Blue Ribbon Staff Ride - Honoring Through Learning

Kasie Crowe and George Risko doing margin demonstration

“Put your people first - Today, Tomorrow, Forever” – Jim Karels

Sam LeNeave speaking

Glenn Davis speaking

Last week, the Florida Forest Service led and facilitated the first operational Blue Ribbon Staff Ride (BRSR) near Lake City, Florida. Over the course of one week and three rides, 88 participants had the opportunity to experience and study the events leading up to, during and after the Blue Ribbon Fire in Hamilton County Florida, where two wildland firefighters lost their lives in the line of duty on June 20, 2011.

John Raulerson speaking

Jim Karels, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service

Developed in 2017 through the vision of Jim Karels, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service, and in partnership with the National Staff Ride Workshop, the NWCG Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program and Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center and OMNA International, LLC, the Blue Ribbon Staff Ride aims to enhance the knowledge of key operational areas, including leadership, communications, tactics and preparedness. Strengthening these skills will improve the ability to fulfill our mission to protect homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire.

In his closing statement to participants, State Forester Jim Karels encouraged all to “put people first – today, tomorrow and forever.” The BRSR reached further than expected – it stretched participants and leaders alike beyond the intended experiential learning experience. While honoring the memory of our brothers, Joshua Burch and Brett Fulton, the BRSR fostered an environment for people to grieve their loss, providing a space for healing and perhaps serving as a catalyst for moving forward.

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Blog contribution courtesy of the Florida Forest Service. Special recognition to Fire Training Officer George Risko and Communications and Public Relations Coordinator Monica Corbin.