As Aerial Firefighting Capabilities Lead, I design, develop, test and deliver innovative solutions that enhance the safety, effectiveness and efficiency of aerial firefighting worldwide. Metrea's specialty is integrating advanced capabilities into full-stack services that provide uniquely customized and valuable benefits to customers, which we are doing with FIRE SWIFT, a first-of-its-kind medium multimission fixed-wing airtanker.

As Lead Sensor Operator for the FIRIS program, I worked with the customer to define data needs and develop delivery methods for real-time all-risk aerial intelligence products. I developed procedures, set standards and managed creation of training programs for the Northern California and Southern California crews. I led the collaboration with UC San Diego's WIFIRE laboratory, including development of a first-of-its-kind process for rapidly assessing landslide and debris flow impacts in burned areas based on AI-generated Digital Elevation Models of imagery collected immediately post-fire and immediately post-flood. Flew real-time intelligence missions on initial attack and large fires as well as all-hazard incidents and SAR missions.

Led fire mapping system specification, competitive procurement, and integration program for New South Wales Rural Fire Service leadplane program. Developed real-time mapping, intelligence and fire growth modeling protocol for Orange County Fire Authority. Performed night hazard assessment and tactical mapping on rotor-wing HLCO/ATGS platform.

Fire and Aviation Management

Temporary promotion; established national policy, training standards and procedures, national budget, and interagency agreements. Authored a strategic plan and promoted the program at interagency conferences and meetings. Coordinated operational missions. Led the development of a technology roadmap for agency investment.

Co-architect and lead manager of a nationwide field study of the effectiveness and relative contributions of fixed- and rotor-wing aerial suppression to wildland fire management. Methods included direct observations by dedicated, trained firefighters and geospatial processing of wide-area, multispectral, high-resolution aerial imagery. Findings will be incorporated into operational training and decision support tools, as well as development of new performance metrics for ongoing system-wide management.