In 1971 he started in Business as a partner in PatRick Environmental. In 1974 it was incorporated and Rick has held the position of President since that time.
PatRick was the first private sector Corporation to successfully complete prescribed fire contracts with USFS and BLM in the late 70’s and early 80’s.
Rick served in Vietnam in the Army as an SSG. He attended Portland Community College, Portland State and University of Oregon. His major was education.
PatRick Corporation is the current name of the business and Rick still resides as President. His company currently has Type 2 IA Hand Crews, Type 2 Regional Crews, and Waterhandling Equipment with bases in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and North Carolina.
Rick’s fire experience started in 1966 and continues today. Rick is a Founding member of the National Wildfire Suppression Association, was Chairman of the Training Committee from 1989-1993. Rick has been President of NWSA for 28 years of the last 33 years. Rick’s commitment to the “Big Picture” for the industry has helped NWSA gain it’s recognition on a national level.
He is committed to the success of the private Wildland fire services nationally and has spent tireless hours promoting the industry as a whole.