PPA Tour Referee’s Role in LA Wildfires: Mark Thomas, a seasoned firefighter with 25 years of experience, was called into action early on Thursday, January 9. Just hours before he was scheduled to referee at the Zimmer Biomet Masters powered by Invited, he received a 3:30 a.m. phone call informing him that his team was needed to assist with the ongoing LA wildfires.
From Referee to Firefighter
Thomas, who also serves as a battalion chief with the San Jose Fire Department, is part of an 80-person incident management team in California. His team was called upon to track resources and manage the plan to deploy them in the wildfire response.
Instead of overseeing Round of 16 matches, Thomas quickly boarded the first flight from Palm Springs International Airport to San Jose.
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Managing Resources in the Wildfire Response
After arriving in San Jose, Thomas prepared his gear and drove south to Riverside, where his team set up operations at the Ben Clark Training Center. “We’re an all-hazard team that’s utilized mostly for wildfires,” Thomas explained.
“We provide management and oversight for major incidents. Right now, we’re operating the mobilization center, so we’re responsible for deploying all the resources coming in from out of state.”
National Cooperation for California Fires
Thomas’s team has been instrumental in mobilizing resources, including engines from various states like Washington, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Colorado. These resources are critical in the ongoing fight against the LA wildfires.
Veteran’s Perspective on the Firefighting Effort
As a firefighter with extensive experience, Thomas knows the importance of proper coordination and resource management during large-scale fires.
His role is vital in ensuring that the right equipment and personnel are in place to combat the wildfires and protect communities in California.
News in Brief: PPA Tour Referee’s Role in LA Wildfires
Mark Thomas, a firefighter with 25 years of experience, quickly shifted gears when called to help manage resources for the LA wildfires. His team is responsible for mobilizing resources from across the country, including fire engines, to support firefighting efforts in California.
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