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Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

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Know any firefighters who are good mentors? Provide motivation or vision? Initiate or innovate? Now's the time for recognition by nominating them for the Lead by Example Award! (LBE Award nomination form)

The Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award is presented by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason's many contributions to the wildland fire community and recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership...those who lead by example. This national recognition will acknowledge those in the wildland fire service who exemplify the wildland fire leadership values and principles.

The Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award Program will:

  • Recognize actions associated with wildland fire;
  • Recognize actions within the last two years;
  • Recognize individuals or groups at all levels; and
  • Promote the wildland fire leadership values and principles.

 

Nomination Process

Nominations will be accepted in three categories:

  1. Mentoring and Teamwork: This award recognizes an individual or group for outstanding effort or accomplishment related to the wildland fire leadership principles of developing others for the future and building the team.
  2. Motivation and Vision: This award recognizes an individual or group for providing inspired vision and clear intent. This could be demonstrated by influencing others to achieve an exceptionally difficult mission or improve the organization.
  3. Initiative and Innovation: This award recognizes an individual or group for executing an outstanding initiative or innovation related to the implementation of the wildland fire leadership development program.

Evaluation of nominees will be based on the following criteria:

  • Demonstration of significant accomplishment in the stated category
  • Alignment with the wildland fire leadership values and principles
  • Scope of the accomplishment, considering available resources.

Evaluations will be accomplished through a five-member cadre that represent a cross-section of the wildland fire service.

Nominations must be received by December 31st. Selections will be made by January 31st. Awards will be presented in the spring. Presentations will be made by a Leadership Committee member at an appropriate venue for each recipient.

The Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award 2023 Winners:

  • Sam Bowen, Superintendent of the Mark Twain Veteran Crew with the U.S. Forest Service. 
  • Greg Titus, Zone Fire Management Officer for the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
  • Renae Crippen, Manager of the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Eric Carlson, Instructor with OMNA International.
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What makes this award different from other firefighting awards?

This award was developed to recognize firefighters who lead by example and exemplify established wildland fire leadership values and principles. The values – Duty, Respect, Integrity – help guide the decisions and actions of each firefighter, especially those in leadership roles. The 11 leadership principles provide the specific actions leaders should take in order to demonstrate the core values. Principles such as “Know Yourself and Seek Improvement,” and “Make sound and timely decisions,” issue sound marching orders for firefighters, whether they are striving to become leaders or already fill a leadership role.

How do I nominate someone for an award?

First, you must choose the category under which your nominee will fall. The categories include 1) Mentoring and Teamwork; 2) Motivation and Vision; and 3) Initiative and Innovation. Second, you must write the nomination using the following criteria: 1) demonstration of significant accomplishment in the stated category; 2) alignment with the wildland fire leadership values and principles; and 3) scope of accomplishment, considering available resources. The award must be submitted by December 31, and include the name and unit of nominee, and name and unit of person submitting the nomination, as well as other important information.

How are the winners chosen?

Winners are chosen by January 31 each year by a panel consisting of people from the wildland firefighting community. Awards are presented the following spring.

Do the nominees have to be federal employees?

No, nominees can be employees of state, Tribal or local firefighting organizations. The important point is that they are setting the example for leadership in the wildland firefighting community.

Can I nominate a group of individuals?

Yes, nominees may be individuals or groups. The same categories and criteria apply for both.

Who is Paul Gleason?

In short, Paul Gleason was a leader. Paul succumbed to cancer in 2003 following a wildland fire career that spanned several decades. During his career Paul led and mentored firefighters, he studied and taught wildland fire, and through his contributions to the wildland fire community, improved firefighter safety. Paul developed the LCES (Lookout, Communication, Escape Routes, Safety Zones) concept that became the foundation of firefighter safety. When asked what he would like his legacy in fire to be, Paul said this: "I suppose I would want my legacy to be that firefighters begin to realize the importance of being a student of fire and that I was able to help make that happen."

Year Recipients
2022
  • Michelle Reugerbrink
  • Jorge Amaya
  • Shawn Sullivan
2021
  • Barbara “Bea” Day
  • Jason Kuiken
  • Greg Smith
  • Grassroots Wildland Firefighters
2020
  • Eric Bush
  • Jeremy McIntosh
  • Training and Training Support, Tucson, AZ
  • Brendan Fennigan
  • Josh Acosta
2019
  • Paul Petersen
  • Robert "Zeke" Ziel
  • Steven Hubner
2018
  • Kim Lightley
  • Peter Barry
  • Boise BLM Helitack
  • Kim Kelly
2017
  • Hector Madrid
  • Chris Henry
  • Matt Jolly
  • Larry Bradshaw
2016
  • Diego Mendiola
  • Debbie Myers
  • Dan Cottrell
  • Scott Anderson
  • George Risko
  • South Puget Sound Region, Washington Department of Natural Resources
2015
  • Jerry Ingersoll
  • Justin Vernon
  • Tommy Hayes
  • Rowdy Muir
2014
  • Kevin Donham
  • Kip Gray
  • Eric Hipke
  • Alex Robertson
  • Bryan Sholz
  • Paul Cerda
  • Wally Ochoa
2013
  • Chad Fisher
  • Dr Carl Seielstad
  • Jim Shultz
  • Palomar Interagency Hotshot Crew
2012
  • Anthony Escobar
  • John Lauer
  • Shane Olpin​
2011
  • Travis Dotson
  • Tony Doty
  • Patrick Lookabaugh
  • Ralph Thomas
2010
  • Jason Fallon
  • North Zone Fire Management
  • Thomas Taylor
2009
  • Dennis Baldridge
  • Stan Stewart
  • Pete Glover
  • Steve Holdsambeck
  • Kathy Komatz
2008
  • Rich Dolphin
  • Bequi Livingston
  • Cyndie Hogg
  • Gary Hawkins
  • John "JP" Harris
  • James Barnier
2007
  • George Weldon
  • Jerome McDonald
  • Larry Sutton
  • Brad Mayhew
2006
  • Chris Wilcox
  • Fire Management Division, Winnemucca Field Office
  • Tom Boatner
  • Texas Forest Service
  • BDF Engine 57 Family Support Staff
  • Jack Kirkendall
2005
  • LJ Brown
  • Pete Gordon
  • Brit Rosso
  • Fire Operations Staff, Vale District BLM
  • Pam McDonald
  • Bill Waln
2004
  • Paul Chamberlin
  • Daria Day
  • Jon Larson
  • Mid-Plains Interagency Handcrew, Crew Bosses
  • Karl Brauneis
  • Jim Cook
2003
  • Dave Koch
  • Mark Linane
  • Bill Miller
  • Dan Kleinman
  • Curtis Heaton
  • Mike Bland

On April 27, 2005, the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program awarded the first ever Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award - for Lifetime Achievement to Ted Putnam, PhD.  Read Ted Putnam's Lead by Example Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 2010, Bud Moore's family received a LBE Lifetime Achievement Award in sincere appreciation and reverence for Bud's service and example. Read Bud Moore's Lead by Example Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 2019, the NWCG Leadership Committee awarded Jim Karels a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Lifetime Achievement Award in sincere appreciation for his service and leadership example. Read more about Jim Karels' years of service.

NWCG Latest Announcements

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003

NEW! S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended) Now Available

Date: June 10, 2025
If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page. 
If your question is not answered there, you can 
submit your question using our Contact Us form. 
 

The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

Date: June 3, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552