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Marine-Turned-Firefighter Finds New Purpose in Battling Wildfires
10 Nov
Summary
- Marine veteran Tiege Downes enlisted as a wildland firefighter after leaving active duty
- Downes found a sense of purpose and camaraderie in firefighting similar to his military service
- Wildland firefighters in high demand nationwide as agencies struggle to recruit and retain skilled personnel
In November 2025, Tiege Downes, a former Marine, has found an unexpected career path as a wildland firefighter. After serving overseas, Downes initially struggled to adjust to civilian life, feeling he had lost his sense of purpose. However, in 2004, he discovered a crew of wildland firefighters from the Lake Mead National Recreational Area and was immediately drawn to the work.
Downes soon joined the National Park Service as a wildland firefighter, finding the military-style structure and camaraderie he had missed from his time in the Marines. Two decades later, Downes is now the Great Basin Zone fire management officer at Lake Mead, overseeing a critical role in fighting wildfires.
Downes' story is not unique, as federal agencies and states nationwide face challenges recruiting and retaining skilled wildland firefighters. While there is no single path for veterans to enter this field, several programs, including the federal Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program and state conservation corps, provide training and opportunities for those interested in a career in wildland firefighting.
