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News Release
USDA Forest Service
Washington, D.C.
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| FS-0130 |
Contact:
Heidi Valetkevitch, 202-205-1134 |
NEW FIRE AND
AVIATION MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR NAMED FOR FOREST SERVICE
WASHINGTON, Apr. 3, 2001 -- U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service
announced today that Jerry Williams will head the
Fire and Aviation Management staff. Williams most
recently served as director of Aviation, Fire, and
Air staff in the Northern Region headquartered in
Missoula, Mont. He replaces Jose Cruz who retired
earlier this year.
“This position is critical in assuring that
the Forest Service and the other federal and state
agencies are prepared for the fire season,”
said Acting Forest Service Chief Phil Janik. “Williams
will do a first-class job protecting people and
resources and promoting safer, healthier forests
and grasslands. I’m glad to have him in this
position.”
Williams began his Forest Service career 32 years
ago as a firefighter, serving as a smokejumper for
seven years. He has served in fire management positions
at district, forest, regional, and national office
levels. Additionally, he has broad experience in
fire suppression, fire use, and the wilderness fire
program. Before becoming regional fire director
in the Northern Region, Williams served as Assistant
National Fire Director for Operations in Washington,
D.C.
"I'm anxious to take on the responsibilities
of the assignment," Williams said. “I
am looking forward to working with state, federal,
and local partners to protect people and resources
and being part of the team implementing the National
Fire Plan.”
In 1999, Williams co-led development of a national
strategy designed to protect communities, watersheds,
and species at risk in fire-adapted ecosystems.
The strategy became a basis for the National Fire
Plan. He holds a master's degree in fire sciences
from the University of Washington.
Williams and his wife, Greta have been married
for 27 years. Their daughter, Sarah, is a student
at the University of Virginia. Their son, David,
attends the University of Montana.
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