Well-known industry stalwart Bill Gabbert, founder, and editor of Fire Aviation and Wildfire Today passed away peacefully on January 14th after a battle with cancer.
Bill grew up in Senatobia and graduated from Senatobia High School, later earning a B.U.S. degree in forestry from Mississippi State University.
Bill served as a wildland firefighter in the U.S. Forest Service for 20 years and then in the U.S. National Park Service for 13 years. At the time of his retirement, he was a fire management officer for the Black Hills in South Dakota and had fire management responsibilities in seven national park areas in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska.
Throughout his career, Bill was a respected and knowledgeable voice in the wildland firefighting community, providing information on the latest firefighting technology, tactics, and policy. He was also a tireless advocate for the men and women who work on the frontlines of firefighting, always seeking to raise awareness of the dangers and challenges they face.
Through Fire Aviation and Wildfire Today, Bill shared his extensive knowledge and passion for wildland firefighting, and his contributions to the field will not be forgotten. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the entire wildland firefighting community. Our condolences to his family and friends.
Further tributes can be viewed on Bill’s obituary page by clicking HERE
