Photo submitted Ben Butler is shown in action as a Wildland Fire Application Specialist with the National Park Service.

“There is never a dull moment and I am fortunate to work at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) which is where all the top wildland fire officials are for the federal land management agencies, Butler said. “I can truly say that I absolutely love my job and that is pretty cool.”

Butler caught the fire bug following an internship which involved establishing a fire education program for the city of Pocatello, Idaho.

“This sparked my interest in fire and I caught the bug and have been hooked ever since,” Butler said.

The 29-year-old currently resides in Boise, Idaho with his wife Christy (Buchheit). Ben is the son of June Sorg and stepfather Andy “Bart” Sorg and father Dave Butler. He is the grandson of Dorothy Heigel of St. Marys and sibling of Katie Butler of Pittsburgh. Christy is the daughter of Dick and Linda Buchheit of St. Marys.

Butler is a graduate of Elk County Catholic High School and Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2000. He recently completed graduate school at the University of Idaho.

For the past six years Butler has been working in the wildland fire industry, however he obtained his current position seven months ago.

As part of his job duties Butler explains the tools he helps create allow fire officials to make better decisions about how to manage a fire.

“We integrate models that use weather, fuels, and other on-the-ground conditions to predict the severity of the fire. Armed with these predictions, the fire managers can decide where best to place their resources so that they can safely work to contain the fire or allow it to burn for resource benefit,” he explained.

Butler noted that one of the biggest challenges of his job is overcoming the old paradigm that fire is bad and nothing good ever comes from a good wildfire.

“I learned early on about the misconceptions of wildland fire and the fact that most people see it as a demon that must be conquered. Through my job I am able to work toward re-educating people about the benefits of wildfire and its natural role in the ecosystem,” Butler said, adding that it is exciting to light prescribed fires which help return fire to areas where it has been suppressed for nearly 100 years.

One of the many highlights Butler has experienced throughout his career was working for the non-profit organization, The Student Conservation Association. He spent five years with the organization during which time he helped build their wildland fire program.

“Things were rough in the beginning and no one was quite sure how to make the program work, but in the end we developed a highly successful system that brought nearly 100 interns into the fire world each summer,” Butler explained.

During that time the group completed work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs which he described as “an amazing opportunity to work with the tribes and tribal people.” He added they helped the tribes grow into life long positions which restored pride and affinity towards their heritage.

Butler attributes his success to his family. He explained that his mom, June Sorg - current Elk County Commissioner - works hard at what she does and has taught him that no matter what, that is what really counts.

“She is an amazing woman and I can only hope that someday I will be as successful as she has been,” he said.

Butler described his stepfather, Andy Sorg, as having the single biggest influence on him, specifically regarding work ethic and character.

“Bart never overlooks the power of a good days work and doing the best you can,” Butler praised. “Throw in a sister that has become a jet-setting business software training guru and you have three people who are always pushing you to be the best you can and to work hard at whatever you are doing.”

He added that his wife, Christy, has been a driving force encouraging him to reach for his dreams and go beyond them.

The couple met during their senior year at Elk County Catholic and have been together for 12 years.

Butler explained that he never thought he would return to school for his masters degree, but his wife’s encouragement and persistence paid off in which he found himself able to accomplish his goal.

“She is my best friend and without her advice I might not see all of the opportunities in front of me,” he said.

Having succeed in a tedious field, Butler advises people to “just go for it.” He noted that dedication is a key asset.

According to Butler the wildland fire community is a close knit group and can often be tough to get into. Among the two options of breaking into the industry Butler chose to dedicate his education to studying fire ecology rather than spending summers digging in the dirt and breathing smoke.

Butler added that growing up in a small town has been a huge asset to his career as well as his general outlook on life.

“I don’t think you fully realize how amazing Elk County is until you leave it,” Butler said. “St. Marys teaches you what it takes to join together as a community.”

As for his future plans, Butler and his wife are expecting their first child.

While Ben and Christy are always looking for opportunities to move closer to Elk County, Boise has become a welcome home as they are enjoying all the west has to offer.

The couple purchased their first home in June and have been busy with remodeling and other woodworking projects, such as building furniture, a hobby Butler enjoys. The Butlers take advantage of the great outdoors where they enjoy a variety of activities such as riding bikes around Boise, camping in the mountains, downhill and cross-country skiing. In his spare time Butler ventures into the nearby waterways for fly fishing.