As Deputy Chief of Plans with the Coronavirus Emergency Response Team over the past month or so (uncoincidentally after dealing with a bout of COVID myself) it has become increasingly clear that although we favor the forests, we also favor the people who choose to involve themselves with public land; in one way or another. The employees, contracted individuals, and the public welfare jumped to the top of the list of priorities when COVID-19 began to pose itself a threat. Excitingly and quite frankly, terrifyingly, I am now part of the frontline response to virus outbreaks. 

The frontline response values knowledge and composure. Experienced individuals give emergency instructions to various forests throughout the region to maintain a unified and swift response. Just a few months ago, I was sitting at my desk learning about incidents, and incident command chains. Now I am part of one.

The California Forest Service has a new Incident Commander to respond to the coronavirus, and I was lucky enough to collaborate with him. Quality time with experienced individuals does not happen often here at the Forest Service; likely even less so during a national health crisis, over telework. Moreover my ideas and thoughts for the initiative is being acknowledged at a higher level, which is an extremely validatingthing. I will say that my work with the Forest Service surprises me everyday; it is nothing I could have ever expected.

Agency: U.S Forest Service

Program: Resource Assistant Program (RAP)

Location: Wildland Fire Training Center