Kansas State University

Congratulations to Rodney Redinger on Achieving Complex Incident Commander Status

Submitted by Ariel Whitely-Noll

The Kansas Forest Service extends heartfelt congratulations to Rodney Redinger on achieving qualification as a Complex Incident Commander (ICCI) the highest level of incident command certification recognized by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG).

This remarkable accomplishment is not just a personal milestone for Rodney but a testament to years of dedication, leadership, and field-tested expertise in the most demanding emergency response environments.

The role of a Complex Incident Commander is reserved for individuals entrusted to lead large-scale, high-risk, complex incidents that often involve multiple jurisdictions, extended operational periods, complex logistics, and high public visibility. These include major wildfires, natural disasters, and other critical incidents requiring expert coordination and decision-making.

Rodney’s achievement reflects not only his technical skill but also his ability to lead diverse teams under pressure, manage risk in dynamic environments, and maintain the highest standards of public safety and resource protection.

Becoming a Complex Incident Commander involves a rigorous progression through the Incident Command System (ICS) hierarchy established by NWCG, which coordinates standardized training, qualifications, and certification processes across all federal, state, tribal, and local wildfire response agencies.

Type 5–3 Incident Commander Roles – Leading smaller, local incidents and gaining practical experience in tactical decision-making.

Complex Incident Commander Certification – Commanding larger, more complex incidents with broader resource coordination and interagency involvement.

Advanced Incident Command System and Leadership Training - Including coursework in Command and General Staff Functions, Risk Management, Incident Business Management, and Human Factors in Wildland Fire Service.

Position Task Book (PTB) Evaluations – Completing position-specific performance evaluations under qualified mentors in real-world incidents.

Agency Certification and Peer Review – A final agency-certification process ensuring readiness to assume the highest level of incident leadership.

This long and challenging path ensures that only the most capable, experienced, and trusted leaders reach the Complex Incident Commander qualification. Rodney’s certification underscores his unwavering commitment to public service, operational excellence, and continuous professional development. Less than 1% of wildland firefighters ever reach the level of Complex Incident Commander. Rodney’s achievement is noteworthy.

Rodney Redinger’s advancement represents not only a personal achievement but a vital asset to the broader wildland fire and emergency response community. As the frequency and complexity of incidents increase due to climate change, urban-wildland interface expansion, and resource constraints, leaders like Rodney play a critical role in safeguarding lives, property, and natural resources.

There are currently 40 National Complex Incident Management Teams spread out across the United States. Each of these Complex Incident Management Teams is led by a Complex Incident Commander. The Kansas Forest Service has several employees who are members of National Complex Incident Management Teams in different positions in Operations, Logistics, Finance, Public Information, Liaison, and Aviation. These employees bring that experience back to Kansas, making the Kansas Forest Service the recognized experts in wildfire and incident management in Kansas.

Please join us in congratulating Rodney Redinger on this prestigious accomplishment. His leadership will continue to shape the future of emergency response and serve as a guiding example for the next generation of incident commanders.

Well done, Rodney!