Brandon Everett, Fire Management Officer, Job Corps Fire Program

A fire management officer for Job Corps trains, mentors, and leads young men and women to be better and provide public service as a firefighter. I also make decisions daily on resource staffing and preparedness to ensure we are ready to respond to new fires or support existing fires.

I am a mentor, leader, and critical thinker. Being situationally aware allows me to make difficult, time sensitive decisions in high-stress environments. I collect information regarding weather, fuels, and risk to ensure that my firefighters are prepared to safely take action.

I am presented with the challenges of being a life coach and mentor to young men and women because I train and mentor youth to be firefighters. I also have the challenging task of making decisions on fires that impact the public and the land.

I use a cell phone, computer, GPS, radios, mapping programs, and computer software to provide real-time data that help us make strategic decisions on fires. We also use simple hand tools to fight fires like Pulaskis, shovels, chainsaws, and pumps.

No fire is ever the same and each behaves a little differently depending on the terrain, fuels, and weather. I have learned as a mentor and instructor no two individuals are the same; we all have different perspectives.

Out of high school, I started with the Forest Service working in recreation. It was a great foot in the door. After my first fire assignment, I was hooked. I loved being in the woods, working hard, and making a difference and helping people.