Leading & Learning

Newsletter of the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Spring 2009

Wildland Fire
Values and Principles

Duty

• Be proficient in your job, both technically and as a leader.
• Make sound and timely decision.
• Ensure that tasks are understood, supervised and accomplished.
• Develop your subordinates for the future.

Respect

• Know your subordinates and look out for their well-being.
• Keep your subordinates informed.
• Build the team.
• Employ your subordinates in accordance with their capabilities.

Integrity

• Know yourself and seek improvement.
• Seek responsibility for your actions.
• Set the example.

2008 Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award Winners

Six individuals from the wildland fire service were chosen to receive the 2008 national Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award. The recipients were selected for demonstrating valued leadership traits during or in support of wildland fire operations.

The annual award was created to honor Paul Gleason, a wildland firefighter whose career spanned several decades before he succumbed to cancer in 2003. Gleason is best known for developing the LCES (Lookout, Communication, Escape Routes, Safety Zones) concept that became the foundation of wildland firefighter safety. Throughout his career, Gleason led and mentored firefighters, studied and taught wildland fire, and worked to improve firefighter safety. The award highlights Gleason's influence on and contribution to wildland fire management, while honoring those who demonstrate the spirit of leadership for which he was known.

The award is sponsored by the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Committee under the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, an interagency, intergovernmental group that works to improve policy, standards, and safety in wildland and prescribed fire management. The Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award is based on three categories: motivation and vision, mentoring and teamwork, or initiative and innovation. Individuals and groups from federal, state, local and tribal agencies are eligible for the award.

The 2008 award winners are:

• James Barnier, Wisconsin Division of Forestry
  Initiative and Innovation
• Rich Dolphin, USFS
  Motivation and Vision
• JP Harris, LA County Fire Department
  Mentoring and Teamwork
• Gary Hawkins, USFS
  Mentoring and Teamwork
• Cyndie Hogg, BLM
  Mentoring and Teamwork
• Bequi Livingston, USFS
  Motivation and Vision

Visit http://www.fireleadership.gov/toolbox/documents/
gleason_award_past_recipients.html to find out more about these and past award winners.

Nominate someone you believe is worthy of the Paul Gleason Lead by Example by December 31, 2009. Provide thorough responses regarding the nominee's accomplishments.
http://www.fireleadership.gov/toolbox/documents/gleason_award_info.htm