2013 Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award Winner - Chad Fisher

(Chad Fisher at the Wildland Firefighter Monument; photo courtesy NPS)

Chad Fisher
Safety and Prevention Manager
National Park Service – Fire and Aviation
Honored for Motivation and Vision
Chad Fisher has been selected as one of the recipients for the 2013 Paul Gleason Lead by Example award. Three individuals and one group 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. Chad’s work in support of the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program has been a demonstration of motivation and vision.

Chad was recognized for his work with the Dutch Creek mitigations coupled with your mission, vision, and dedication to ensure that the number one objective of firefighter safety is a reality on every fire, regardless of size or complexity. Chad’s actions to reach across agency boundaries have contributed to a shift in culture regarding incident-within-an-incident planning. This dedicated effort to ensure we understand, weigh, and communicate to decision makers the consequences of placing firefighters in harm’s way and ensure we have a mechanism to evacuate them when injured sets the example for all to follow.

Additionally, Chad was commended for his work with firefighter nutrition, the Incident Response Pocket Guide revision, leadership development activities, facilitated learning analyses, and serious accident investigation teams. Chad’s leadership exemplifies the values of duty, respect, and integrity.

Congratulations, Chad, on your accomplishments. You have provided an example for others to follow.