Testimonials

NIMO in Yellowstone National Park

From Tim Reid Former Chief Ranger – Yellowstone NP

tim_reid@nps.gov

Tim Reid

"Ordering a NIMO team proved to be a perfect and effective choice, especially due to the potential for the complex to ebb and flow until a season-ending event in late September.  Even though a break in the weather with monsoonal flow slowed the spread of the fires during the NIMO team’s tour, the fires had the potential for a long-duration event that would have required multiple transfers of command between type 2 teams until the end of fire season. As opposed to the standard 60-person type 2 team roster, NIMO brought a 20-person team and lived up to the their mission to be responsive, flexible and adaptive to fit the needs of the park."  See the complete story here.

NIMO "asbestos" exercise on the Kootenai National Forest

Chris Savage

From Chris Savage, Forest Supervisor, Kootenai National Forest
"Due to the efforts of you and your team, we are better prepared to move forward with accomplishing our objectives.  The role playing scenarios were memorable and effective in working through tough questions the agencies may encounter. Additionally, we all have a better vision of agency roles and responsibilities in the event of a large wildfire within OU3 (a superfund site contaminated with asbestos). Full letter here

Type 2 OSC Trainee - Walden, Colorado - 2016

Jay Stalnacker

From Jay Stalnacker, T2 PSC (t)
"Bill Hahnenberg’s National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) provided an outstanding learning environment. Each member of the command and general staff displayed patience, acceptance and understanding. The command and general staff allowed me uncensored access to their individual teams and the trust in me to work independently while supporting their work groups. This effort allowed me to grow a great deal professionally as an operations chief and develop many additional skills and knowledge that will only make me a better leader. Having never before worked as a trainee with a NIMO, I was unsure of what to expect. Very early into the incident/training assignment, I become fully aware of the unique opportunity by the obvious professionalism and sincere desire by the command and general staff to provide the best learning environment. The opportunities for learning afforded to me will stay with me for the remainder of my career and I hope to “ride the brand” of the NIMO philosophy as I move towards this next level of leadership." For Jay's complete letter, click here 

NIMO on Beaver Creek & Broadway Fires - Colorado 2016

Jeff Benson

From Jeff Benson, Fire Chief - North Park Fire Rescue, Walden, Colorado
"Just a shout out to the NIMO crews I've worked with the last few months.  Transition from the Blue Type two team was flawless and very transparent, I've never worked with a NIMO team before. Their professionalism with myself and our community has been outstanding. Their commitment to being here in North Park to the end of the Beaver Creek fire has left us all feeling better about the largest fire in Jackson County in many decades.  Hope we don't have any more huge fires down the road but it's nice to know that if things get bad enough a NIMO team can show up and make things better.  Thank you from the North Park community and myself."

Local Type 3 training with PHX NIMO 2016

“It was outstanding!” – Megan Saylors, type 3 training participant & NATP participant

I almost didn’t attend as I thought it would be pretty much be a repeat of our yearly delegation meetings where we get bored to tears by powerpoints and lectures on the same things we hear every year. Last minute, I was convinced I should go and I am glad that I did. I can tell you this is not like that. This is my first season really helping out on our type 3 teams. Not having much experience in this field, I can say that it helped set me up for the season, especially when the first time I went out, I got to play a couple of different roles and work alongside some of the NIMO folks who not only taught the class but some who are also involved in NATP.

I can see not only how it can help integrate militia and folks like myself, but could also be used for developing cohesion within local type 3 teams. The best part is it sounds like they can cater it to your unit's specific needs. It’s worth taking a look at and trying out even if you already do something on your unit (this way everyone gets to participate since they don’t have to facilitate!).