About Liberty Creek

Dave Robertson is an Oregon-born local with a deep passion for wildfire management and forestry. Born and raised in Oregon—and having spent time living on Oah'u Hi—Dave's connection to the outdoors started early. He graduated from high school in Issaquah, Washington, and earned an Associate of Science degree in Forestry from Green River Community College.

Dave's fire career ignited in 1990 with the City of Seattle Watershed Department, and he joined the U.S. Forest Service in 1991 on the Clearwater National Forest. In 2001, he transitioned to the Deschutes National Forest, spending eight years on the Sisters, OR Ranger District as a crew foreman, fuels technician, and Fire Operations Specialist. Later, Dave dedicated 13 years at the Bend Ft Rock Ranger District as the Assistant Fire Management Officer Battalion Chief, where he honed his leadership and field expertise until his retirement from the U.S. Forest Service in October 2021.

Dave's credentials—including OPSC, RXB1, ICT3, and FAL1—highlight his unwavering commitment to wildfire management. Each wildfire season, he continues to serve with the Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 8 as a Complex Operations Section Chief, ensuring his expertise remains on the front lines of wildfire response.

When he's not applying his extensive experience in the field, Dave loves to embrace the outdoors through skiing, hunting, fishing, and white water rafting. He enjoys these adventures with his super cool wife, Melissa, and their two daughters, Taylor (20) and Bailey (19).

At Liberty Creek LLC, Dave's rich background and hands-on approach continue to shape safer, more resilient landscapes, reflecting his lifelong dedication to improving forest health and reducing wildfire risk.

Craig Hingley is a seasoned wildfire management professional and a vital member of the Liberty Creek team, with a career that spans decades and a deep connection to Central Oregon. Born in California, Craig moved to Redmond, OR at the age of three in 1970, and has been a committed local ever since. After graduating from Redmond High in 1986, he earned his degree in Business Economics from Oregon State University, blending sharp analytical skills with his passion for the outdoors. He also served 6 years in the Oregon National Guard, advancing to the rank of Sergeant and further honing his leadership and operational skills.

Craig's fire service journey began in 1988 with the Prineville BLM, and he soon made his mark as a smokejumper out of the Redmond Smokejumper Base—a role he served in for 17 years. During his long tenure with the U.S. Forest Service, he ultimately served as Battalion Chief for the Crescent Ranger District on the Deschutes National Forest, retiring in 2023. A qualified Division Supervisor (DIVS), Type 1 Safety Officer, and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss, he continues to actively contribute his expertise every fire season, playing a crucial role in wildfire management and community protection.

When he's off duty, Craig enjoys all that Central Oregon has to offer—from outdoor adventures to working on his farm property in Redmond with his wife, Gretchen. His extensive experience and hands-on approach make him an invaluable asset to Liberty Creek, dedicated to creating safer, more resilient landscapes.