Paul Petersen Honored for 2019 LBE Award for Motivation & Vision

Paul Petersen

State Fire Management Officer

BLM - State of Nevada
Honored for Motivation and Vision

Paul Petersen has been selected as one of the recipients for the 2019 Paul Gleason Lead by Example award. Three individuals 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. Paul's work in support of the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program has been a demonstration of motivation and vision.

Paul is recognized for his efforts to foster a learning culture and creating quality leadership development opportunities for Nevada BLM wildland fire leaders and agency administrators. His willingness to bring leaders of varying levels together to focus on leadership during pre-season meetings creates a solid foundation on which to build resilient teams. The caliber of presenters, development of staff rides like Donner-Reed, and team-building activities like Project Discovery and Yarnell Hill breakout sessions demonstrates what right looks like.

Paul's command presence during the Denio fatality on July 10, 2016, was exemplary. His behind-the-scenes work to coordinate the complexities of memorial services, investigations, critical incident stress groups, BLM Honor Guard, and media requests while maintaining fire suppression responsibilities for a grieving organization is commendable. 

Congratulations, Paul, on a job well done!