Administration
Jordan Pollack - Chief Administrator/Instructor Coordinator
A fire service instructor since 1983, Jordan coordinates a cadre of instructors delivering fire and
medical courses around the Pacific Northwest. As one of the premiere wildland firefighting
training cadres, they work with numerous fire departments throughout the spring each year.
Beginning his career in 1978 on the Olympic National Forest, Jordan has since worked for both
the US Forest Service and National Park Service in many capacities. Working on hand crews,
engines, and helicopters during the summer fire seasons, his last years on the major fires were
spent working as an Engine Strike Team Leader. Mr. Pollack joined the fire service in 1980,
working as training officer and fire chief since 1998. He currently serves as fire chief of the Breitenbush Fire Department in the mountains of central Oregon, and is a regional representative for Firefighters Crossing Borders in the State of Sinaloa, Mexico.
Jordan Pollack - Chief Administrator/Instructor Coordinator
A fire service instructor since 1983, Jordan coordinates a cadre of instructors delivering fire and
medical courses around the Pacific Northwest. As one of the premiere wildland firefighting
training cadres, they work with numerous fire departments throughout the spring each year.
Beginning his career in 1978 on the Olympic National Forest, Jordan has since worked for both
the US Forest Service and National Park Service in many capacities. Working on hand crews,
engines, and helicopters during the summer fire seasons, his last years on the major fires were
spent working as an Engine Strike Team Leader. Mr. Pollack joined the fire service in 1980,
working as training officer and fire chief since 1998. He currently serves as fire chief of the Breitenbush Fire Department in the mountains of central Oregon, and is a regional representative for Firefighters Crossing Borders in the State of Sinaloa, Mexico.
Carrie Andrews - Office Administrator
Carrie has had a widely varied career, doing everything from working for the Department of Ecology producing public information materials to being the Communications Director at the Northwest Maritime Center. In between there she owned a web development company for fifteen years and then was the Assistant Head of School at a small alternative private school. In addition to providing administrative assistance to Jordan D. Pollack Fire-EMS Training and the Breitenbush Fire Department, Carrie is a Board Certified Patient Advocate and owns Peace of Mind, a Patient Advocacy and Advance Care Planning practice. |
Our Instructors
Bruce Hanna
An avid outdoor enthusiast, Bruce’s wildfire career actually began while working for Snohomish
County Search and Rescue (SCSAR) in the 90s. In 1997 after responding with SCSAR on a
wildland fire, Bruce joined WA State Department of Natural Resources as a firefighter and has
since held numerous training and management positions throughout his career. His work with
the DNR has taken him not only on fires throughout Washington State over the years, but also
training and supervising inmate crews on fires, teaching chainsaw schools, facilitating fire
academies, and much more. Mr. Hanna is the NW Region DNR communications technician as
well as an Type 4 Incident Commander, and a deputy fire marshal for Skagit County.
Bruce Hanna
An avid outdoor enthusiast, Bruce’s wildfire career actually began while working for Snohomish
County Search and Rescue (SCSAR) in the 90s. In 1997 after responding with SCSAR on a
wildland fire, Bruce joined WA State Department of Natural Resources as a firefighter and has
since held numerous training and management positions throughout his career. His work with
the DNR has taken him not only on fires throughout Washington State over the years, but also
training and supervising inmate crews on fires, teaching chainsaw schools, facilitating fire
academies, and much more. Mr. Hanna is the NW Region DNR communications technician as
well as an Type 4 Incident Commander, and a deputy fire marshal for Skagit County.
Noel Monin
Mr. Monin is the Assistant Chief of operations and training for the San Juan Island Fire
Department. Noel is responsible for coordinating continuing education in wildland, structural,
and rescue disciplines. He is on a duty rotation as command officer, and supervises seven fire
stations and associated personnel. Mr. Monin has been in the wildland world since 1997
including time in the southwest as a member of an interagency hot shot crew. He currently
responds as a Task Force Leader on mobilizations and participates with the NW region incident
management team.
Mr. Monin is the Assistant Chief of operations and training for the San Juan Island Fire
Department. Noel is responsible for coordinating continuing education in wildland, structural,
and rescue disciplines. He is on a duty rotation as command officer, and supervises seven fire
stations and associated personnel. Mr. Monin has been in the wildland world since 1997
including time in the southwest as a member of an interagency hot shot crew. He currently
responds as a Task Force Leader on mobilizations and participates with the NW region incident
management team.
Donald “Donny” Smith
Beginning his fire career in the hot, dry flashy fuels of Riverside County, California Donny migrated to Granby, Colorado where he worked for the Colorado State Forest Service. In early 2000 Donny made his way to the lush Pacific Northwest where he went to work for WA Department of Natural Resources as an Engine Supervisor and also training Captain with Mt. Erie Fire Department. In 2013 Donny accepted an Engine Supervisor position with NE Region DNR in Omak, moving up to Assistant Fire Unit Manager where he currently sees plenty of fire activity each season. He is also a Lieutenant with Omak Fire Department and maintains his EMT skills with the local 911 ambulance service.
Beginning his fire career in the hot, dry flashy fuels of Riverside County, California Donny migrated to Granby, Colorado where he worked for the Colorado State Forest Service. In early 2000 Donny made his way to the lush Pacific Northwest where he went to work for WA Department of Natural Resources as an Engine Supervisor and also training Captain with Mt. Erie Fire Department. In 2013 Donny accepted an Engine Supervisor position with NE Region DNR in Omak, moving up to Assistant Fire Unit Manager where he currently sees plenty of fire activity each season. He is also a Lieutenant with Omak Fire Department and maintains his EMT skills with the local 911 ambulance service.
Jason "Jay" McMillen
Jay started his firefighting career in 1992 with Skagit County Fire District 10. In 1994 he joined the US Forest Service as a wildland firefighter, working on both engines and hand crew, ultimately migrating to the WA DNR in the late nineties. He is certified as a Type 4 Incident Commander and Single Resource Boss and is a credentialed NFPA and NWCG instructor. Mr. McMillen worked as a Disaster Response Specialist and Crew Supervisor for the Washington Conservation Corps, training members in wildland fire suppression, chainsaw operation, and leading the WCC's Type 2 hand crew on wildfire assignments. He is currently a fire operations technician for the NW DNR, and enjoys instructing firefighters and spending time with his family and dogs hiking in the North Cascades.
Jay started his firefighting career in 1992 with Skagit County Fire District 10. In 1994 he joined the US Forest Service as a wildland firefighter, working on both engines and hand crew, ultimately migrating to the WA DNR in the late nineties. He is certified as a Type 4 Incident Commander and Single Resource Boss and is a credentialed NFPA and NWCG instructor. Mr. McMillen worked as a Disaster Response Specialist and Crew Supervisor for the Washington Conservation Corps, training members in wildland fire suppression, chainsaw operation, and leading the WCC's Type 2 hand crew on wildfire assignments. He is currently a fire operations technician for the NW DNR, and enjoys instructing firefighters and spending time with his family and dogs hiking in the North Cascades.
Elyse Fleenor
Elyse’s wildland fire career began in 1994 while working for the Washington Conservation Corps (WCC). After spending the majority of that summer in Eastern Washington, she decided to pursue a career with the WA Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Elyse served as a fire engine supervisor for twelve years with the DNR taking her on wildland fires throughout Washington, Oregon and Montana. As a certified wildland and NFPA instructor she has instructed numerous classes for DNR over the past 15 years training and mentoring many new firefighters on the region’s hand crew. Ms. Fleenors current position with DNR as an Engineering Aide allows her to respond to incidents as a Type 4 IC, Crew, Heavy Equipment and Felling Boss.
Elyse’s wildland fire career began in 1994 while working for the Washington Conservation Corps (WCC). After spending the majority of that summer in Eastern Washington, she decided to pursue a career with the WA Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Elyse served as a fire engine supervisor for twelve years with the DNR taking her on wildland fires throughout Washington, Oregon and Montana. As a certified wildland and NFPA instructor she has instructed numerous classes for DNR over the past 15 years training and mentoring many new firefighters on the region’s hand crew. Ms. Fleenors current position with DNR as an Engineering Aide allows her to respond to incidents as a Type 4 IC, Crew, Heavy Equipment and Felling Boss.
Tom Smith
A timber faller in the 1970’s, Tom was first introduced to wildland fire in 1981 while working a seasonwith Oregon Department of Forestry. After completing a forest management degree from the University of Washington in 1982, Tom began working for the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) where he has been working for the past 31 years. His background with timber felling and a few well-earned scars, combined with his knowledge of fire ecology and forest diseases has been invaluable in his development as a Falling Boss, Falling Group Supervisor, and Sawyer Instructor- Certifier for the DNR. As a wildland fire instructor since 1989 Tom has participated in courses and workshops across the state. Since 2001 he has been responsible for managing DNR suppression resources and fires in Whatcom and Skagit counties with daily supervision of engine crews. He currently serves on the fireline as a Type 3 Incident Commander, Division Supervisor, Fire Investigator, and has had some memorable rolls with engine strike teams around the state.
A timber faller in the 1970’s, Tom was first introduced to wildland fire in 1981 while working a seasonwith Oregon Department of Forestry. After completing a forest management degree from the University of Washington in 1982, Tom began working for the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) where he has been working for the past 31 years. His background with timber felling and a few well-earned scars, combined with his knowledge of fire ecology and forest diseases has been invaluable in his development as a Falling Boss, Falling Group Supervisor, and Sawyer Instructor- Certifier for the DNR. As a wildland fire instructor since 1989 Tom has participated in courses and workshops across the state. Since 2001 he has been responsible for managing DNR suppression resources and fires in Whatcom and Skagit counties with daily supervision of engine crews. He currently serves on the fireline as a Type 3 Incident Commander, Division Supervisor, Fire Investigator, and has had some memorable rolls with engine strike teams around the state.
Kyle Dodd
Mr. Dodd is a lieutenant with San Juan Island Fire Department and also an EMT with San Juan EMS. His ‘day job’ working as the Environmental Health Manager for San Juan County gives him both the people and management skills necessary to be an excellent responder. Kyle has been a key member of our outer island training team since 2017, bringing a wealth of knowledge, skills, and abilities - including his excellent sense of humor.
Mr. Dodd is a lieutenant with San Juan Island Fire Department and also an EMT with San Juan EMS. His ‘day job’ working as the Environmental Health Manager for San Juan County gives him both the people and management skills necessary to be an excellent responder. Kyle has been a key member of our outer island training team since 2017, bringing a wealth of knowledge, skills, and abilities - including his excellent sense of humor.
Josh Etringer
Josh started in wildland fire in 2008 with the North Cascades National Park. For the following two years he went out on state mobilizations with Skagit County Fire District 3 as a firefighter/EMT before joining the Baker River Hotshot crew in 2011. Mr. Etringer spent the next seven summer fire seasons working on the hotshot crew, gaining valuable experience and time on fires. His time with Baker River IHC was spent largely on the saw team, also serving as lead EMT for the crew. Today Josh serves as an Assistant Fire Unit Manager for NW Region DNR, and goes out on fires as an IC Type 4, Task Force Leader, or single resource boss. His wife and young son keep him a bit closer to home, as does hunting and their large garden. Josh’s instruction background includes extensive time teaching and coordinating both structural and wildland fire topics, as well as EMT level training. As an NWCG certified instructor he has led numerous training sessions for both the USFS and WA DNR in chainsaw operations, medevac, backfiring, and state fire academy, along with county fire academy instruction.
Josh started in wildland fire in 2008 with the North Cascades National Park. For the following two years he went out on state mobilizations with Skagit County Fire District 3 as a firefighter/EMT before joining the Baker River Hotshot crew in 2011. Mr. Etringer spent the next seven summer fire seasons working on the hotshot crew, gaining valuable experience and time on fires. His time with Baker River IHC was spent largely on the saw team, also serving as lead EMT for the crew. Today Josh serves as an Assistant Fire Unit Manager for NW Region DNR, and goes out on fires as an IC Type 4, Task Force Leader, or single resource boss. His wife and young son keep him a bit closer to home, as does hunting and their large garden. Josh’s instruction background includes extensive time teaching and coordinating both structural and wildland fire topics, as well as EMT level training. As an NWCG certified instructor he has led numerous training sessions for both the USFS and WA DNR in chainsaw operations, medevac, backfiring, and state fire academy, along with county fire academy instruction.
Tony Melillo
Tony's life in the fire service began in 1999 right out of high school when he joined a small Whatcom County volunteer fire department. Shortly after basic training as a firefighter and EMT, Tony joined the WA DNR working his way to Engine Leader before returning to the fire service full time. Today Tony works as a Captain with South Whatcom Fire Authority, is the department’s wildland coordinator as well as an Engine Strike Team Leader trainee for mobilizations. Mr. Melillo has worked in technical rescue, statewide fire prevention, fire investigation with the county fire marshal's office, as well as instructing and coordinating for the area's fire academy. Tony maintains a healthy passion for knowledge and helping his fellow emergency responders become better and safer in their respective jobs.
Tony's life in the fire service began in 1999 right out of high school when he joined a small Whatcom County volunteer fire department. Shortly after basic training as a firefighter and EMT, Tony joined the WA DNR working his way to Engine Leader before returning to the fire service full time. Today Tony works as a Captain with South Whatcom Fire Authority, is the department’s wildland coordinator as well as an Engine Strike Team Leader trainee for mobilizations. Mr. Melillo has worked in technical rescue, statewide fire prevention, fire investigation with the county fire marshal's office, as well as instructing and coordinating for the area's fire academy. Tony maintains a healthy passion for knowledge and helping his fellow emergency responders become better and safer in their respective jobs.
Erik Wennstrom
Having spent the first 10 years in the fire service with the Vashon Island Fire Department, Mr. Wennstrom has worked in King County, Port Townsend, and a 5 year sabatical in Matagaskar, Africa working with various rural and urban fire agencies. Erik is a certified IFSAC fire instructor and has vast experience in emergency medicine, technical rescue and firefighting in urban, rural, and extreme remote environments. Previously an active member of the East Jefferson Fire-Rescue Marine Program and Vessel Assist-Port Townsend, Erik is the lead instructor and originator of the Salish Water Rescue program in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Having spent the first 10 years in the fire service with the Vashon Island Fire Department, Mr. Wennstrom has worked in King County, Port Townsend, and a 5 year sabatical in Matagaskar, Africa working with various rural and urban fire agencies. Erik is a certified IFSAC fire instructor and has vast experience in emergency medicine, technical rescue and firefighting in urban, rural, and extreme remote environments. Previously an active member of the East Jefferson Fire-Rescue Marine Program and Vessel Assist-Port Townsend, Erik is the lead instructor and originator of the Salish Water Rescue program in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Sami Schinnell
Sami is a Pacific Northwest native who began her wildland fire career by following in her sister’s footsteps on the WA DNR Highlands 20 fire crew in 1998. What was intended to be a summer job to pay for college quickly turned into a 23-year addiction to the wildland fire service, which included positions on US Forest Service hand crews, engines, and in fire prevention and fuels. After taking advantage of the opportunity to travel the country (and ultimately the world) in the name of fire, Sami left the USFS in 2018 to pursue other professional passions. Starting her own prescribed fire consulting and training business in SW Washington, Sami still maintains her foot in the suppression world as a Division Supervisor and other roles on two management teams in the PNW. She also owns and manages two contract water tenders which you may occasionally see her driving on a fire when her schedule allows. In December of 2022 Sami accepted a position with The Nature Conservancy as their Central Washington Cooperative Fire Director, coordinating their prescribed fire program.
Sami is a Pacific Northwest native who began her wildland fire career by following in her sister’s footsteps on the WA DNR Highlands 20 fire crew in 1998. What was intended to be a summer job to pay for college quickly turned into a 23-year addiction to the wildland fire service, which included positions on US Forest Service hand crews, engines, and in fire prevention and fuels. After taking advantage of the opportunity to travel the country (and ultimately the world) in the name of fire, Sami left the USFS in 2018 to pursue other professional passions. Starting her own prescribed fire consulting and training business in SW Washington, Sami still maintains her foot in the suppression world as a Division Supervisor and other roles on two management teams in the PNW. She also owns and manages two contract water tenders which you may occasionally see her driving on a fire when her schedule allows. In December of 2022 Sami accepted a position with The Nature Conservancy as their Central Washington Cooperative Fire Director, coordinating their prescribed fire program.
Adam Wunsch
Starting his career in 2010, Adam has been deeply involved in many aspects of fire and EMS. After an intensive internship in the Midwest as a structural firefighter, Adam began paramedic school while subsequently working as a seasonal wildland firefighter in Wisconsin. Upon completion of paramedic school, Adam continued working as a seasonal wildland firefighter in various regions throughout the US including the Midwest, Southwest, and the Pacific Northwest. Adam has experience in prescribed fire, engine operations, helitack, helirappel, and initial attack operations. Besides wildland experience, he also brings a background in remote medicine. While working as a career firefighter/paramedic in the Skagit Valley, Adam continues to maintain his wildland qualifications.
Starting his career in 2010, Adam has been deeply involved in many aspects of fire and EMS. After an intensive internship in the Midwest as a structural firefighter, Adam began paramedic school while subsequently working as a seasonal wildland firefighter in Wisconsin. Upon completion of paramedic school, Adam continued working as a seasonal wildland firefighter in various regions throughout the US including the Midwest, Southwest, and the Pacific Northwest. Adam has experience in prescribed fire, engine operations, helitack, helirappel, and initial attack operations. Besides wildland experience, he also brings a background in remote medicine. While working as a career firefighter/paramedic in the Skagit Valley, Adam continues to maintain his wildland qualifications.
Jason Monteith
Growing up in a Darrington logging family, Jason spent most of his time outdoors and developed a solid background in saw work. In 2004 he was hired as a firefighter on the Mt Baker-Snoqualamie (MBS) National Forest, working on an engine based out of Darrington. The following fire season Jason joined the Baker River Interagency Hotshot Crew, where he spent four seasons and had an opportunity to fight fire all over the country. In 2009 he moved over to the MBS Initial Attack crew out of Darrington where he assisting with both classroom and on the job training of many new firefighters. In 2014 Jason was accepted into the North Zone Engine Program, where he continues today as Engine Captain on a Type 3 Engine. He is qualified as a Task Force Leader, Incident Commander Type 4, and C faller and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our saw instruction team.
Growing up in a Darrington logging family, Jason spent most of his time outdoors and developed a solid background in saw work. In 2004 he was hired as a firefighter on the Mt Baker-Snoqualamie (MBS) National Forest, working on an engine based out of Darrington. The following fire season Jason joined the Baker River Interagency Hotshot Crew, where he spent four seasons and had an opportunity to fight fire all over the country. In 2009 he moved over to the MBS Initial Attack crew out of Darrington where he assisting with both classroom and on the job training of many new firefighters. In 2014 Jason was accepted into the North Zone Engine Program, where he continues today as Engine Captain on a Type 3 Engine. He is qualified as a Task Force Leader, Incident Commander Type 4, and C faller and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our saw instruction team.
Brian Tracer
Chief Tracer began his career as a volunteer firefighter and reserve deputy sheriff in the early 90s. He was hired by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department in 1996 were he was employed as a deputy for 21 years before retuning to the fire service in 2014 as the Assistant Fire Chief for East Jefferson Fire Rescue. Amongst many assignments during his career, Chief Tracer began fire, arson and explosion investigation in the early 2000s. He supervised the county’s fire investigation task force and was the liaison between the fire service and the County Prosecutor. In addition to command and supervision, Chief Tracer has the fire marshal duties for the City of Port Townsend and Fire Code Official responsibilities for Jefferson County. He is a certified fire plans examiner and fire inspector 1 & II, has participated in NFPA leadership courses including command & control and incident safety officer, and is a blue card certified command officer. Brian began wildland fire investigations in 2017 with task book completion and peer review in 2018. He has completed the FI-310 Wildland Fire Investigation – Case Development and currently has an open task book. He has completed over 250 hours of investigation related training and investigated over 200 fires.
Chief Tracer began his career as a volunteer firefighter and reserve deputy sheriff in the early 90s. He was hired by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department in 1996 were he was employed as a deputy for 21 years before retuning to the fire service in 2014 as the Assistant Fire Chief for East Jefferson Fire Rescue. Amongst many assignments during his career, Chief Tracer began fire, arson and explosion investigation in the early 2000s. He supervised the county’s fire investigation task force and was the liaison between the fire service and the County Prosecutor. In addition to command and supervision, Chief Tracer has the fire marshal duties for the City of Port Townsend and Fire Code Official responsibilities for Jefferson County. He is a certified fire plans examiner and fire inspector 1 & II, has participated in NFPA leadership courses including command & control and incident safety officer, and is a blue card certified command officer. Brian began wildland fire investigations in 2017 with task book completion and peer review in 2018. He has completed the FI-310 Wildland Fire Investigation – Case Development and currently has an open task book. He has completed over 250 hours of investigation related training and investigated over 200 fires.
Ethan Scott
Ethan started in fire in 2018 after his position building mountain bike trails with the Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) lead to an interest in firefighting. He spent two summers as an engine crew member with the WA Department of Natural Resources where he built his foundation and became Firefighter 1 qualified. His interest in fire only grew, and the following the 2020 fire season he joined Baker River Interagency Hotshot Crew. Due to an injury, Ethan spent most of the season in dispatch where he learned what goes on behind the scenes in the fire world. During that time, he worked as an Initial Attack Dispatcher while assisting with logistics and aircraft needs. Regaining his health and with a new perspective on fire, Ethan rejoined the hotshots for the 2021 fire season where he is currently working. His experience on the crew includes firing, prescribed burning, as well as saw team work. Though still young in his career, his goals are to continue soaking up knowledge, work towards crew boss and other single resources qualifications, and continue to be of value to the Baker River IHC. Ethan seeks to pass on all that he has learned in the past five seasons and looks forward to the opportunities in front of him.
Ethan started in fire in 2018 after his position building mountain bike trails with the Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) lead to an interest in firefighting. He spent two summers as an engine crew member with the WA Department of Natural Resources where he built his foundation and became Firefighter 1 qualified. His interest in fire only grew, and the following the 2020 fire season he joined Baker River Interagency Hotshot Crew. Due to an injury, Ethan spent most of the season in dispatch where he learned what goes on behind the scenes in the fire world. During that time, he worked as an Initial Attack Dispatcher while assisting with logistics and aircraft needs. Regaining his health and with a new perspective on fire, Ethan rejoined the hotshots for the 2021 fire season where he is currently working. His experience on the crew includes firing, prescribed burning, as well as saw team work. Though still young in his career, his goals are to continue soaking up knowledge, work towards crew boss and other single resources qualifications, and continue to be of value to the Baker River IHC. Ethan seeks to pass on all that he has learned in the past five seasons and looks forward to the opportunities in front of him.
Erik Usher
Starting his career with the US Forest Service in 2009 on the Shasta-Trinity NF (CA), Erik spent the first two years as a member of a Type 3 engine crew. Eventually transitioning to the Shasta Lake Hotshots, he found his passion working as part of a hand crew. After six years on the shot crew, he moved back to his home state of Washington, a college football career under him, taking a position as a squad boss for the Mt Baker Initial Attack Crew. Today Erik is captain of the crew, and outside of traveling throughout the country on wildfires, he enjoys weight lifting, running, health and fitness, hiking, skiing, playing pool, international travel, and yoga.
Starting his career with the US Forest Service in 2009 on the Shasta-Trinity NF (CA), Erik spent the first two years as a member of a Type 3 engine crew. Eventually transitioning to the Shasta Lake Hotshots, he found his passion working as part of a hand crew. After six years on the shot crew, he moved back to his home state of Washington, a college football career under him, taking a position as a squad boss for the Mt Baker Initial Attack Crew. Today Erik is captain of the crew, and outside of traveling throughout the country on wildfires, he enjoys weight lifting, running, health and fitness, hiking, skiing, playing pool, international travel, and yoga.
Our Keynote Speakers
Bobbie Scopa
Ms. Scopa retired as the Deputy Director of Fire Operations for Region 6, responsible for all wildland firefighting operations in Oregon, Washington, and Alaska for the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Her career has expanded over both the fire service and wildland industry, working for many years in the fire service in Prescott, Arizona. A master’s degree in forestry and fire management, coupled with numerous years managing operations on major fires throughout the country, Bobbie brings to our team an incredible wealth of knowledge and skills. Offering both keynote speeches and instruction at all levels, Ms. Scopa also maintains a website—BobbieOnFire.com— offering leadership lessons through entertaining storytelling based on her 45 years of fire service.
Ms. Scopa retired as the Deputy Director of Fire Operations for Region 6, responsible for all wildland firefighting operations in Oregon, Washington, and Alaska for the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Her career has expanded over both the fire service and wildland industry, working for many years in the fire service in Prescott, Arizona. A master’s degree in forestry and fire management, coupled with numerous years managing operations on major fires throughout the country, Bobbie brings to our team an incredible wealth of knowledge and skills. Offering both keynote speeches and instruction at all levels, Ms. Scopa also maintains a website—BobbieOnFire.com— offering leadership lessons through entertaining storytelling based on her 45 years of fire service.
Dan Heidal
Beginning his wildland career in 1978 with the U.S. Forest Service, Dan went on to complete 35 fire seasons with WA DNR. Working for many years as a Senior Engine Supervisor and Taskforce Leader on fires throughout the western states, Mr. Heidal now focuses on training. In addition to his wildland experience Dan has over twenty years serving as a volunteer in the fire service, including time as a Captain and Training Officer. As an NWCG and NFPA credentialed instructor, Mr. Heidal instructs firefighting and chainsaw skills along with many other areas.
Beginning his wildland career in 1978 with the U.S. Forest Service, Dan went on to complete 35 fire seasons with WA DNR. Working for many years as a Senior Engine Supervisor and Taskforce Leader on fires throughout the western states, Mr. Heidal now focuses on training. In addition to his wildland experience Dan has over twenty years serving as a volunteer in the fire service, including time as a Captain and Training Officer. As an NWCG and NFPA credentialed instructor, Mr. Heidal instructs firefighting and chainsaw skills along with many other areas.
Joining Us From the National Weather Service
Steve Reedy
Born and raised in rural Northeast Ohio, the wild and frequent fluctuations in weather caught his interest at a very early age. Although his loving parents thought this to be a mental illness at first, they soon learned to nurture this interest, as it proved beneficial for family outdoor events. Graduating from The Ohio State University in 2000, Steven went on to forecast weather in Cleveland, Ohio before suffering self-inflicted blunt force trauma to the head due to the difficulty of such forecasting. After declaring that someone had "broken the weather", he moved west to become a Fire Weather forecaster and IMET for the National Weather Service in Tucson, AZ. Weatherman in the desert...easiest...job...ever! Mostly. After having any and all moisture sucked out of his body and soul over 9 years, he was given the opportunity to transfer to the Seattle NWS office to rehydrate.
Steve Reedy
Born and raised in rural Northeast Ohio, the wild and frequent fluctuations in weather caught his interest at a very early age. Although his loving parents thought this to be a mental illness at first, they soon learned to nurture this interest, as it proved beneficial for family outdoor events. Graduating from The Ohio State University in 2000, Steven went on to forecast weather in Cleveland, Ohio before suffering self-inflicted blunt force trauma to the head due to the difficulty of such forecasting. After declaring that someone had "broken the weather", he moved west to become a Fire Weather forecaster and IMET for the National Weather Service in Tucson, AZ. Weatherman in the desert...easiest...job...ever! Mostly. After having any and all moisture sucked out of his body and soul over 9 years, he was given the opportunity to transfer to the Seattle NWS office to rehydrate.
Carly Kovacik
Carly grew up in Northeast Ohio in the rural town of Mogadore, about 10 miles east of Akron (actually very close to where Steve Reedy was also growing up, but neither had any idea at the time). She played many sports through high school but was very passionate about meteorology from a young age. To escape the Ohio winters full of lake-effect snow and cold temperatures, she attended North Carolina State University in 2007, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Meteorology in 2011. After that she went on to the University of Oklahoma for her Master’s Degree. Carly was able to storm chase across the Great Plains some while in graduate school while also volunteering at the National Weather Service office in Norman. After graduation, Carly became a Forecaster for the National Weather Service Atlanta Office in 2014. Four years later, she became a Lead Forecaster at the National Weather Service Office in Seattle.
Carly still enjoys sports and loves to be outdoors. Outside of forecasting the weather, she has completed two Boston Marathons, is an avid hiker (Western Washington happens to be the perfect place for that!), and also enjoys weightlifting/physique building.
Carly grew up in Northeast Ohio in the rural town of Mogadore, about 10 miles east of Akron (actually very close to where Steve Reedy was also growing up, but neither had any idea at the time). She played many sports through high school but was very passionate about meteorology from a young age. To escape the Ohio winters full of lake-effect snow and cold temperatures, she attended North Carolina State University in 2007, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Meteorology in 2011. After that she went on to the University of Oklahoma for her Master’s Degree. Carly was able to storm chase across the Great Plains some while in graduate school while also volunteering at the National Weather Service office in Norman. After graduation, Carly became a Forecaster for the National Weather Service Atlanta Office in 2014. Four years later, she became a Lead Forecaster at the National Weather Service Office in Seattle.
Carly still enjoys sports and loves to be outdoors. Outside of forecasting the weather, she has completed two Boston Marathons, is an avid hiker (Western Washington happens to be the perfect place for that!), and also enjoys weightlifting/physique building.
Jordan D. Pollack | Fire-EMS Training | jdpollack@gmail.com | 360-385-2308