Where are you from? I grew up in Columbia, Maryland and came to Jackson after college to ski, climb, bike, fish, etc.

What is your job description with the department? I’m a full-time Captain/Paramedic for Jackson Hole Fire/EMS.

How do you fill your free time? Ski, bike, hunt, fish, camp and generally wander around the mountains.

How long have you been a part of JH Fire/EMS? Since before there was a Jackson Hole Fire/EMS. I started volunteering for the hospital-based ambulance service in 1999.

Why did you start volunteering? I started volunteering because I really liked the community and wanted to give something back.

What are your certifications? Paramedic, ADO, Structural FF2, Wildland FF1, Rope Rescue Tech, Swiftwater Rescue Tech.

What are your future goals within the department? My future goals are to maintain high performance in these areas and to train and motivate the next generation of responders.

What would you say is your favorite part of this job? My favorite part of the job is the people I work with and the challenging medical calls where we can really make a difference.

What about the most challenging? The most challenging part of the job is the people I work with and challenging medical calls where we can really make a difference.

What advice would you give new recruits? It’s a marathon not a sprint. Take care of yourself and your family so you are ready to bring your best self to those bad calls.

Is there anything you wish you had known when you started? I wish I knew how much knowledge and support the rest of our industry could offer via books, articles, conferences, podcasts, etc. There’s a lot of support, motivation and new knowledge out there if you’re looking for it.

Is there a trait that you would list as most valuable in this line of work? Adaptability might be one of the most valuable traits you can have in this line of service. Plan A sounded great, but Plan C may be what has to happen.

What do you feel like you contribute to the department? I try to bring empathy and kindness to the job, for both the public and my fellow responders.

Do you have someone that you look up to or a mentor now or in the past within the department? Chief Mike Moyer has been a role model for me in several aspects of this job. He has been doing this for a long time and still brings compassion and high standards to work everyday, all while keeping his family at the top of the priority list.