FIRES MAKE PUBLIC PROPERTY WALK
OFF
Dear
HCN,
Forest fires do indeed cost a lot of money
(HCN, 3/6/95). Although it is a drop in the bucket compared to
leasing a heavy helicopter, one simple way to cut costs would be to
prevent theft.
Last fall, I’m disgusted to say, I
was involved with a National Guard unit employed by the Agriculture
Department. As a sergeant I expected to see privates trying to
stash away the occasional souvenir – the yellow Nomex shirt was a
big stealer.
I was infuriated to find out that
other senior officers had set their “goals’ much higher. Among the
many items that disappeared were a propane 100-cup coffee maker, an
entire camp kitchen, including the tables and chairs, heaters,
lanterns, and tents.
For not caring to
participate I was called stupid. Management also got their share of
the pie by being overstaffed and then authorizing hours for
themselves that they did not work.
In a letter to
that particular forest management I suggested the following when
dealing with the Guard:
* Not give them the time
of day unless they sign for it first;
* Mark with
indelible markers or stamps anything they want
back;
* Search departing
vehicles;
* Provide a Forest Service employee to
instigate actions that need to be taken and demand accountability
for hours worked.
In 1988, I served as a crew
boss with the Bridger-Teton Wilderness Area near Pinedale, Wyo.
Government property disappeared very rapidly but showed up quite
quickly once the authorities started to search private vehicles.
Trust in God if you must, but suspect all
others.
T.V. McCarren
Hartsel,
Colorado
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Fires make public property walk off.
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