Where are you from? How did you make it to Jackson? I grew up in Vermont and went to college in Rhode Island. After college, I had a ‘real job’ and decided I needed to go out west to ski some more before becoming a so-called ‘adult.’ I moved to Park City, Utah and had a college roommate that had moved to Jackson. When I came up to visit him, I immediately went back and packed up my stuff and moved to Jackson. Originally, I came here for a winter and decided to stay for a summer…that was almost 15 years ago. I’m still procrastinating on becoming an ‘adult.’

What do you do for work? I am a full-time career Firefighter/Paramedic/Engineer. I am also the co-owner of Wyoming Tree Works, LLC. 

What do you do in your free time? I have two boys who are 10 months old and 3 years old…therefore, there is no such thing as free time. 

How long have you been a part of JH Fire/EMS? I joined JH Fire/EMS in January of 2014.

What made you want to join initially? A career change. I joined as a volunteer in hopes of eventually making it a career. My father was a volunteer firefighter, my mother was a nurse, and I always had an interest in both. I wanted to have a career that enabled me to help people and I wanted to try to make a difference in other people’s lives. Turns out, you can have a job that does those things and that is also really fun at the same time. Best job I ever had. 

What is your role in the department? Full-time career staff. Engineer/paramedic on B-shift at Station 1. 

What are your current certs? Paramedic, Engineer (ADO-P and ADO-A), Wildland Engine Boss, Wildland Sawyer, Swift Water Rescue Technician, Rope Rescue Technician, Fire Officer 1, and Fire Instructor

What are your future goals in the department? To continue progressing my skills and knowledge within the fire service and to hopefully continue to promote up through the ranks. 

What advice would you give new recruits? It’s a marathon not a sprint. Gaining all of the knowledge, skills, and certifications takes time…a lot of time.

Is there anything you wish you had known when starting? The same answer as the last question.

What is the most valuable trait for someone to have in this line of work? Good construction and building knowledge, a mechanical aptitude, and solid problem solving abilities.