s parks.