The Wildland Firefighter Foundation’s main focus is to help families of firefighters killed in the line of duty and to assist injured firefighters and their families. We honor and acknowledge past, present, and future members of the wildland firefighting community, and partner with private and interagency organizations to bring recognition to wildland firefighters.
Wildland firefighters represent the diversity of the land they protect. They are federal, state, and local firefighters, contract firefighters, and volunteers from rural communities and towns across the United States. Many are long-time career professionals, some much newer to the job. They are ordinary people doing an extraordinary job, a community of committed individuals who work and train to protect our private and public lands.
The Foundation came together as a group of volunteers in 1994, shortly after the Storm King tragedy. The Wildland Firefighter Foundation was officially formed in the spring of 1999. Our board members realized that there was a great need to have emergency support services for the families of fallen firefighters. With dedication and lots of volunteer work, plans were developed for a national monument to honor firefighters, a dream that was realized in May 2000.
Active volunteers and supporters of wildland firefighters established the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, a 501(c)3 to maintain the Wildland Firefighters National Monument at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise, Idaho.
Since 1999, the Foundation has also provided emergency support services to the families of firefighters, seriously injured or killed in the line of duty. Families left behind, many with young children, often find themselves with few resources, and the Foundation steps in to help.
The Board of Directors and the Wildland Firefighter Foundation are focused on developing realistic goals and objectives designed to guide the Foundation into the future. The following organizational goals have been identified:
Burk Minor is the Co-founder and Executive Director of the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. Burk has been caring for and supporting the wildland community, since the Storm King fire, in Colorado in 1994. Burk is the frontline responder for the Foundation whenever an incident arises. Burk is an expert at crisis management and is counted on by the wildland community for his knowledge, awareness and resources. A master relationship builder, fundraiser and strategist, his influence has created a thriving foundation, excellence among top tier charities and countless awards and recognition. His true colors shine when working with Incident Management teams and the Honor Guard to provide recognition to the fallen and injured. Burk has dedicated thirty plus years in wildland fire and is a voice for the boots on the ground and in the air.
Close Burk Minor's BioDina handles the administration, fiscal oversight and management of the day-to-day business operations for the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. Dina is dedicated to serving the wildland community, ensuring our mission is carried out effectively and efficiently. In her off time, Dina loves spending time with her husband and two beautiful daughters as well as creating and sewing quilts for fundraisers; including quilts for wildland firefighter families.
Close Dina Pfeifer's BioBetty started her career with the Forest Service in 1978 as a Corps member for both the Youth Conservation and Young Adult Conservation Corps Crews on the Big Bear Ranger District, San Bernardino National Forest. In 1980 she was hired as a seasonal in Timber Management and often responded to fires with her resource management crew. It was a coin toss that landed her a spot on an engine that was short staffed for the Siege of 1980. She finished out that season on an engine and has been in fire management until her retirement in 2016. Betty has worked all but one year on the Big Bear/Mountaintop Ranger District. She also worked on the Angeles National Forest as a Special Use Technician on the Saugus Ranger District. Some of the positions she has held and/or performed the duties of include, Supervisory Fire Engine Operator, Assistant District Fire Management Officer, Fire Prevention Technician, OHV Technician, Customer Service Representative, administrator for the District Casual Hire Program, Honor Guard Member, Family and Hospital Liaison. She considers herself an Employee Advocate and Proud supporter of the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.
Close Betty Ashe's BioLayn Minor has been a part of the Wildland Firefighter Foundation for over 20 years, carrying on a legacy as the son of Executive Director Burk Minor and grandson of Founder Vicki Minor. With a deep understanding of the Foundation’s mission and operations, Layn plays a key role in managing digital assets and supporting the coordination of events and fundraisers, ensuring the Foundation’s continued success and impact.
Close Layn Minor's BioEric’s our resident Wizard. He and his wife Carlie have three children—Taylor (engaged to Laura) and Grandson Myles 2, Jaxon 18, and Kaylie 14— He’s a proud dad and grandpa who never misses Jaxon’s hockey games or Kaylie’s volleyball matches, always there to cheer them on and savoring every family moment along the way. An avid outdoorsman, Eric finds peace in nature along the Boise River and in Idaho’s wilderness, often camping, hunting or simply reconnecting with nature. Eric is also a certified Reiki Master, personal development coach and skilled breathwork and meditation practitioner. You can find him volunteering in the community, hanging out with his dog Cash, or at rodeos and concerts. Eric and his wife Carlie reside in Boise, Idaho
Close Eric Brocksome's BioHi, I’m Kaycee Pickett! I’ve been happily married since 2020, and together with my wonderful husband, we’re raising our daughter, Jemma. Family is everything to me, and I cherish every moment spent together.
When I’m not enjoying quality time with my loved ones, you can usually find me outdoors. I absolutely love camping and being surrounded by nature- it’s my perfect way to unwind and recharge. Our three dogs, Ruger, Kona, and Koko, are always by my side, adding plenty of joy and energy to our family adventures.
I’m fortunate to work at the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of an organization that does so much for others, and I’m proud to contribute to such a meaningful cause.
Close Kaycee Pickett's BioIn 1987 Vicki Minor contracted with the US Forest Service to provide commissary units for remote incident command posts in the forest during fire seasons. Her business and love of the firefighter community grew as she provided dry goods and what was needed, to soften their harsh environment.
While being involved with the forest fires Vicki felt the devastation not only to the land but the people who fought to protect it. As a result, Vicki founded the Wildland Firefighter Foundation in 1997 in an extra room in her home in the Foothills of Boise. After seeing the Vietnam Wall she dreamed of having a place for wildland firefighters to honor their dead and help them heal. She started the funding and spearheaded the building of the Wildland Firefighter Monument at the National Interagency Fire Center, in Boise, Idaho. Until then there was no place to recognize the efforts of all wildland firefighters. In a short time she had funded and obtained non-profit status for the Foundation, that not only serves wildland firefighters across our nation but reached its arms out internationally to help firefighters killed in wildfires in other countries.
When CNN heard of her work at various burn centers she was nominated as a CNN Hero. She has also received the “Meeting American Needs Award,” from the Chief of the US Forest Service. She has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine twice and recently received national recognition by receiving a Mother Teresa Caring award given each year by the Caring Institute in Washington, D.C.
Close Vicki Minor's BioActive in emergency management for 22 years and owner of Fire Dawg, a company that contracts with the U.S. Forest Service.
Close Julie Quigley's BioRon Raley brings over five decades of fire management and forestry expertise to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. During his 35-year career with the U.S. Forest Service, he served as Deputy Director of Fire and Aviation Management in California, leading fire suppression efforts and managing a $270 million regional fire program. He has worked on numerous high-profile incidents, including the Hayman, Cerro Grande, and Big Bar Complex fires, as a Type I Incident Commander.
In addition to his federal service, Ron is the principal owner of Raley’s Forestry & Wildfire Management, providing consulting services on wildfire management and serving as an expert witness for major fire cases. His leadership includes contributions to the 2003 California Fire Siege Blue Ribbon Commission and serving as a principal architect of “The Story – The California Fire Siege 2003.”
Ron is a California Licensed Professional Forester and holds extensive certifications in fire suppression and management. With his lifelong dedication to wildfire safety and resource management, he brings invaluable expertise to support the Foundation’s mission of aiding wildland firefighters and their families.
Close Ron Raley's BioOver 37 years of service in wildland fire. She is currently the Deputy Director of Fire and Aviation and Regional Aviation Officer, RAO in Montana. Maggie is CSIM trained and looks forward to utilizing that training in service of wildland firefighters and their families.
Close Maggie Doherty's BioTodd retired from Central AZ Fire & Medical Authority in November of 2023 as a battalion Chief and Wildland Chief. Todd is currently the Deputy AZ State Fire Management Officer of Operations for Department of Forestry & Fire Management (DFFM). Todd has been involved with incident management teams for over 20 years and has been the Operations Section Chief on team #2 in the southwest area, this year Todd will be the Deputy Incident Commander for southwest team #2. With Todd’s extensive background in wildland fire fighting he was asked to sit on the board of directors for the Wildland Firefighter Foundation for the past 13 years. Todd is also dedicated to teaching the next generation of leaders in firefighting, Todd has traveled the country to pass on his knowledge in an effort to set up the next group of leaders for success.
Close Todd Abel's BioMy career as a wildland firefighter spanned over 27 years. Two of those years were with the National Park Service, and 25 years with the US Forest Service. I have served as a member on hotshot crews, prescribed fire modules, wildland fire engines, in air operations as an Air Tactical Group Supervisor, and in various levels of Chief positions. Throughout my fire service career, I served on various training cadres as teaching others and passing along knowledge is a true passion of mine. I retired from the USFS in January 2020 as the Deputy Manager of the Northern California Geographic Area Coordination Center and currently work as a casual hire (AD) Air Attack when the need arises. My education includes earning a Certificate of Studies in Wildland Fire Management from Humboldt State University in 2009.
In 2007, I was recruited to the US Forest Service Honor Guard, where I remained an active member until retirement. I served as the Deputy Commander from 2012 – 2016. In 2016, I was asked, and accepted the position of Honor Guard Commander, which I remained until retirement. It was during my tenure with the Honor Guard that I developed and maintained a relationship with the Wildland Firefighter Foundation and all the folks that operate the foundation. The first Line of Duty Death (LODD) I assisted with occurred in 2008. This was Chief Daniel Packer on the Panther Fire on the Klamath National Forest. On the heels of Chief Packers death, was the multi-fatality Iron 44 helicopter crash. It was during the preparation and implementation of these LODD services that I was exposed to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation and all that they do to take care of the friends and families of the fallen. It is because of this relationship and my Honor Guard experiences, that my passion grew for taking care of those who were unable to take care of themselves in times of need.
I am the proud father of four children and one son in law who are in the wildland fire business, either with the US Forest Service, or Bureau of Land Management. I am extremely proud to be called “Papa” by six grandchildren. I am married to a wonderful woman who has supported me throughout my career despite all the challenges and nuances it has presented.
Close Curt Stanley's BioMr. Leasure provides overall direction, supervision, and management of the Women Erased Foundation, a non-profit foundation created to combat the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women/People (MMIW/P). He is the Co-Founder and President of Ride to the Wall Foundation, a non-profit foundation supporting homeless and disabled veterans and other worthy veteran causes.
After 50 years, he has recently retired from the Idaho Foundation for Parks and Lands (IFPL) where he had served as a Board Member and past Vice President, and from the Board of Regents at University of the Pacific (Stockton CA) after 9 years of service. Larry has previously served as Board Member and Senior Vice President/President Elect at the University of the Pacific Alumni Association, Director of many civic organizations including the Boise Area Chamber of Commerce, the Silver Sage Council of Girl Scouts of America and the Boise Philharmonic, President and Campaign Chairman of the Snake River United Way (Caldwell ID), President of United Way of Ada County (ID), President of the Boise Gallery of Art, Founding Board Member of the Boise Area Economic Development Council, and Founding Board Member of St. Alphonsus Hospital Foundation.
When he is not serving his community, Larry serves as Chairman and CEO of White-Leasure Development Company, which he co-founded in 1972. Throughout his real estate career he has specialized in the acquisition of land and development for major mixed-use projects including shopping centers, major historical building renovations, and other commercial, industrial, office, and residential projects. Prior to his association with White-Leasure, he served in several executive positions with the College of Idaho and the University of the Pacific. He holds a Bachelors Degree in music from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, a Master’s Degree in Speech from the University of the Pacific, and did Graduate work at San Francisco State College.
Close Larry Leasure's BioRobert “Bob” Bell brings nearly five decades of dedication to the wildland fire community to his role with the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. A first-generation firefighter, Bob began his career with the California Division of Forestry before serving in multiple leadership positions with the U.S. Forest Service, retiring in 2014 as the Assistant Fire Director for Region 5, Southern California Operations. His extensive career includes roles as Engine, Hotshot, and Helitack Captain, Battalion Chief, Division Chief, and Regional Wildland Fire Training Officer.
Bob has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science and has contributed significantly to the development and instruction of wildland fire training programs nationally and internationally. He played a key role in the “You Will Not Stand Alone” cadre, underscoring his commitment to supporting the wildland fire community during times of loss.
His passion for honoring fallen firefighters and supporting their families solidified in 2009 when he served as a Family Liaison, leading to his involvement in rewriting Forest Service policies to improve support for families. In retirement, Bob continues to serve as a carded AD employee, supporting incident management teams and special projects, and as Assistant Fire Chief of Special Projects and Aviation for Asotin County Fire District 1 in Washington.
Bob’s dedication extends to his family, with a son who is a Deputy Fire Chief and a granddaughter following in his firefighting footsteps. Together, his family embodies the values of service and care for the wildland fire community during times of need.
Close Bob Bell's BioElizabeth Lund brings over four decades of leadership and operational experience in wildland fire management to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. A seasoned fire professional, Elizabeth has served in numerous leadership roles, including Deputy Director of Fire and Aviation and Type 1 Incident Commander, overseeing critical fire suppression efforts on high-profile incidents across the U.S.
Throughout a distinguished career with the U.S. Forest Service, Elizabeth has worked on the front lines and in key management roles, contributing to fire strategy, interagency coordination, and incident management at the local, regional, and national levels. Known for fostering collaboration and mentoring future leaders, Elizabeth has been instrumental in advancing risk management, policy implementation, and operational excellence in the field.
With a lifelong dedication to supporting wildland firefighters, their families, and the communities they serve, Elizabeth continues to lend expertise to the Foundation’s mission of honoring and aiding those who protect our wildlands.
Close Elizabeth Lund's BioJoel Kerley, Chief of Operations of 10 Tanker Air Carrier, recently(2022) retired from the Bureau of Indian Affairs as Director of Aviation and Safety. Joel served in various positions such as engine crewmember, hotshot, smokejumper, Air Attack, District and Regional Aviation Manager within the Forest Service and Department of Interior for 30 plus years entirely in Wildland Fire Management.
Joel has served on many National Wildfire Coordinating Groups over the years and has been a key player on many initiatives involving policy, budget, safety, military wildland fire liaison, and aerial technological advancement programs. Mr. Kerley maintained currency of qualifications throughout his career as Incident Commander Type 3, Division Group Supervisor, Air Tactical Group Supervisor, Air Tactical Supervisor, among other IQCS positions. Joel has also been a Contractor Officer Representative (COR) for the Department of the Interior for last 17 years of his career.
Joel attended Boise State University where he currently resides with his wife in Boise, Idaho.
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