January 18, 2022
Shout Out: Chip Redmond
The Shout Out this week comes from Jason Hartman, State Forester, and is directed to "Chip" Redmond, Assistant Agronomist-Incident Meteorologist for Kansas Forest Service. Jason writes:
"Is there a direct connection between forecasting wildland fire weather and the best time to plant next year’s crops? Within KSU/KSRE there certainly is and that connection is Mesonet Manager for the Agronomy Department and Incident Meteorologist for Kansas Forest Service Chip Redmond. Through a cross department agreement both these units are able to share the talents and abilities of Chip.
Leading up to and during the extreme wind and fire event of December 15, Chip provided invaluable information on the predicted severity, timing and impact of that event. While the fires did become rather large and extreme, KFS fire staff believe that they could have been much worse without the advanced warning that Chip helped provide.
He not only does the behind the scenes forecasting, but also presents the information in easy to understand videos that are then shared across social media. This information helps first responders like volunteer fire departments and the public be prepared for the predicted fire weather conditions.
During the week of December 15, Chip helped maintain such frequent fire weather updates all while maintaining his duties with the KSU Weather Data Library/Kansas Mesonet, and responding to emergency calls as a member of Blue Township Volunteer Fire Department."
Chip, thanks for all you do for the people of Kansas, our colleagues and K-State Research and Extension.
If you know of a colleague or team of colleagues who deserve recognition for a job well done, why not nominate them for a Shout Out. Simply send their name(s) and the reason for the Shout Out to ksreshoutout@ksu.edu. Also, it would be very helpful if you would put "Shout Out" in the subject line of the email.