This memorandum formalizes your appointment as team leader of the Chief’s office accident investigation team formed to investigate the ___ fatality that occurred near___, on ___. As team leader, you have full authority of the Chief to execute and complete a thorough accident investigation. Your authority includes, but is not limited to:

• Controlling, organizing, managing, and directing the investigation.
• Authorizing and requesting additional personnel, including technical specialists, to support the investigation team, and releasing them upon completion of assigned duties.
• Authorizing and coordinating the expenditure of appropriated funds.
• Coordinating all media releases about the investigation.

Using the Accident Investigation Guide: (most current edition), your investigation team will systematically investigate the circumstances related to the accident. Your team should produce the 72-hour briefing of the investigation status and the final report with factual and management evaluation sections within 45 calendar days from arrival at the accident scene. An extension may be granted based on valid justification.

The following individuals are assigned to your investigation team: (___ names ___)

All travel-associated costs related to this investigation should be charged to (___ job code ___) with an override code of (___).

For additional information, please contact Dick King, Office of Safety and Occupational Health, phone: 202–401–4470, or e-mail: dickking@fs.fed.us.