Where are you from and how did you make it to Jackson? I am originally from Rockton, Illinois which is about 90 minutes from Chicago, in the heart of cornfields. I came here from the Virgin Islands in 2006 for “just a ski season” and I never left.  

What do you do for work? I am a realtor and partner of the Mountain Standard Team at Compass Real Estate.

What do you do in your free time? Skiing in the winter, mountain biking, fly fishing, and golf in the summer. Also hanging with my wife and baby. 

How long have you been a part of JH Fire/EMS? I have been a probationary member since the Summer of 2022.

What made you want to join initially? Fire/EMS is a great way to give back to the community where I live. I was looking for the camaraderie while having a greater sense of duty and responsibility to others. 

What is your role in the department? I’m a probie, which is a pretty limited role as I work through training. 

What are your current certifications? FFI, Hazmat, EMR.

What are your future goals in the department? To go on more calls and begin to participate in more Wednesday trainings.

What would you say is your favorite part of volunteering so far? Being able to help people on their bad days.

And the most challenging? The time commitment while having a new born baby. 

What advice would you give new recruits? Get involved! Also, training is more of a time commitment than you think. 

Is there anything you wish you had known when starting? Which way to wear a stethoscope.  

What is the most valuable trait for someone to have in this line of work? Empathy, and being able to check your ego.

What do you think you bring to the department? A sense of humor.

Who is your mentor or who is someone that you look up to in the department? Captain Dan Long.