Talking Points

After some difficulties last fire season I would like to see some
improvements in how the Silver State IHC program is operated.

We are putting an emphasis on leadership and communication

for the upcoming fire season.
As we move forward I would like all of you to take an open
approach for communication and if something is bothering you
it is imperative that you bring it up to the individual or the
group. I would like to see the chain of command followed and
never sent beyond me without my knowledge.

In order to keep that information flow, plan on sitting down as

an overhead after fire assignments to discuss the trips events,
areas for improvement, and to get a bead on everyone’s mental
health.

Another area to improve on, is our briefings which are going to

be structured off of the team meetings and signed off by me, the
assistant superintendent and the squad leaders. This is to provide
solid information about the days operations and to get a buy in
from the crew overhead. It will also hopefully open up
discussion if there are any questions about the assignment.

Just like the revised briefing there will be a new AAR format
that will be performed after every operational shift.

Cutler and I have also talked about more squad boss integration
into daily activities. This may happen in the form of line
scouting, daily planning, and at times acting as Assistant Supt.

Cutler and I have also been discussing ideas in the form of team
building exercises and leadership training. Such as:
-Black Mnt. Low angle rescue
-GPS team building exercise
-Guest leadership speakers
-L180, L280, L380 incorporated into risk management and
entrapment avoidance.
-Possible ropes course training

Cutler and I would also like to see more involvement in the

refresher training and PT program.
Our PT program is changing to allow for individual performance
tracking on white boards to show improvements throughout the
year.
Daily PT's will also give squad leaders a chance to lead PT's.

EPAP's will be discussed within the crew overhead consisting of

the Superintendent, Assistant, and squad bosses before any crew
member is evaluated. This will take place during the middle of
fire season and the at the end. All EPAP' s must be signed off by
the crew Superintendent.

I have worked with Cutler for 8 years and are personalities are
very different, however, we seem to work well with each other
balancing safety and hard work.
Communication is what we need to work on however, between
him and I the rest of the overhead as well all the crew members.
Just be aware without communication and input from the crew
things are not going to change.
All of us need to be approachable, take criticism, and speak up.

Long shifts were worked last year even though it wasn't that
busy of a fire season. I know we were justified in all of our
shifts through the team, but that still doesn't excuse the fact that
if you guys are tired or fatigued you need to let me know and
more rest can easily be taken.

The last thing I want to make perfectly clear is that this is my

crew, my operation,and anything that is said or done reflects
directly and solely on me. We have a great crew with great
people who want to achieve the highest standards so let's work
together this year to show everyone what Silver State Hotshots
can accomplish.