Hotshot History

In Memoriam

Remembering Our Hotshot Leaders

We honor the legacy of Hotshot Superintendents who have passed on—leaders whose impact reached far beyond the crews they led. Their contributions shaped the strength, skill, and spirit of the Hotshot community and left an enduring mark on the broader wildland fire world. These individuals exemplified unwavering commitment to the mission and set a lasting standard for all who follow. As we remember them, we carry forward their lessons, their leadership, and the deep sense of purpose they brought to every fireline.

In Memoriam:

Bob Alvord  |  Texas Canyon Hotshots (1958–1961)

Lynn Biddison  |  Chilao Hotshots (1951–1953)

Don Biedebach  |  Chilao Hotshots (1949)

Lyn Bronitz  |  St Joe Hotshots (1995–1998, 2000)

Doug Campbell  |  El Cariso Hotshots (1961–1962)

Ron Campbell  |  El Cariso Hotshots (active in 1971)

Ben Charley  |  Horseshoe Meadows Hotshots (1974–1989)

Lito Contreras  |  Midewin Hotshots (2004)

Tony Czak  |  Mormon Lake Hotshots (1976)  *LODD

Kenneth David  |  Oak Grove Hotshots (1958–1960)

Dick Dorn  |  Texas Canyon Hotshots (1956–1958)

Mal Ellison  |  Oak Grove Hotshots (1971)

Frank Esposito  |  Big Bear Hotshots (2012–2019)

Tom Fogata  |  Entiat Hotshots (1988–1991)

Mike Freed  |  Sierra Hotshots (1987, 1995)

Paul Gleason  |  Zig Zag Hotshots (1979–1990), Pike Hotshots (1992)

Bill Harper  |  Texas Canyon Hotshots (1963–1971)

Woody Hite  |  Chilao Hotshots (1957–1958)

Lance Honda  |  Redmond Hotshots (1996), Prineville Hotshots (1997–2009)

Leroy Hubenak  |  Texas Canyon Hotshots (1961–1962)

Dave Jandt  |  Midnight Suns Hotshots (1989–1992)

Ken Jordan  |  Sierra Hotshots (1998–2014)

Kevin Joseph  |  Laguna Hotshots (1987), Silver City Hotshots (ukn)

Ed Kolchowski  |  Texas Canyon Hotshots (1954–1955)

Dave Larsen  |  Helena Hotshots (1983–1988)

Eddie Lungren  |  Oak Grove Hotshots (1950–1952)

Rick Lupe  |  Fort Apache Hotshots (1992–2001)  *LODD

George Marcott  |  Entiat Hotshots (1976–1979)

Eric Marsh  |  Granite Mountain Hotshots (2007–2013)  *LODD

Dave Matier  |  Midnight Suns Hotshots (1992–1997, 1997–2007, 2010)

Bruce McAtee  |  Flathead Hotshots (1977–1986)

Kirby Moore  |  Vista Grande Hotshots (1974–1993)

Ron Napoles  |  Kern Valley Hotshots (2001–2009)

Jim Ogilvie  |  Chilao Hotshots (1984), Silver State Hotshots (1990–1998)

Mike Peila  |  Helena Hotshots (1976–1979)

Bill Pierce  |  Mendocino Hotshots (1995–2000)

George Pond  |  Oak Grove Hotshots (1963–1964)

Tom Ralls  |  Oak Grove Hotshots (1961–1962)

Dewey Rebbe  |  Gila Hotshots (1999–2016)

Bill Sandborg  |  Fulton Hotshots (1970–1982)

Roy Skelton  |  Rogue River Hotshots (1970–1972)

Ron Smith  |  Texas Canyon Hotshots (1975–1993)

Walt Snigowski  |  Little Tujunga Hotshots (1974–1976)

Stan Stewart  |  Los Prietos Hotshots (2000–2009)

Harold “Tex” Strange  |  Oak Grove Hotshots (1953–1956)

Dave Westfall  |  Oak Grove Hotshots (1957)

Ed White  |  Laguna Hotshots (1978–1982)

Rusty Witwer  |  Mendocino Hotshots (1978), Hobart/Tahoe Hotshots (1979–1995)

Rod Wrench  |  Little Tujunga Hotshots (1970–1973)

Lew Yazzie  |  Dalton Hotshots (1983–1990)

Have we missed a former Hotshot Superintendent who has passed on?

If you know of a former Hotshot Superintendent who is not yet listed on our In Memoriam page, please use this form to share their information with us. This form can also be used to communicate corrections. Submissions will be reviewed by our History Committee no less than twice a year.