Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

What makes this award different from other firefighting awards?

This award was developed to recognize firefighters who lead by example and exemplify established wildland fire leadership values and principles. The values – Duty, Respect, Integrity – help guide the decisions and actions of each firefighter, especially those in leadership roles. The 11 leadership principles provide the specific actions leaders should take in order to demonstrate the core values. Principles such as “Know Yourself and Seek Improvement,” and “Make sound and timely decisions,” issue sound marching orders for firefighters, whether they are striving to become leaders or already fill a leadership role.

How do I nominate someone for an award?

First, you must choose the category under which your nominee will fall. The categories include 1) Mentoring and Teamwork; 2) Motivation and Vision; and 3) Initiative and Innovation. Second, you must write the nomination using the following criteria: 1) demonstration of significant accomplishment in the stated category; 2) alignment with the wildland fire leadership values and principles; and 3) scope of accomplishment, considering available resources. The award must be submitted by December 31, and include the name and unit of nominee, and name and unit of person submitting the nomination, as well as other important information.

How are the winners chosen?

Winners are chosen by January 31 each year by a panel consisting of people from the wildland firefighting community. Awards are presented the following spring.

Do the nominees have to be federal employees?

No, nominees can be employees of state, tribal or local firefighting organizations. The important point is that they are setting the example for leadership in the wildland firefighting community.

Can I nominate a group of individuals?

Yes, nominees may be individuals or groups. The same categories and criteria apply for both.

Who is Paul Gleason?

In short, Paul Gleason was a leader. Paul succumbed to cancer in 2003 following a wildland fire career that spanned several decades. During his career Paul led and mentored firefighters, he studied and taught wildland fire, and through his contributions to the wildland fire community, improved firefighter safety. Paul developed the LCES (Lookout, Communication, Escape Routes, Safety Zones) concept that became the foundation of firefighter safety. When asked what he would like his legacy in fire to be, Paul said this: "I suppose I would want my legacy to be that firefighters begin to realize the importance of being a student of fire and that I was able to help make that happen."

On April 27, 2005, the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program awarded the first ever Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award - for Lifetime Achievement to Ted Putnam, PhD.  Read Ted Putnam's Lead by Example Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 2010, Bud Moore's family received a LBE Lifetime Achievement Award in sincere appreciation and reverence for Bud's service and example. Read Bud Moore's Lead by Example Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 2019, the NWCG Leadership Committee awarded Jim Karels a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Lifetime Achievement Award in sincere appreciation for his service and leadership example. Read more about Jim Karels' years of service.