I met with Deb Packard Tuesday morning to learn more about her job as Human Resources Specialist on the Pocket Fire andI learned a bit about how she assists in keeping the work environment positive, morale good, conflicts minimized, and civil rights protected.
Her job can consist of walking around, talking to people, listening to see if people are happy, and being part of meetings every day to discuss what’s going on with the fire, what’s going on in the camp, and if there are any problems.
“Most assignments there are no issues."she says. “The teams that are out there mostly resolve their own conflicts.They are trained for that..” Deb just gets involved if they can’t for some reason.
"The wildfire firefighter foundations gives up postcards and stamps so i put those out, she tells me.".If someone needs to leave because of famaily emergency I can help get through the process of finding a ride home or finding a quiet place to make a phone call There are all kinds of things HR can get involed in to make the work place more positive.”
Some of the crews that come in are very young and work in camp to help keep it clean and running. Some of them have never worked before, so there may be some education she provides on what’s appropriate and expectations around conduct.
She acknowledges it does take a special person to fight fires, and they are out there risking their lives to save beautiful places and people’s homes.
“How can locals who want to show support?” I asked.
Food isn't needed or allowed as they have caterers providing all meals but firefighters do appreciaate seeing the public signs of support and gratitude from the community.
She explains,"I was on a fire where the town brought in socks and we put them out for them to take socks."
Discounts at local places are appreciated.We were sitting at Sedona Coffee, and they had given Deb a discount when they saw she was with the fire.
She told me about a fire that happened in a town where there was a group called the Moonshiners lived that had a TV program.
"These guys wanted to come in and provide free T-shirts from their show, but I told them no moonshine! " She chuckled."The guys and girls went nuts for the T-shirts."
Deb also mentioned another way to support firefighters is to donate to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. They support injured firefighters and families of the fallen.
Ok, Sedona, over to you. I’m passing the baton. Who’s going to pick it up?