Don Studebaker Page

Tributes to Don Studebaker on the 2 year anniversary of his death. We miss him!
DATE	SUBJECT
5/1	I was there (Eyerly Fire) when Stude gave his pep talk. I had just finished giving my safety message when Don came on the stage and let the loafers have it. About half of the team was standing off to the side of the stage when Stude let loose. Almost all of us had to go behind the stage so the audience wouldn’t see us laughing. Don was absolutely right to let them have it as there was some pitiful crew performance on that incident. None of us knew that Stude was going to give them both barrels and were caught off guard, and at the same time, proud of Don for holding the troops accountable. We joked with Don after his speech that the Eyerly Fire would be our last trip into R-6. We didn’t care as the crews had it coming. Don was like a brother, father, colleague, boss and friend to me. For the last eight years of my FS career I worked with Don, Mike Dougherty, Ralph Domanski, Chuck McElwain, James Whiteside, and Jamie Tarne on the Fire Simulation project. Over this time we made several trips back to the National Fire Academy to work with the folks there. Every time we went back there we always made time to go up to the Gettysburg Battlefield. Don knew the history of the battle as well as, if not better than, the high priced tour guides. He could stop the car anywhere on the battlefield and frame that particular aspect of the battle, who was where, what they did, and how that affected the outcome of the three day battle. Don was an excellent IC too. He let his people do their jobs. If we messed up, he would find us when we got back into the ICP and counsel us on what we should have done. I learned a lot working with Don. He really was a genius. Stude was top shelf in every way and left us way too soon. I cannot think back on my career without thinking fondly of Don, his contributions to the FS, his intellect, his mentorship and friendship. R.I.P. Stude Greg Power We are seeking permission to provide a link to the video clip Greg, Mellie and others describe. Ab.
4/27/07	Ann Studebaker and All, Our country has had a lengthy history of creating, nurturing and producing some of the finest generals in the world. Don was ours. Don's work and contribution to our agency, to leadership and to the best things in maintaining the best fire fighting force in the world lives on. He was excellent on pushing limits to the outskirts of acceptable, opening the door, welcoming and nurturing diverse folks -- whether in terms of gender, race and, more importantly, in thought. His special blend of dynamic leadership, incredible memory, strategic viewpoints, mentoring and his human foibles -- there is no one else like him. The man was incredible and we all miss him dearly. Jeanne Pincha-Tulley
4/25/07	I just wanted to wade in on the comments and remembrances of Don Studebaker. Don and I somehow seemed to follow each other from one Type 1 Team to another. I was his Resource Unit Leader when he was a Planning Chief and then I made the move to Info Officer on CIIMT2 and Don then shows up as an IC. Don would sometimes call me his "Jimmy Cricket" or conscience because we had a secret signal (not really very secret, the Vulcans use it all the time). I would give him the "sign" if he strayed too far from the focus of a media interview, community meeting or briefing. Not that straying was always a bad thing, because Don had a way of turning the opportunity in to a lesson. Whether it was the reporter who didn't know a thing about weather and fire behavior, or the public confused with the meanings of containment and control; and I never minded being his "Jimmy Cricket" it was a responsibility I took on happily. He also liked to challenge me by asking me to find usually some historical fact about the area where the team was assigned... .caught by Don in another teaching opportunity...Darn it again! I was unable to attend his memorial, one of my biggest regrets of not being able to send an old friend off... I think of him often, asking myself what advice would Don give me in this situation... and then it comes to me...He did it to me again ! Thanks to all who have already posted for bringing back great memories. s/Jimmy Cricket
4/25/07	Patty and All, I know what you mean when you say Don continues to teach... Besides what you mentioned, Don was instrumental in getting the quality ICT3 computer simulation assessment up and running in record time. I believe that continues on, too. The speed with which he and his co-creators accomplished such quality work blew me away. It was stressful, but most of those who went through it learned from the process itself. In my estimation when the test leaves you more informed, that's the best kind of test. Professional. Profound. Mostly I knew Don in teaching settings, in meetings; at break time he was willing to answer any question I had. He had another side besides teaching, a passion that reminded me of my dad. One of the things I wish I had a copy of or could see again was a video clip of Don as IC chewing out a crew of serious underperformers. I think they had hidden out rather than cutting line. He sure called them on the carpet. His directness was refreshing. They looked surprised that they had gotten caught. Too often in this "PC" age people tolerate poor or lackluster performance. Don did not and he didn't mince words. He had a passion about doing the job well and expectations both of himself and for others who worked under his command. Mellie
4/25/07	Don Studebaker Don's memory and his many contributions to the Wildland Fire organization continue to be remembered in many ways. Don was the IC of CIIMT 2 and at the end of each Incident Team assignment the team gets together and "raise our glasses in a toast" to Don. He's never left the team. Don was also memorialized at the recent S-420 (Command and General Staff) training course in South Zone last month. Don was a member of the cadre for over 20 years and was a major contributor to how the course is delivered today and to its reputation of being a "premier training course". The fire used in the simulation exercises was renamed the "Studebaker Fire". His legacy will live on.....He continues to teach. Patty
4/25/07	Just thought I'd share some thoughts on LEADERSHIP as defined by Don Studebaker back when he was Division Chief on the Palomar Ranger District. If my memory serves correct, he wrote these down "off the cuff" just prior to receiving the Cal Yarborough Award as outstanding R5 Division Chief in 2001. Don Studebaker on Leadership (jpg, large 700+K suitable for framing) Don's contributions to the wildland fire community were many and he will always be remembered by those fortunate enough to have worked with him. He was also a great teacher with a knack for developing future leaders. To this day, not a week goes by that his name isn't mentioned in some conversation around the office, in the field, or on the fireline. Great memories and stories for firefighters to learn from well into the future. Carlton Joseph
4/24/07	Dear members of the wildland firefighting community, Don passed away two years ago today. We miss him terribly and I'm sure many of you do, too. Perhaps his friends could take a moment to remember him and how much you meant to him. I think he would like that. I hope you all have a safe fire season. Ann Studebaker San Diego, CA Dear Ann, Don also meant so much to all of us. He was a mentor to me. Original Ab was a member of his Incident Management Team 2. What an awesome human being! Larger than life. Willing to tell it like it was. He was a leader, no doubt about it. Every week something comes up for me that causes me to remember and celebrate Don's life. Our community embraces you and your family. Ab. Photos of Don: Manter Fire, with Aaron at Pendola, checking "the goods", Team at Stine IC in '99, Don having a moment at Stine IC, with Dennis IC Award, Team at Shaw AFB, and Don.

From 2005

4/27/05	With Don up in Heaven with his Leadership Skills and Fire Fighting knowledge, HELL better beware. Don we are better for knowen Ya, God Bless!! R5 Dirtminer
4/27/05	I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Don Studebaker. I never knew him, but by all accounts, he was a man I wished I had. My thoughts and prayers are with you. StumpShot
4/27/05	Ab, thanks for posting the photos of a friend we'll miss. Here are two photos from the Clear Creek Fire, 2000 for the military firefighters who help us out. Thanks. (toward bottom: tents & transport) Ab, I have some more. NorCal Tom
4/27/05	Here is a picture of Don on the Stine Fire on the Klamath in 1999, if you care to share. Pyrodactyl Perfect. Here are all the pics together. Don Studebaker. Ab.
4/27/05	Hey all. I have not been hitting this site as often as I like because I am mobilized for the Navy and am in training in Arizona. I am really missing fire and it is made worse because the local FS here has been doing some prescribed fire. I see smoke on the mountain and think that I should be up on the line doing something. Just homesick, I guess. Maybe I can hook my crew up with a severity detail down here. My condolences to the family of Don Studebaker. I did not know the man, but by the feedback on the board, I would have liked to. To M. Misiak, I had the pleasure of working with the Marine Corp on the Clear Creek fire in Idaho back in 2000, but did not take any pictures. I had a great time working with them, but learned that the Marines shouldn't use chainsaws. They think they are light sabers and dam near gave me a coronary before I was able to stop one of them from falling a tree on his buddies. Much safety training ensued after that. I had a great time working with them and they didn't even give me too hard of time for being Navy! Still missing fire, Domaque.
4/27/05	To the Studebaker family, It has been many years since Andrew was in my 4th and 5th grade class at Hardy Elementary but the family has not been forgotten. Don is remembered here as a quiet dad who stayed in the background. I think of Andrew and the family every time I wear the earrings that were given to me as a gift. During my years with Andrew, Don was in Hawaii a lot and Andrew spoke of him often. The entire Hardy staff is keeping the Studebaker family in our thoughts at this time of loss. Christine Garica
4/27/05	John - Thanks for being there for Don in his time of need. I know you and your engine company did everything humanly possible for him. As a good friend once told me," it was a tough card to draw but the right person who drew it." Brian Rhodes Captain-USFS
4/26/05	Members of the wildland family, I've debated for the past couple of days exactly how to word this letter without seeming too, um, something. Can't quite think of the word I'm looking for. I just wanted to share my feelings about Studebaker's passing with the community here. Some here may know me as a PSC2 trainee on a Type 2 team, but on Sunday I was the engine captain at the Studebaker residence. Federal privacy rules forbid me from telling any details of his illness, but from the end result it should be obvious. I initially couldn't see a lot of Don because my FF and FF/PM were taking care of him. Because they were in the way, I didn't recognize him. As I always do, I was talking to the family gathering information. I asked his wife his last name and she said, "Studebaker, do you need me to spell that for you?" I didn't need help. I almost asked if they were related to Don, but just then my medic moved and I could see the comb-over. Uh oh. Anyone here who's treated a sick or hurt friend knows the feelings I had then. I asked Don if he needed me to call anyone. As sick as he was, he still asked me to call one of my chiefs as they were scheduled to meet on Monday. Don was supposed to teach a class for our newly formed Type 3 IMT. Basically, we got Don to the hospital very quickly. I knew that some calls had to be made, but my cell phone was back at the station. I'll always feel badly that I couldn't stay at the hospital to help the family more, but at the time I felt it was important to let some people know what was happening. My plan was to make some calls and get back down the the hospital. Unfortunately, Don passed before I could make it back down. As much as it sucked to see a mentor ill, I'm glad that I was the one there to help. Most other city captains wouldn't have recognized the name or the man. I'm glad that I was able to make some calls and help the family as best I could. I wasn't as close to Don as many here. I'm sorry for your loss. John Fisher San Diego Fire-Rescue John, good to have one of our community present when needed. Ab.
4/26/05	Thinking of Don, I did a quick web search and came up with these....... Anyone have more to share? TC Don 1, Don 2, Don 3 Thanks TC. Ab.
4/26/05	As everyone knows we have lost a great leader and mentor in the wildland fire service Don Studebaker. Friday there will be service for the family and close friends, with a full military graveside service May 3 for immediate family only. A Memorial Service is tentatively scheduled for next Friday May 7, time & location to be announced later. When the information becomes available it will be posted. The family has requested in lieu of flowers, donations made to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation or Boys Scouts of America. SO BC
4/26/05	In honor of Stude.... and his lack of political correctness and his willingness to call a spade a spade, and a jack a jack..... (Be safe... you were a great mentor and a leader... your principles and leadership will be seen and used for years!!! Damn, Stude, I will miss ya!!) Lobotomy
4/26/05	Stress and the lifestyle we all experience. Folks, with the passing of Don, and the fact that his partner and supervisor of so many years, Richard Hawkins, has also experienced a heart attack recently, we all need to keep in mind the implications of the stress-filled life we all lead. We all owe it to our family, co-workers, friends, and ourselves to maintain a fitness program, live as healthy a life as possible, and work on managing stress in ways which are not so caustic to our bodies and minds. Don told me recently that he was looking forward to other warm climates, work as an AD, and getting healthy. He's one of those role models of mine who made a big impression in my life, and the fire world as a whole. I can only hope that I will be able to accomplish a millionth of what he did. Stanley
4/25/05	So sorry that Don is gone. Big boots to fill... Don received the Cal Yarborough Award for outstanding Division Chief, awarded in 2001 by the R5 Division Chiefs, USFS... to one of their own. Prestigious award, well deserved. Amazing firefighter, Amazing leader, Amazing man. Tahoe Terrie PS One comment he made in reference to maintaining awareness of fire behavior and acting in a cool and timely manner: "When you lose your head, the next thing is your ass." FF Quotes to Live By. I will not forget him.
4/25/05	I would like to express my condolences to the Studebaker family in their time of grief. I certainly agree with Mellie's comments about Don. He was a excellent leader and role model for younger firefighters. When I first became Deputy IC on Team 4 with Jack Lee, Don was our Plans Chief and I will always cherish the time that I had to sit and talk with Don when we had those down times. To get to know the intellect, hidden skills and sense of humor that the man had. He will be truly missed in the fire community. Hutch
4/25/05	Hi Ab, We at the Wildland Firefighter Foundation would like to send our condolences regarding Don Studebaker's passing. We have heard many stories about him. He touched many people with his integrity and passion for his job. We so appreciate the wisdom and knowledge left behind by Don, and people like him. Our most sincere and heartfelt thoughts go out to all of you in California and our wildland firefighting community. Vicki Minor Wildland Firefighter Foundation
4/25/05	I am shocked and heartbroken to hear that Don has passed. He has been one of my favorite mentors, always ready to answer questions, to prod me to think further, a renaissance wildland firefighter and groundpounder at heart. He never ceased to amaze me... and make me laugh, often with delighted surprise! I can remember when I first met him and realized that many - on first glance - might underestimate his intellect, his photographic memory for maps, the fire & his people's locations, and his leadership. John Campbell the great mythographer would say that Don Studebaker was the archetypal groundpounder, wildland firefighter cum incident commander, truly a professional wildland firefighter of the old school. I loved it that Don was honest above all. Forget PC! Several unofficial exchanges with Don stick out in my mind (my Don Studebaker slide collection) - They all have such positive emotional charge... Sitting in the back row left side of the Division Chiefs meeting in the dark some years ago with him and Jeanne P-T, getting filled in (whispering) regarding large fire suppression costs, large fire's relation to failing to pick those fires up on IA, and the link between IA's success and resources (budgeted, funded, trained) and resource placement. The video of an IC telling a loafing crew they didn't "cut the mustard" in no uncertain terms. Talking with him one time over lunch in Sacramento about computer systems, simulation and training, IC3T certification, the timeframe everyone was operating under to get that done before fire season. He was so knowledgeable of fire, of his people, of strategy/tactics, of human factors, of the internet, of computer programming... A discussion of the probable future of the wildland firefighting organization given the current OIG involvement and its impact on safety. His announcement that he was finally retiring, his comment "I've traveled all over this country and you all should be proud of this BOD" and being so choked up when giving him a hug that I couldn't speak. We did talk that night at a party and he shared his plans, which did include fire and meant I wouldn't be loosing his presence, knowledge, and friendship entirely. The wildland fire world is smaller for his passing. My life is much richer for his presence. I will not forget him. I would not be surprised if there will be moments when I will hear him in my mind reminding me to think about this or that in a particularly Studebaker firefighter way. I call such times my "studebaker moments". I am sure many others he interacted with and mentored have such rich and instructive memories. My love and prayers for his family... I never had the good fortune to meet them in person, I can't imagine their loss. My fire friends, take time to appreciate the people you admire, the people who have mentored you, the people who have made a difference in your lives. What we have for sure is the moment and the truth that lives in it. We need to tell people who make a difference thanks in the moment we can. I almost didn't give Don a hug that day because I was so choked up and a bit embarrassed at my feeling of loss. Thanks to the friend (Ray Q) who prodded me to do it anyway. Mellie
4/25/05	I am shocked to hear about Don Studebaker. He was a good man. My deepest, heartfelt wish for peace goes to his family and friends. FirenWater
4/25/05	AB Please Post: Don Studebaker, Retired Deputy Fire Chief for the Cleveland National Forest had a heart attack on Sunday (April 24), late in the afternoon. He was rushed to the hospital where he subsequently passed away. The medical team worked on him for 45 minutes. Funeral arrangements will be forthcoming. All of our thoughts and prayers go to Don's family who are dealing with this unexpected loss. Don was an amazing person who always had a story to tell. He will be missed on the Forest, in the fire community, and among those who have known him for a couple of months to a couple of years. That is how Don was, he is not a person who you would forget.
4/25/05	I don't know really how to say this, so I'm sorry for not being able to find the right words. This afternoon (Sunday, April 24th) Don Studebaker from Region 5 had a heart attack and passed away. I know some one here had mentioned knowing him, maybe it was Mellie? He just had his retirement party from USFS in January. He's been a wonderful mentor to me, and I just want everyone to know (who doesn't already know) that Don was a wonderful man. I was with his family today and we all discussed how everybody who meets him, loves him. I know he did an amazing job in the forest service. His family is in quite a bit of shock as you can imagine, but they also know that he lived to the fullest, and did what made him proud. And to those who had the opportunity to work with him, please know that he loved the job and those he worked with. You were all very special to him. It's so soon, so I don't know any details about services. I'll call the regional office in the morning and they'll work it out. I'm so very sorry that we've lost such a great man. I'm gonna miss him. Newbie (Carrie Bowers) Don's death is an incredible loss for the wildland firefighting world. Ab.

In Memory of DON STUDEBAKER, IC