Where are you from? How did you make it to Jackson? I’m from Oswego, IL, a suburb of Chicago. I’ve had family in Jackson my whole life. Growing up, I was fortunate enough to come out and visit quite often. 

What do you do for work? I’m a full time Engineer/Paramedic on B-Shift at Station 6.

What do you do in your free time? Spending time with my daughter and wife is my ultimate favorite. I also enjoy mountain biking, rafting, and skiing…When they let me!

How long have you been a part of JH Fire/EMS? I was hired in January of 2019.

What made you want to join? I was a shipboard firefighter while serving in the Navy and found a passion for the fire service then. After my time in the Navy, I achieved my EMT-B certification and soon after was accepted into a Paramedic program. I was hired by the Oakbrook Terrace Fire Protection district in 2014 and worked as a firefighter/paramedic there for 5 years. 

What are your current certs? FF2, ADO-P, ADO-A, Paramedic.

What are your future goals in the department? I look forward to a long career, and continuing to learn, grow, and advance to best serve the community.

What advice would you give new recruits? Calls are never the same so there is always something to learn or something to work on. 

Is there anything you wish you had known when starting? Use your ears more than your mouth. Listen and learn from the senior guys: the knowledge and experience is invaluable.

What is the most valuable trait for someone to have in this line of work? To be a team player: we rely on each other to accomplish every goal.

What do you think you bring to the department? I’m fortunate enough to bring prior experience to this department while continuing to learn from those who have served here before me.

Who is your mentor? I don’t have one specific mentor but I look up to my former academy instructors, firefighters, and officers who have paved the way to make the fire service the greatest job in the world.