|
|
|
Release No. FS-0513 |
Contact: |
Heidi Valetkevitch, (202) 205-1089 |
FOREST SERVICE CHIEF NAMES NEW DIRECTOR
TO LEAD FIRE AND AVIATION PROGRAM
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2004 – U.S. Department of Agriculture
Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth today announced Thomas Harbour
as director for the agency’s fire and aviation management
program. Harbour will replace Jerry Williams who is retiring in
January.
“Tom has devoted his entire career to working in the wildland
fire community and brings with him a great deal of experience at
all levels of the fire organization,” said Bosworth. “From
participating in many types of emergency incidents, including hurricanes
and floods, to leading elite management teams in fighting some of
the largest and most complex wildfires in the U.S., Tom is a great
fit for this management position.”
Harbour began his career with the Forest Service in 1970 as a firefighter
in California. He moved on to hold various positions on the Apache
National Forest in Arizona, the Challis National Forest in Idaho,
and the Modoc National Forest and the Angeles National Forest, both
in California. He also served in fire and aviation management roles
at two regional offices, Montana and Utah. In addition to his normal
duties, he led top interagency incident management teams for more
than 10 years to battle incidents across the country. He has also
assisted Indonesia and Greece in wildfire management. In August
2001, Harbour joined the headquarters office as deputy director
of fire and aviation management.
“It will be an honor to serve as director of fire and aviation
management for the agency,” said Harbour. “This is an
exciting time. We have wonderful opportunities, and many challenges
ahead of us. I look forward to continuing key partnerships and working
with great people, both within and outside the Forest Service."
Harbour is a graduate of the University of California at Davis with
a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He also has a bachelor’s
degree in forest management from Washington State University.
He and his wife LaRee of 25 years reside in Falls Church, Va., and
have four children, Stephanie, 26, Saundra, 24, Derek, 22, and Serina,
20.
Harbour will assume his new duties in early January.
#
|