RICHARD “RICK” T. GALE (1937-2009)
A ranger with more than 40 years of field experience, Gale was a source of inspiration for many in the NPS and in interagency fire management and had long-term impact on many. He took a particular interest in the instruction of younger fire fighters. For 25 years he was involved in education and training and helped to develop numerous wildland fire courses. He served on the faculty and as the steering committee chair for both Advanced Incident Management S-520 and Area Command S-620 courses. He was a founding member of the Association of National Association of National Park Rangers and served as its president from 1988-1994. He was also a long-time member and served on the board of the International Association of Wildland Fire. In 1994 President Clinton presented him with the very first Harry Yount Lifetime Achievement Award in a ceremony at the White House. Gale never tired of working for increased wildland firefighter safety and better management of our forests and rangelands.