U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT NEWS RELEASE
Elko District Office
Elko District Office
| Contacts: | Lesli Ellis | , 775-753-0386 | , lellis@blm.gov |
Elko District BLM firefighters receive national recognition
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| Craig Cunningham (left) is presented the 2012 Fire Safety Award from Tim Murphy, Assistant Director, Fire and Aviation Directorate, at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho on March 13, 2013. |
Cunningham has been a member of the Ruby Mountain Hotshots since their inception in 2001 and was honored for his efforts in creating a more concise debriefing format that is facilitator-led, using summaries and discussion to examine critical points. This approach modifies the after action review process and allows the participants to review the plan, leadership, obstacles, weaknesses and strengths. The debriefing is dynamic and interactive, focusing on specific topics and issues that happen during an operation. Cunningham is also being recognized for his superior mentorship abilities, training of rural volunteer firefighters and leading his crew through a safe firefighting season.
“I have worked with Craig for nearly 10 years, and each year I am relieved that I have such an outstanding co-worker with an unwavering commitment to safety,” said Gabe Donaldson, Superintendent Ruby Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew. “I am certain that with Craig's presence, alternative strategies can be quickly made, and the crew’s safety will never be compromised. Craig is an innovative, creative and insightful firefighter.”
Cunningham was previously recognized by his crews for being firefighter of the year for 2003, 2004 and 2005. He began his career as a crewmember on a Bureau of Indian Affairs Type-2 hand crew in 2001 when he was asked to serve on a two-week detail with the newly formed Ruby Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew. Due to his superior performance, he was asked to finish the season and has been with the unit since.
Elko District received further accolades with Engine Equipment Operator, Taj Sulahria, being honorably mentioned for his commitment to safe operations during the season.
“I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of all our firefighters and this is an example of that hard work and dedication to the safety of the wildland firefighter program,” said Mike Ford, Elko District Interagency Fire Management Officer. “Both Craig and Taj are excellent firefighters and are a big part of the success of the Elko District’s Interagency firefighting team.”
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2011, recreational and other activities on BLM-managed land contributed more than $130 billion to the U.S. economy and supported more than 600,000 American jobs. The Bureau is also one of a handful of agencies that collects more revenue than it spends. In FY 2012, nearly $5.7 billion will be generated on lands managed by the BLM, which operates on a $1.1 billion budget. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
Elko District Office 3900 E. Idaho St. Elko, NV 89801