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2006 ROSS Training Cadre

ALICIA AMARO » Fire Captain, CDF, St Helena ECC, Sonoma-Lake Napa Unit: I started my CDF career in 1980 as a Firefighter I in the Humboldt Unit. I needed a summer job and thought I'd give it a try. It only took one season to get hooked and I've never looked back. I spent the next 3 years as a Firefighter I and Firefighter II in the Lake-Napa and San Mateo-Santa Cruz Units. In 1984 I promoted to Fire Apparatus Engineer in Lake-Napa and worked Schedule A for the next couple of years at Napa station. Wanting to get back to wildland firefighting, I transferred to a Schedule B station in 1986. In 1989 I was given the opportunity to work in the ECC during the winter. I have to say I enjoyed dispatching as much as firefighting. For the next 3 years I divided my time between working at various stations during the fire season and in the ECC during the winter. In 1995 I promoted to Fire Captain and accepted a permanent position in the ECC. In 1997 Lake-Napa merged with Sonoma becoming the Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit, one of the largest CDF units in the state. In 1998 we combined both dispatch centers into one and began dispatching for 6 counties. I continue to enjoy the challenges of dispatching and miss firefighting just a little. I am new to ROSS, but look forward to being on the cadre and working with the other members.
CARMIE BIAGGI » Dispatcher, Mendocino National Forest: I started with the Forest Service in 1988 in Silviculture on the Mendocino N.F. I worked in Silviculture until 1994. I graduated from Shasta College in 1991 and received appointment through the CO-OP program. During that time I assisted in Recreation, Timber and Fire. In 1994 I took a job as Assistant Engine Operator on the Mendocino. From 1994 - 2003 Worked on Engines, Hotshot Crews, Silviculture and Prevention. In 2003 I accepted Dispatcher job on the Mendocino. I joined the Ross Cadre in 2004.
MARK BURROWS » Assistant Center Manager, Mendocino National Forest: I started working for Federal Highways Administration in 1974 and worked as a Engineering Tech until 1979. From 1979 to 1985 I worked for BLM as a Survey Tech, surveyed most of Northern California and some of the southern portion of the state. I was on a crew of 6 and trained new personnel on helicopter safety. Have had extensive flight time on Bell Jet Rangers and Hughes 500 helicopters on the job. Went back to school in 1986 due to an injury on the job, working as a sawyer in a saw mill. Went to the National Educator in Sacramento and received a certificate in Business Computers and Accounting. I then started work for the Forest Service on the Lower Trinity Ranger District in 1990 as a Forestry Tech doing SRS data base records. I then became a Computer Assistant for the district. Became a permanent employee in 1992 as an Information Assistant, was introduced to the dispatch world the same year and was on details from 1994 until 2001. Was with the Fortuna ECC as a IA dispatcher for 6 years on details and in 1999 was detailed on the Modoc National Forest as an IA dispatcher. In 2001 was hired on the Mendocino National Forest as IA dispatcher and in 2003 became the Assistant Center Manager for the Mendocino.
LINDA BYRD » Resource Technician, Lassen National Forest: I started on the Sierra National Forest in 1979 on Mt. Tom Lookout. In 1980, I accepted a permanent full time clerical position. In 1983 I worked as crewmember/operator of a Model 51 engine and as an Initial Attack Dispatcher. In 1988, I went to the Plumas National Forest as a Fire Prevention Technician, a Harvest Inspector in 1989 and a Sale Administrator in 1990. I have been on the Lassen National Forest since 1994 as a Resource Technician. From 1979 to date, I have participated in fire on the line and in support. I have been a member of Dispatch Team #2 for three years and have completed thru D 510 for expanded dispatching.
SHAYNE R. CANADY » Dispatcher, CDF, San Bernardino ECC, San Bernardino Unit: I started as a seasonal fire fighter in the Riverside Unit in 1988. Three years on schedule B, 4 years schedule A. I spent 6 years on the helitack crew at Hemet -Ryan where I also worked in airbase operations. After two years as an Aircraft Dispatcher at South Ops, I went to San Bernardino where I still work.
VINCENT D. COHEE » Dispatcher Clerk, Governor's Office of Emergency Services, Southern Operations Coordination Center: I began my career as a Volunteer Firefighter with Riverside County Fire Department in 1985 and I am currently the Training officer for the NuView Volunteer Fire Company. I worked a number of years as a CDF Seasonal Firefighter on both schedule "B" and "A" engine assigned to the Riverside Unit performing fire suppression duties. I accepted a position as Initial Attack Dispatcher for CDF at the local unit level then transferred as an Expanded Dispatcher for CDF while assigned at Southern Operations Coordination's Center in Riverside (South Ops). I worked as an Aircraft dispatcher at the GACC level and participated in the initial development of the MIRPS Software design testing and implementation. Since December of 1999 I have worked as a dispatcher clerk for the State of California Governor's Office of Emergency Services Fire and Rescue Branch assigned to the MACS /FIRESCOPE program in Riverside assisting with the Field Operations Guide ICS 420-1 and other ICS programs support.
TERRI F. CRETE » Telecommunication Systems Analyst I, Oroville ECC, Butte Unit: I started my career with CDF in 1977 at Butte Fire Center, Magalia, CA, as an Office Assistant. After 3 years I transferred to the Developmental Services offices in Chico, CA. In May of 1981 I was hired as a dispatcher clerk in the Emergency Command Center at Oroville Headquarters. I did both Initial Attack and Expanded dispatch duties for 15 years. In January 1996 I was promoted to my present job as a Telecommunication Systems Analyst I assisting the ECC Chief with radio and telephone equipment.
DARREN DOW » Fire Apparatus Engineer, CDF, Siskiyou Unit: I have been working for CDF since 1991, just completing my 15th fire season. I began my career as a seasonal firefighter, working to pay for college as a Sports Medicine Major. I am currently working at Pondosa station in the Siskiyou unit. I have been involved with expanded dispatch teams, and hired equipment.
EDWARD A. DUNCAN » Department of Interior Coordinator, BLM, Northern California Operations: I started fighting fire in 1970 as part of a pick-up handcrew his first year in college. In 1974 I returned to fire as a seasonal with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Upon graduation I went to work for the Bureau of Land Management in Burley, Idaho, and later moved to Idaho Falls. I got my first permanent job with the Bureau as a Range Conservationist in 1978. Throughout my early years I was involved with fire each summer and started using prescribed fire to improve rangelands and wildlife habitat in Eastern Idaho. In 1990 I transferred to the National Park Service as a Prescribed Fire Specialist managing the wilderness fire program for Yosemite and in 1993 I became the Chief Fire Management Officer at Yosemite. In 2002 I transferred back to BLM as the Department of Interior Coordinator at the Geographic Area Coordination Center in Redding. I received a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management with minors in Biology and Range Management from Humboldt State University in 1976.
WALT EMBREE » Division Chief, CDF, Northern Operations Coordination Center: I started as a Firefighter-I in 1971, went to Helitack in 1973, and promoted to Firefighter-II in 1974 (in SCU). I promoted to Engineer in 1975 working Schedule A, B, and Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARF) in 1976-77 (SLU). I then promoted to Captain (SKU) in 1977 where I worked station assignments and in the ECC during the SKU and KNF integration. I moved to Alaska in 1982, where I worked as a Battalion Chief for the Alaska State Division of Forestry in Big Lake, then promoted to Assistant Chief, Technical Systems and Aviation, and also was assigned Logistics Center duties in Anchorage. While in Alaska, I was selected as the Fire Chief for the Big Lake Fire Department, a startup department needing everything from a garage to put a new engine, to turnouts, training, and firefighters. I was also elected vice-President of the Matanuska-Susitna Fire Chief's Association. 1985, I returned to CDF (SLU), working in the ECC. In 1987, I became the air tanker base manager and an ATGS at the Paso Robles Air Attack Base. In 1995, I promoted to Battalion Chief at NorthOps, where I currently work as the ECC Chief for CDF Operations.
MILDRED M. FERRELL (MILLIE) » Logistics Coordinator, USFS, Northern California Operations: I was an Initial Attack Dispatcher on the Stanislaus National Forest from 1996 to 2001 before moving to Redding to assume my current position. I had many years experience as an Expanded Dispatch Recorder and Support Dispatcher before attaining the Supervisory Expanded Dispatcher qualification in 2000, with assignments all over the west and southwest. I am currently the D-310 Expanded Support Dispatcher course coordinator for California, and just completed work on the national rewrite of that course as well as the rewrite of D-110, Expanded Support Dispatch Recorder.
MARY GAUSEN » Assistant Center Manager, Klamath National Forest: I started my forest service career in 1981 on the Klamath National Forest. I worked on engines, handcrews, lookouts, and as a prevention patrol. I attended the first Apprentice Academy in 1990 and completed the training in 1991 when I received my permanent appointment. I was assigned to the Callahan Guard Station as the Assistant Engine Operator. In 1993, I accepted a detail into the Yreka Interagency Communication Center (YICC) and worked as a dispatcher for 8 months. While I was in YICC, I helped program the Cal CAD system with response areas and plans. I was the on-call dispatcher for the next 11 years. In 1996, I lateralled into a wildlife position because of the fact that young children and fire don't mix. When I wasn't surveying for Spotted Owls and every other threatened and endangered species on the forest, I worked for engineering, special uses, silviculture, range, timber, and recreation. I still kept my hand in fire as well - patrolling, dispatching, working lookouts and filling in on engines. I have been on an R5 Dispatch Team since 2002 and was introduced to ROSS in 2003. In 2003, I accepted a detail as an Assistant Center Manager in YICC. In 2004, I accepted a permanent position as a dispatcher in YICC and am currently in a detail as the Assistant Center Manager.
SUSAN GETHEN » Logistics Coordinator, USFS, Northern California Operations: I started my career with the Forest Service in 1984 in Montana, while attending the University of Montana. Over the next 11 years I worked on handcrews, helitack, engines and as Prevention Patrol. I have worked on the Flathead, Lolo, Bridger-Teton, Eldorado and Los Padres National Forests. I started dispatching in 1994 working as an Initial Attack dispatcher on the Eldorado NF, while injured. I then moved to the Los Padres NF in 1995. I worked as their aircraft/IA dispatcher for 5 years. In 2000, I moved to the Southwest Region, Arizona. I worked as a CWN/AD dispatcher for the next fours years. I taught and assisted with prescribed burning during the winters and aircraft/IA dispatched during the rest of the year. I took details in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Arkansas, New Mexico, Texas, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Arizona some details were only two weeks others were over three months long. Between teaching and dispatching I kept busy for about 9-10 month every year. In October of 2004 I accepted the Logistical Coordinator position at Northern California Operations, (NOPS). I assisted on the rewrite of the California version of ROSS. I have been teaching and using ROSS for over four years. (Folks tell me I am married to ROSS) Sue earned a Bachelor of Science in Forestry, with a minor in Fire Science from University of Montana in 1988.
RICHARD GOODWIN » Dispatcher, Tahoe National Forest: I started my career with the Forest Service in 1987 on the Klamath National Forest, Happy Camp Ranger District, while there I spent four years on a twenty person B.D. crew, six years on helitack and three years on engines, I also detailed one year to the Redding Hot Shots. In 2001 I transferred to the Tahoe National Forest on a helitack crew, in 2003 I took a detail to the Grass Valley Dispatch Center, and in 2004 I accepted a full time position as a dispatcher in Grass Valley. I still keep my Aviation Qualifications current; Exclusive Use Helicopter Manager and Aerial observer.
CHARLIE HANES » Fire Captain, CDF, Fortuna ECC, Humboldt Del Norte Unit.: I started my career working with the USFS on the Mendocino NF in 1983, in 1985 I spent a partial season on the Modoc NF before going to work for CDF in Placer County. In1989, I went to Columbia Helitack in Tuolumne Calaveras Unit, then became an Engineer and Fire Captain in the unit before transferring to the Humboldt Del Norte Unit in spring of 2005. I received an AS in Forest Technology from Sierra College in 1986.
KATHY HODNETT » Dispatcher, Six Rivers National Forest.: ROSS Administrator for FICC. ROSS review team member. MIRPS/ROSS Business Practices team member. My background includes working for the State of California as a firefighter from 1981 through 1983. I began my Forest Service career in 1984, working as a firefighter on the Six Rivers National Forest, Orleans Ranger District. I then moved into silviculture. Although I worked primarily in silviculture, I maintained currency as a firefighter by working on crews and engines through 1994. In 1995 I began my most important career as a mom. She served as District Culturist on the Orleans Ranger District until 1999. In 1999 I became a dispatcher at the Fortuna Interagency Command Center, during the Megram Fire. I attended the first California ROSS training session in 2003 and have been a member of the cadre ever since.
TOM A. HOWARD » Fire Captain, CDF, Monterey ECC, San Benito Monterey Unit: I have worked for the CDFFP since 1975, starting in the Carmel, Battalion for 7 years. I spent 3 years at the Arroyo Seco joint USFS and CDF fire station as a Fire Captain and then promoted to the San Benito Monterey Unit Automotive Fleet Manager. I returned to the Fire Captain at Bear Valley Helitack until February of 2000 when I transferred to the Monterey Emergency Command Center. I am currently a member of the Interagency Call When Needed Helicopter Manager cadre, AOBD Trainee for CDFFP ICT #7 and a qualified ATGS relieving at Hollister, Paso Robles and Porterville Air Attack Bases.
WALT MALENA » Dispatcher, Lassen National Forest: I was raised on the Klamath River (Oak Knoll (this should explain a lot)). I graduated from Yreka High School in 1976 and spent some time as an Army Medic. My first Forest Service job was in 1981 on the Mendocino National Forest as a firefighter on the Alder Springs (Stonyford District) engine and filled in on the Hotshot crew. I was appointed in 1987 on the Lassen National Forest at the Mineral Station as the assistant engine operator. I worked on the helitack crew and on engines and then in 1990 spent the summer on the Lassen Hotshots. I broke more parts than OWCP could put back together so I had to leave fire in 1991. I worked on the Hat Creek District in timber contracting until 2000. After that I was offered a dispatcher job in Susanville and have been there since.
BETH MASON » Logistics Coordinator, USFS, Southern California Operations: I began working with the U.S. Forest Service in 1978 as a recreation technician on the San Bernardino National Forest and worked in recreation until 1984. At the end of 1984 season and 1985 season I served as a seasonal engine crewmember on the San Jacinto Ranger District. At the end of the 1985 season, I became a full time employee and worked as the District Public Affairs Technician for two years. In 1987 I went back to the field to became a Fire Prevention Technician, In 1989 I went to Glenco, GA for Law Enforcement Training and worked collateral duties Fire Prevention/Law Enforcement. In 1990 I became a full time Law Enforcement Officer. I left the Forest and moved to South Ops to learn the logistical needs of incident support at the state and national levels. I am now a qualified Supervisory Dispatcher. I am on the ROSS training cadre, and a member of the ROSS Business Practice Working Group.I was also on the ROSS Change Board.
MARIBEL H. MORENO » Ass't Center Manager, Sequoia National Forest: I started my Forest Service career as an Information Receptionist in November of 1991. She worked six years at the front desk of the Sequoia Supervisor's Office. In 1995 I detailed for the summer working with the blue card program. In 1997 I joined the dispatching world and the rest is history. I am currently on the D-310 Cadre as a coach. This summer I completed my tour with Dispatch Team #3 as an EDSP. This is my first year working on the ROSS Cadre.
KARL MUEHLBERG » Assistant Forest Dispatcher, Sierra National Forest: I am an Assistant Forest Dispatcher on the Sierra NF and joined the Regional ROSS training cadre in December of 2004. I have been a full time dispatcher since May of 2001. Prior to my entry into dispatch full-time I worked in the Southern Sierra Province-Finance unit in Clovis. My Forest Service career which began in May 1988 has all been on the Sierra, although I have detailed to the RO in San Francisco and PSW in Albany. I initially worked in the SO in Training, Safety and Human Resource Programs. I then was transferred to the Mariposa Dist in 1989 and worked in Admin and Special Uses. In 1991 I transferred back to the SO to Fiscal doing contract payments. In 1996 the Sierra fiscal section was consolidated into the Southern Sierra Province. My fire and dispatch background has been with the militia and the military. I began in the Air Force dispatching medical evacuation aircraft throughout the Pacific and continental US from 1967 -72. When I wasn't dispatching I was flying air evacuation missions from Southeast Asia back to the US. My fire background includes qualifications in dispatch as an EDSD and in aviation as a RAMP, MABS (MAFFS Base Specialist) and FWBM (T), and up until last season was a member of R5 Dispatch team #5.
VICKI A. PATTERSON » Expanded Dispatcher (AD) for the USFS and Expanded Dispatch/Invoice Review (Emergency Worker) for CDF: I began working at South Ops in 1995 as an Emergency Worker/call-taker for CDF. The following season I began working in the various expanded functions and in the off-season was tasked to review invoices submitted to CDF from the Contract Counties, Forest Service and various other fire agencies. I began using ROSS in 2003 - when the GACC had to recreate the orders in MIRPS to shop them to the forests, and then had to log in as each Forest to fill out of state orders or to create incidents/orders to be placed out of state. I have logged lots of ROSS hours!
PRISCILLA PETERSON » Archaeologist, Lassen National Forest: From 1985 to 1989 I spent time as a firefighter on Hand Crews and Engine Modules. From 1989 to 1998 I worked as an Archaeologist and was Red Carded as a firefighter, squad boss, crew boss (t) dozer boss (t), falling boss (t), helicopter crewmember and expanded dispatch recorder. I continued my work as an Archaeologist from 1998 to 2003 as well as expanded dispatch recorder, expanded support dispatch (T) and joined California Dispatch Team 2. I also became active working at the Tanker Base in several positions.I have worked in regions 1, 3, 5, and 6 as a firefighter and worked in expanded dispatch at the Forest level in regions 1, 3, and 5 as well as at the GACC level at North Ops where I honed my skills with ROSS. I acquired a BS in Anthropology in 1985, and Graduate Studies in Geography with a Certificate in GIS 2001.
DAVID G. SAMANIEGO » Fire Captain, CDF, Sacramento Command Center: I began my career with CDF in 1979.I worked as a seasonal firefighter and Limited Term Fire Apparatus Engineer (FAE) for 11 seasons. In 1990, I accepted a permanent position as FAE at the Amador-El Dorado Unit. From 1995 to 1997, I took a leave of absence and joined the Peace Corps. My wife and I were sent to South America where I united a community of small farmers to market and distribute their products as a collective. Upon my return, I promoted to Fire Captain at Pine Grove Conservation Camp. In 2000, I transferred to the Interagency Command Center in Camino, CA. Later in 2003, I worked as station captain at Mt. Danaher FFS in AEU. In the spring of 2005, I accepted position as duty officer for the CDF Headquarters command center in Mather, CA. I earned a Bachelors Degree in Business from CSU Long Beach and studied at CSU Sacramento, in the School of Economics.
BRUCE R. SCHOMAKER » Fire Apparatus Engineer, Marin County Fire Department: I started as a Paramedic Firefighter for the Marin County Fire Department in 1984. I am currently a Fire Apparatus Engineer assigned to the Marin City Station. As a side project, I became a Relief Dispatcher, covering for vacations, sick leaves and extended openings, in 1991. This has included an 18 month assignment (1996-97) to the Command Center, and 30-40 shifts per year, as well as numerous assignments throughout California and out of state, working in Expanded and Command Centers. I attended the CDF ECC Academy, and have become qualified as an EDRC, EDSD and EDSP. I am Marin's ROSS Administrator. I have been a member of the Marin County Hazardous Materials Response Team since 1989, and am currently the Training Officer for the Team. I have a Junior College Teaching credential, and teach Hazardous Materials classes at various levels both for the College, and independently. Bruce attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (Political Science, 1981) and Daniel Freeman Paramedic School (Mar 1983).
STEVEN L. SHAW » Battalion Chief, CDF, Southern Operations Coordination Center.: '79 to '85 Volunteer Firefighter: CDF Riverside Unit, served as Company Chief, Assistant Chief, and Secretary / Treasurer. '81 to '82 Firefighter Crewman: US Forest Service, Del Rosa IHC, served as Macleod and Pulaski. '82 to '85 Firefighter Seasonal: CDF Yucaipa, served as back seat Firefighter. '85 to '90 Fire Apparatus Engineer: CDF Highland, served as Driver/Operator. '90 to'03 Fire Captain: CDF Yucaipa, supervised Engineers and Firefighters and Volunteers. Fire Prevention Specialist: CDF San Bernardino, investigated and determined the cause and origin, and complete associated reports. Crew Foreman: Chino, supervised Inmate Fire Crew. Helitack Fire Captain: Chino, supervised Helitack crew. '03 to Present Battalion Chief: CDF Southern Operations Coordination Center. Serve as Region Duty Officer, coordinate movement of resources through out Southern California in conjunction with agency cooperators. Commendation California State Assembly commended for dedicated and highly effective public service. California Legislature Members Resolution #2161. By the Honorable Brett Grandlund, 65th Congressional District and The Honorable James L. Brulte, 31st Congressional District.
PAULY R. SHORT » Dispatcher, CDF, Northern Operations Coordination Center: I worked for the Canadian, British and United States Governments for ten years in various venues before starting my career with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. I began working as a seasonal dispatcher at Northern Operations in 2000. I became a permanent full-time dispatcher with CDF in May of 2005 and has been using ROSS since it was introduced at the coordination centers in CA.
MONTY SMITH » Fire Captain, CDF, Howard Forest ECC, Mendocino Unit: I began my career in the Fire Service in 1991 as a Fire Explorer with the Hopland Fire district and the Ukiah City Fire Department. After reaching the minimum age to become a Volunteer I joined the Hopland Fire District as a Firefighter. In 1996 I started my career with CDF as a Firefighter, working three seasons in the Mendocino Unit. In 1999 I promoted to Engineer and worked at several different Fire Stations and the ECC in the Mendocino Unit. In June 2005 I promoted to Captain and was assigned to the MEU ECC. I have worked in the Howard Forest Emergency Command Center since June 2004.
CHRIS J. STARNES » Fire Captain, CDF, Oroville ECC, Butte Unit: I started his firefighting career in 1982. In 1989 I started work for CDF as a Fire Apparatus Engineer in the Butte Unit. I was assigned to the Oroville Emergency Command Center as Operations Captain in 1999. I am a member of the CDF Altaris CAD Statewide Working Group and the CDF ECC Academy Cadre. I teach public safety classes including Emergency Vehicle Operations at Butte Community College and am a certified DMV Commercial Vehicle Examiner for CDF. At home, I spend time with family and his three horses.
ROBERT R. TAYLOR » Dispatch Captain, USFS, Los Padres ECC, Los Padres National Forest: I have been dispatching for the Los Padres since April 2003. Before that I was a Paid Call Dispatcher (volunteer) for CDF San Luis Obispo. I am still a Paid Call Company Officer/Engine Operator for San Luis CDF/County Fire. Before 2003, I was employed as a custodian at an elementary school and had my own cleaning business since 2000. Prior to 2000, I worked for a company called McKinney out of Pico Rivera CA. I rented, leased, and sold tractor-trailers for them since I graduated from high school to 1998. In 1998, my wife and I moved to Shandon after looking all over the place for somewhere to have our family. We moved there in March of 1998 one month after the birth of our first son. We have 2 boys, Jacob and Sylas. Before taking this job, I was the Chair of the Shandon Advisory Committee and head of the Neighborhood Watch from 1999-2002. I was the 2004 R5 dispatcher of the year.
CHRIS THOMPSON » Fire Captain, CDF, Red Bluff ECC, Tehama-Glenn Unit: I started my fire service career with CDF in 1991 as a firefighter. I spent 4 seasons working at fire stations and as a helitack firefighter in the Tehama Glenn Unit before promoting to permanent Fire Apparatus Engineer in 1995 to the Riverside Unit. In 1998 I transferred back to Tehama Glenn as an Engineer. Fire Season 1998 I promoted to LT Fire Captain at Baker station. In November 1998 I accepted a permanent Fire Captain B position at Valley View Camp, where I ran a CDC Fire Crew for a total of 3 years. In November 2001 I transferred to the Tehama Glenn Emergency Command Center which is where I am currently assigned.
ANNE E. VANDERGOOT » Dispatcher, CDF, Morgan Hill ECC, Santa Clara Unit: I just finished my fourth season with CDF, three in Morgan Hill and one in the Sonoma/Lake/Napa Unit. I am an instructor adjunct at the CDF Academy for the 911 call taking module, I teach a yearly MIRPS class for local government and ECC support personnel, I am a MIRPS administrator and a Type II PIO. I did stand-up comedy in Los Angles for 2 years headlining at the Pasadena Ice House which helps me maintain my sanity as a Dispatcher.
JULIE VOGAN » ROSS, IQCS Implementation Coordinator, USFS: I started my U.S. Forest Service career in 1978 on the Plumas NF. I worked in Recreation, Timber, Engineering and then found my niche in Fire Management in 1984 as a dispatcher at the Plumas ECC. In 1988, I transferred to the Lassen NF and ultimately became the ECC Center Manager at Susanville Interagency Fire Center. In May of 2003 I detailed to the R5 Regional Office to become the ROSS and IQCS Implementation Coordinator for California. Over the years, I have been involved in many task groups and committees such as the Chair of the California/Nevada/Hawaii Forest Fire Council, National Contract Resources Steering Committee Member, Regional Fire Equipment Committee Secretary, CA Incident Management Team Meeting Core Cadre, R5 Aviation Officers Secretary and R5 Dispatch Steering Committee Chair. I have been an instructor on cadres for the Law Enforcement for Dispatchers course, D-110, D-310, ECC Academy Adjunct Instructor, FIRESTAT, AMIS, Red Card/R8 Red Cards, MIRPS initial design team, and CALCAD Development-USFS Representative. Most recently, I have been the CA ROSS Implementation Project Leader for the CA ROSS Evaluation Workgroup (CREW) and the CA ROSS Implementation Team (CRIT). I graduated from Columbia Jr. College and California State University, Chico, I am also a Master Graduate of Rapport Leadership, International.
DAREN K. WATKINS » Dispatcher, CDF, Fresno ECC, Fresno Kings Unit: I started working in the Fresno Kings ECC as a volunteer in the fall of 1999. Due to a staffing shortage and my continued efforts and countless hours put in, I was offered a permanent position as a dispatcher in May of 2001. During my time with Fresno, I mainly worked night shift, so that I could complete the State Fire Marshal Firefighter-1 requirements at Fresno City College along with numerous general education classes. I am also a volunteer firefighter with the Fresno County Fire Protection District, and hold the rank of Engineer. I am currently on the FF-2 and FAE list, and am interested in completing more classes to improve my ranking on those lists and my understanding of the fire system.
MARVA J. WILLEY » Dispatch Captain, USFS, Fortuna ECC, Six Rivers National Forest: I started my Forest Service career in 1984 on the Lassen National Forest in Land Management Planning. I then held seasonal and volunteer positions in fire management, fuels management, and business administration. Following conversion to career status in 1987, I worked as a Clerk-Typist, District Fuels Technician, Support Dispatcher, District Fuels Assistant, District Fuels Officer, and GIS Coordinator for Fire and Fuels. I completed Technical Fire Management in 1997. I served as the writer-editor and fuels specialist for the Technical Fuels Report (1995) and Assessing Fuel Conditions and Fire Danger on the Lassen National Forest (1998). Throughout my tenure on the Lassen National Forest, I worked in the expanded dispatch function. In 2002 I transferred to the Six Rivers National Forest as a Dispatcher. I am currently an expanded dispatch supervisory dispatcher, trainee. I received a B.A. in Geography from Central Washington University in 1983.

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