The Anchor Point Podcast

We did it... We have JK Boots on the show to FINALLY answer the burning question of how to take care of, fit, and break in your boots - Straight from the professionals over at JK Boots! These guys have been in the game for a while, so I'd take their advice seriously - especially you first season guys and those of you looking for a new pair of boots!

Be sure to drop us a review on the Apple Podcasts app, and share this to everyone who is looking for boots!

Enjoy, you dirtbags... Thanks for your support!

Nelda is a former firefighter who's worked her way through the ranks, and ultimately help bring about the CISM program. On this episode she covers her history, her background, and the reasons why she is so dedicated to mental health. Along with that, she goes into great detail about the CISM program and the importance of self care/buddy care...

This is unscripted, barely edited, and raw episode... Its a bit long, and a bit dark, but its great information and can help you, or someone that you know down the road...

I wanted to tackle this episode right off the bat on episode one because its the "elephant in the room" discussion. Its a topic that nobody wants to acknowledge - So, Nelda and I decided to take the discussion head on...

Side note: im still figuring this whole podcasting thing out, so this episode might have some volume issues... You'll deal with it...

Hope you guys enjoy

Welcome to the The Anchor Point Podcast, episode 117 with Jay Walker, a wildland firefighter from Wells, NV. Jay has served on multiple wildland firefighting crews, including Ruby Mountain Hotshots, Jackson Hotshots, and Elko District Engine Modules. He is currently the acting superintendent of Ely Helitack, based out of Panaca, Nevada.

In 2020, Jay experienced a severe rollover accident in a UTV resulting in the loss of his hand. After multiple surgeries, hardships, and financial challenges, he experienced something arguably worse than the pain of the accident itself - the mental health challenges.

In this episode, we dive into Jay's personal journey to discovering a distinct approach to prioritizing his mental health and recovery. It is an incredibly uplifting account that highlights his unwavering determination, how he overcame his demons, and his desire to support others in their own paths. Jay serves as a true inspiration and the epitome of the indomitable human will. His enthusiasm for fire remains undiminished, and he continues his firefighting endeavors using a unique set of prosthetics despite the unfortunate loss of his hand.

Tune in to the original wildland firefighting and wildland firefighter culture podcast, "The Anchor Point Podcast," to learn more about the awesome and ever-evolving world of wildland firefighting. To find out more, visit our website at: anchorpointpodcast.com. Or, check out our LinkTree to find all the episodes you'll want to binge in the back of the buggy!

Y'all know the drill:

Stay safe, stay savage... Peace!

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The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following amazing folks:

Mystery Ranch
Need badass packs? Then look no further than Mystery Ranch!
https://www.mysteryranch.com

Hotshot Brewery
Wanna pick up our Anchor Point Podcast merch or need killer coffee? Hit up Hotshot Brewery!!!
https://www.hotshotbrewing.com

Not sponsors of The Anchor Point Podcast, but great organizations:

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation
And, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!
https://wffoundation.org

The A.W.E.
Wanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation!
http://wildfire-experience.org

Welcome to Episode 119 of The Anchor Point Podcast, where we take a deep dive into the world of wildland firefighting and the culture that surrounds it. In this episode, we'll be discussing the crucial role of aviation and aerial firefighting operations in Nevada, featuring guests from different aspects of the industry.

Join us as we delve into the day-to-day operations of the various helitack crews and the ins and outs of the tanker bases. We also take a look at the management side of the fire aviation program and discuss how it all comes together to help fight wildfires.

With wildfires becoming increasingly common and devastating, it's more important than ever to understand the role that aerial firefighting and aviation assets play in the overall strategy to control these fires. From the equipment used to the training required, our guests break down the essential elements of a successful aerial firefighting operation.

Jeremy Seng - Detailed BLM National Flight Operations Program Manager. He shares his experiences on how helitack crews and fire retardant can win the day with wildfires, the challenges and importance of coordinating with ground crews, and how his team manages resources during times of high fire activity.

Lucas Rhea - Nevada State Office Air Attack, joins us next to discuss the unique challenges of working in Nevada and Air Attack operations. He also shares some of his experiences as the superintendent of the Las Vegas Helitack crew.

Melissa Fry - Wells, Nevada, Single Engine Air Tanker Base Manager, discusses her role in managing a Single Engine Air Tanker base and ensuring the safety of pilots and crews. She also shares some of the challenges and rewards of working in such a dynamic environment.

And Alec Goicoechea - Nevada State Aviation Manager... Alec discusses the management side of the fire aviation program, including the process of allocating resources and equipment to different parts of the state based on need and the challenges of maintaining a high level of readiness in an unpredictable fire season.

Overall, this episode covers a variety of topics related to aviation resources and aerial firefighting operations in Nevada, from the day-to-day operations of helitack crews to the ins and outs of tanker bases. Join us as we dive into the world of aerial firefighting and the unique challenges faced by those on the front lines of wildfire control.

Tune in to the original wildland firefighting and wildland firefighter culture podcast, "The Anchor Point Podcast", to learn more about the awesome and ever-evolving world of wildland firefighting.

To find out more, visit our website at: anchorpointpodcast.com...

Or, check out our LinkTree to find all the episodes you'll want to binge in the back of the buggy!

To find out more about the Nevada BLM Aviation Program - Check out: www.nevadafireinfo.org

Y'all know the drill:

Stay safe, stay savage... Peace!

----------------------------

The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following amazing folks:

Mystery Ranch
Need badass packs? Then look no further than Mystery Ranch!
https://www.mysteryranch.com

Hotshot Brewery
Wanna pick up our Anchor Point Podcast merch or need killer coffee? Hit up Hotshot Brewery!!!
https://www.hotshotbrewing.com

Not sponsors of The Anchor Point Podcast, but great organizations:

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation
And, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!
https://wffoundation.org

The A.W.E.
Wanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation!
http://wildfire-experience.org

The Anchor Point Podcast Episode 116 with, Grant Beebe, Assistant Director of BLM Fire and Aviation. On today's episode we will be discussing Wildland Firefighter Pay Parity, Classification, Mental Health Issues, and much more...

The wildland firefighting workforce is currently facing a number of challenges, and these issues are the focus of The Anchor Point Podcast Episode 116. The guest on the show today is Grant Beebe, Assistant Director of BLM Fire and Aviation, and the conversation centers around current concerns regarding wildland firefighter pay parity, classification, and mental health issues.

One of the primary issues facing wildland firefighters is pay and retention. With the expiration of the BIL pay and benefits supplement in October, many fear that they will be back to the pay schedules and rates that existed before the work of the Grassroots Wildland Firefighters and NFFE. Grant acknowledges the uncertainty and discusses the potential personnel crisis that could result from a lack of equitable pay, benefits, and classification.

Beebe believes that pay parity is crucial for the men and women who are the boots on the ground. In his opinion, an equitable pay rate needs to be established, and there should be efforts to retain personnel who are vital to the day-to-day operations of wildland fire ops, including dispatchers, WG, militia, logistics, and secondary fire personnel.

Beebe explains that there are plans to address these issues, including temp buyback, insurance and benefits, and classification. However, the question of how to fix these problems remains. Beebe suggests that it may require legislative action.

Another issue affecting the wildland firefighting workforce is mental health. Beebe acknowledges that there is a mental health crisis within the ranks and discusses efforts to address the issue. He notes that the BIL provided funding for the development and improvement of mental health programs across all agencies. Beebe discusses some of the programs that are being improved with this funding and notes that there are other mental health programs on the horizon.

Beebe also discusses operational changes and concerns, including aviation, fuels, and hiring. He discusses the BLM aviation programs and how they plan to bolster fuels programs without overburdening fire employees who have already worked 1000 hour seasons. Grant also discusses transparency and honesty with hiring.

DISCLAIMER:

For the topics discussed today: I want to make it absolutely clear that I disagree with some of the things said by Grant in this episode - And I do agree with some of the stuff he says as well.

However I will say this: Grant, we're all looking up to you in the Bureau of Land Management. We hope that you have those difficult conversations and listen to the boots on the ground - Because those are the people that have the most skin in the game, and you have the position and power to bridge the gap to do what's right by them.

I hope that this is of value and I hope that everyone out there gets to understand Grant from his position and his perspective...

Y'all know the drill:

Stay safe, stay savage... Peace!

The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following amazing folks:

Mystery Ranch
Need badass packs? Then look no further than Mystery Ranch!
https://www.mysteryranch.com

Hotshot Brewery
Wanna pick up our Anchor Point Podcast merch or need killer coffee? Hit up Hotshot Brewery!!!
https://www.hotshotbrewing.com

Not sponsors of The Anchor Point Podcast, but great organizations:

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation
And, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!
https://wffoundation.org

The A.W.E.
Wanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation!
http://wildfire-experience.org