South Puget Sound Wildland Team Earns Lead by Example Award for Initiative and Innovation

Left to right: Hilary Franz, Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands; Matt Caldwell; Terry Jewell; Kevin Dohnam, previous LBE recipient; Sean Kibbe; Don Melton, SPS Fire District Manager; Bryan Scholz, past LBE recipient; Charley Burns; Brian Looper; Mark Stanford, NWCG Leadership Subcommittee

South Puget Sound Wildland Team

Washington Department of Natural Resources
South Puget Sound Region
Honored for Initiative and Innovation

The South Puget Sound Wildland Team has been selected as one of the recipients for the 2016 Paul Gleason Lead by Example award. Three individuals and two groups from across the wildland fire service have been chosen to receive this national award.

The award was created by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason’s contributions to the wildland fire service. During a career spanning five decades, Paul was a dedicated student of fire, a teacher of fire, and a leader of firefighters. The intent of this award is to recognize individuals or groups who exhibit this same spirit and who exemplify the wildland fire leadership values and principles. The South Puget Sound Wildland Team's work in support of the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program has been a demonstration of initiative and innovation.

The South Puget Sound Wildland Team were recognized for their tenacious pursuit of leadership development. The Leading the Change effort not only changed local culture but also inspired change throughout the Washington State Department of Natural Resources organization, partner agencies, and beyond. Their initiative and innovative leadership example embraces the values of duty, respect, and integrity.

Guided by the objectives to beat yesterday, foster collective impact, and lead change in Washington State’s wildland fire community, the South Puget Sound Wildland Team embraced the concept of a mission-driven culture by providing service for the common good, creating a high trust state, encouraging individual initiative, and seeking continuous improvement. Every person at every level of the organization matters and has a voice.

Congratulations, South Puget Sound Wildland Team, on a job well done!