Wildfire Family Loses One of Its Best
Trimble, 55, began his career in wildland fire with the BLM in 1971, and in the years that followed worked in several different positions in both Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska. When Trimble wasn't working in fire, he was attending Washington State University in Pullman or working for Alaska's Air National Guard. Trimble graduated from Washington State in 1974 with a degree in wildlife biology, and wrapped up his Alaska Air National Guard career three years later in 1977.
Trimble moved into fire management when he became the BLM Alaska fire staff officer. He was later selected as the Alaska Fire Service manager. Longtime colleague and friend Rick Gale, retired fire and aviation emergency response director for the National Park Service, said Trimble stood out because of his ability to analyze issues and offer sound advice.
“If Roger said something looked good, you knew it was good. You could always count on his advice and counsel,” Gale said.
In 1986, Trimble transferred to Washington, D.C., where he was the lead staff officer in the BLM's national fire management program. In 1990 he became the associate director for BLM Fire and Aviation at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, where he stayed for five years.
Trimble finished his 28-year career with an assignment in Washington, D.C., before he retired in 1999. Both Gale and Roy Percival, retired BLM associate director for fire and aviation, said his contribution to the development and delivery of advanced incident management and leadership courses was critical.
“Roger knew the nuts and bolts of wildland fire management because he came up from the bottom,” Percival said. “He was also easy to get along with and worked well in the interagency arena.”
Trimble's career was only part of his life, though. Percival said Trimble loved to fish and hunt.
“Roger had 26-foot cabin cruiser in Alaska and he'd always invite friends to go salmon or halibut fishing with him,” Percival recalled. “After he moved to Boise, he did the same thing, only it was a jet boat on the Salmon and Clearwater fishing for steelhead.”
Above all, Trimble enjoyed his colleagues, friends and family, and will be remembered for his warmth and ability to bring laughter to any situation.
Trimble is survived by his wife, Pam; several family members; and many good friends.
According to the Tri-City Herald, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Mountain States Tumor Institute, 100 E. Idaho, Boise, Idaho 83712 or St. Luke's Hospice, 190 E. Bannock, Boise, Idaho 83712.
Nancy Lull works in the external affairs division of the National Interagency Fire Center.
