Well, here we are again. I recognize that tree… You may be asking yourselves, where are we exactly? Allow me to explain. In October of 2021 I published a piece called Wildland Fire’s Great Exodus, which if you missed it, you're welcome to read by clicking here. The quick synopsis however, is this; federally employed wildland firefighters (WFFs) … Continue reading The Panic Button
One Step at a Time
You know what’s awesome? Analogies. And it just so happens that I have an analogy to share with you, which I’ll happy toss your way in just a moment.
Away
For as far back as I can remember, I’ve felt a pull to be “away.” When I was a kid it didn’t matter if I was around the corner at a friend’s house or gone at a summer camp, I just felt a consistent urge to be someplace else. That feeling has never subsided, and it’s … Continue reading Away
Fire Family
We refer to ourselves as fire family with great intention because we aren’t close friends, that would actually be quite the misrepresentation. The term family signifies a closeness, but it also encapsulates the ruggedness of human relationships...
A Tale of Two “Foxies”
Here I was, a parent in one of those situations that feels like whichever choice I make it’s going to be the wrong one...
Wildland Fire’s Great Exodus
The Great Exodus that is occurring amongst the ranks of the wildland firefighting population is on a catastrophic trajectory because of what it will mean for wildfire response moving into the future.
The 40 Year Old Fill-In
When the pandemic hit in 2020, it flipped everything sideways for the fire community and most things were uncertain except for one; fires would still happen, and firefighters would have to respond. At the time, I was in a secondary fire position which didn’t require me to take an assignment but with the position I … Continue reading The 40 Year Old Fill-In
The End Result
Well... here we are. There’s no question that January 6th, 2021 will be a day marked in history because what took place crossed a line that most people could never have imagined, but even so, it wasn’t surprising. That’s because where we are in this moment is a natural progression between where we’ve come from and where we’re headed.
What a Nice “Gift-Together”
Holidays mean something different to everyone but a huge component usually has to do with togetherness. This year is particularly difficult because we can’t be “together” but that doesn’t eliminate our ability to exhibit togetherness through our actions.
The Greatest Contribution
The time finally came in 2019 when they both seemed to have retired fully. It looked to be a great next chapter for Bruce and Kathleen, then all hell broke loose.