Josh Acosta Receives LBE Award

Randy Skelton, Shane Olpin, and Maeve Juarez present Josh with the award

JOSH ACOSTA
Fulton Hotshot Superintendent
USDA – Sequoia National Forest

Category: Mentoring and Teamwork  

Congratulations to Josh Acosta for being selected as one of the recipients for the 2020 Paul Gleason Lead by Example award. Four 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. Josh's work in support of the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program has been a demonstration of mentoring and teamwork.

Photo: Maeve Juarez. Josh with his family

Josh is recognized for exhibiting exemplary servant leadership. His willingness to assume the Region 5 Hotshot Chair supporting and leading 45 IHCs. This role was in addition to his service as the Southern California Geographic Area Coordinating Center (South Ops) IHC Representative, the South Ops IHC Coordinator, and the South Ops lead for IHC certification. These roles would have been significant enough but performing these duties during a global pandemic with unprecedented challenges required exemplary leadership skills and decisive action. Josh's work with the Region 5 COVID-19 CERT team to draft a process for certification during the pandemic, ensured crews were able to maintain currency and availability.

Photo: Maeve Juarez. Josh was supported by his team and colleagues

 

Josh has provided an example for others to follow.