Derek received his wildland firefighter certification in 2012, at the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College. Derek is also a 2012 graduate with an Associate's Degree in Natural Resources. Since his certification Derek has served 3 of his summers being available to the demand of firefighting. This past spring Derek completed a chainsaw certification specific to firefighting. This certification promoted Derek's status to a B-Faller Certifier, with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Great Lakes Agency.
This summer he has been sent to the states of Washington, Oregon, Utah and California. Derek's latest assignment was the King fire located in Northern California. This fire was considered one of the largest fires and 2nd most expensive fires in this state.
When a fire emergency occurs, the fire manager will seek a 15-20 man crew. The firefighters will typically have to leave in as little as one day's notice to leave their homes and families for their destination. Time of assignment is usually from 2-3 weeks.
While there are many duties assigned to these crews, most of them will involve trudging through a variety of terrain, in all extreme types of weather. Derek's experience has mostly been mountains, ridges and hills in torturing, hot weather. He carries with him a 50 pound load consisting of: 5 gallons of water, chain saw and kits, fire shelter, tools, and 2 gallons of drinking water. Since Derek's commitment, he has served on both an instant attack crew and an engine crew.
Derek's primary purpose for fighting fires is saving people's lives, homes, and nature's beauty.
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