NAFRI Training and Training Support Receives 2020 Lead by Example Award

NAFRI staff James McGury, James Wheeler, Julio Ibarra, and Brian Hicks accept the 2020 Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award. USDA Forest Service photo.

National Advanced Fire and Resource Institute (NAFRI)
Training and Training Support
Tucson, AZ

Category: Initiative and Innovation

Congratulations to NAFRI Training and Training Support 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. NAFRI's work in support of the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program has been a demonstration of initiative and innovation.

2020 Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award. USDA Forest Service photo.

NAFRI staff were recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty in order to provide high-quality training during a global pandemic. Unprecedented challenges under compressed time frames required you and your staff to reimagine our learning environment, including a shift to virtual platforms. Throughout 2020, NAFRI personnel provided exemplary professional conduct and technical support and extraordinary customer service in support of WO FAM Doctrine, Learning, and Risk Assistant Directorate (DLR) efforts to deliver and support large-scale virtual training and delivery efforts, including Stress First Aid (SFA), Risk 101 (RM101) and COVID-19 IMT simulations.

NAFRI personnel’s unselfish contributions of time, talent, and support is commendable. Students of fire and leadership across the nation were better prepared for fire and emergency response during this crisis. NAFRI’s unwavering commitment to provide training regardless of the challenge is an example of what right looks like and will serve the wildland fire service and beyond for years to come.

NAFRI and the following staff members, exemplified initiative and innovation with duty, respect, integrity: Brian Hicks, Gary Luce, Elaine Rodriguez, James Wheeler, James McGury, Bradley Oen, Matthew Edwards and Julio Ibarra. Congratulations on your accomplishments. NAFRI has provided an example for others to follow.