Osage Nation Wildland Fire: 1st Annual Rookie Firefighter Training

Dear Osage Constituents:

The Osage Nation Wildland Fire Management Department conducted its 1st Annual Rookie Firefighter training October 23rd-27th, 2017. The training was a complete success.

Trainees learned the basics in wildland firefighting, terminology, weather, topography, potential hazards, types of tools and equipment used. Trainees got the opportunity to learn and practice techniques and tactics utilized during wildland firefighting operations. The Rookie Firefighters themselves got hands-on experience constructing fireline that would be used during suppression actions on a wildfire. During the instructional period, the Rookie Firefighters met all course objectives set forth by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG).

Each day the firefighters received a morning briefing over the Forecasted Fire Weather, National Incident Situation Report, and 6-Minutes for Safety. Throughout the training the students were provided Breakfast & Lunch, supported by Eastern Oklahoma Regional office.

The knowledgeable and experienced instructors include, Ross Walker (Program Director), Corbin Malone (Fire Prevention Foreman), Benny Miller (Hazardous Fuels Tech / Engine Boss), Brad Hayman (Engine Boss), Britton Redeagle (Senior Firefighter), Forrest Blackbear (Eastern Oklahoma Regional Fire Management Officer), Simeon Gipson (Eastern Oklahoma Regional Fire Operations Specialist).

Our program would like to thank the Eastern Oklahoma Regional Office for providing outside agency support, the Osage Nation Department Directors that allowed their employees to attend the week of training, and any other individuals that had a part in making the week of training a complete success. Your support to allow time away from their daily duties ensured the employees received every block of instruction.

Sincerely:
Wildland Fire Management Department.