Where are you from? I am originally from Los Alamos, New Mexico. I came for a job with the Forest Service.

What is your role in the department? I have been a firefighter since 2001 ish and am pretty involved with swiftwater. I’m a basic follower: whatever we do, I do. 

How long have you been a part of JH Fire/EMS? Since early 2001.

What made you want to join JH Fire/EMS? I was living down in Hoback at that time and I wanted to support my community in a bigger way.

What are your current certifications? Swiftwater, a few Wildland certifications, Hazmat, Fire 2, and I was a past EMT.

What are your future goals in the department? I just want to see it become more successful. I want to see it become a fully functioning Fire/EMS organization that serves Teton County with the level of service that it deserves.

What do you do for work? I manage rivers for the Forest Service; I deal with the Snake River and all the antics that go on in the Snake River corridor. It’s a year-round job.

What do you do in your free time? I do a lot of kayaking, rafting, skiing, and mountain biking.

What is your favorite part of volunteering? Having a horrible situation become successful due to our interventions.

What about the most satisfying or rewarding? It’s really rewarding when we all work together and something great happens.

What advice would you give new recruits? Don’t make fire your everything, but give it all that you can. 

What do you wish you had known when starting? Maybe join earlier. 

What is the most valuable skill or trait for someone on JH Fire/EMS? To have a positive attitude and good communication skills. 

What do you think you bring to the department? I bring a lot of knowledge and connections from the Forest Service.