Kris Kirkland

Kris is a distinguished aviation professional recognized for exceptional leadership, operational expertise, and dedication to public safety. As Chief Pilot for the State of Nevada, Division of Forestry, Kris is responsible for overseeing statewide aviation operations in support of wildland fire suppression, search and rescue, and natural resource management. In this capacity, he supervises and manages a team of pilots and maintenance personnel, ensuring the highest standards of safety, training, and mission readiness across a diverse fleet that includes the Bell 205A1++, Bell 212 Single, and UH-1H aircraft.

A U.S. Forest Service–certified Pilot in Command, Kris conducts advanced pilot training and evaluations to maintain compliance with USFS carding requirements, while leading flight operations that support vertical reference long-line missions, high-speed hoist rescues, aerial reseeding, and wildlife management surveys. He also oversees hangar operations, logistics, and maintenance programs, managing all aircraft parts, vehicles, and ground support equipment essential to safe and efficient flight operations.

Prior to joining the Nevada Division of Forestry, Kris served with the Nevada National Guard as a Maintenance Test Pilot and Fire Pilot in Command on the CH-47D Chinook. In that role, He planned, organized, and directed aviation support units during multiple large-scale wildland fire emergencies, ensuring effective aircraft employment and personnel safety.

Kris also deployed overseas as an Aviation Officer and Maintenance Test Pilot in Afghanistan with the United States Army, where He executed over 150 sorties in support of combat operations and maintained a mission readiness rate exceeding 80% by implementing advanced maintenance and logistics procedures.

Earlier assignments include service as Aviation Facility Senior Executive and Aviation Operations Executive, overseeing UH-60L and CH-47D aircraft operations for both firefighting and air ambulance missions. Kris commanded more than 20 firefighting missions across Nevada, California, and Wyoming, and directed more than 100 lifesaving air medical evacuation missions throughout the Colorado Rockies—many conducted at night under challenging conditions in mountainous terrain operating with night vision goggles.

Kris earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a Master of Military Art and Science in Homeland Security from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

He holds Commercial Rotorcraft and Certified Flight Instructor (Rotorcraft/Instrument) certificates, Private Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL) privileges, UAS remote pilot certificate and type ratings in the BV 234 and S-70. Kris has logged more than 6,000 accident-free flight hours in his years of civic service.

Throughout his career, Kris has been recognized for exemplary service, safety, and professionalism. He has received numerous honors, including:

• Sikorsky Lifesaving Award for heroic actions during a life-saving mission in a UH-60 aircraft

• Bronze Star and Air Medal for exceptionally meritorious achievement in aerial flight during Operation Enduring Freedom

• Order of Nevada for outstanding contributions to the safety and welfare of Nevada's citizens and the operational effectiveness of state aviation programs • Nevada Division of Forestry Lifesaving Award

• Recognition from Bell Helicopter and Boeing Helicopters for achieving more than 1,000 accident-free flight hours in each aircraft type

With an unwavering commitment to operational excellence, safety, and public service, Kris continues to advance Nevada's aviation capabilities and set a standard of professionalism within the firefighting and rotorcraft aviation communities.