Where are you from? My father worked for the BNSF railroad and we moved on average every two to three years when I was a child. California, New Mexico, Texas, Kansas and Illinois…at least twice in each state along with some time in Florida. I went to boarding school in both Connecticut and Massachusetts and College in Los Angeles. So I would say I’m from America. 

How did you make it to Jackson? I was living in Colorado working for the Americorp Program, surveying around The Colorado National Monument in the summer of 1994. That winter I decided to move to Steamboat to try my hand at ski bumming. My roommates at the time made a trip to Jackson Hole, and their stories intrigued me. My girlfriend at the time had spent time at Lost Creek Ranch here in the valley and we put our names in for a summer job in the kitchen and with the cleaning crews. I arrived in Jackson that spring: May of 1995. 

What do you do for work? As many here in the valley, one job doesn’t cut it. I spent a good number of winters behind the bar at the Village Cafe in Teton Village. Summers were spent landscaping and painting. 20 years ago I settled in as a painter starting my own company with a good friend. The two of us paint and stain freestanding structures mostly outdoors throughout the valley in the warm months. During the winter, I am a Ski Patroller at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and I am currently in the weather lab forecasting both weather and avalanche conditions for the resort. 

What do you do in your free time?  I have a 13 year old daughter who keeps me busy in most of my free time. When circumstances allow, I like to ride road and mountain bikes, hike and climb, ski and snowboard, float the rivers, and generally enjoy the outdoors. 

How long have you been a part of JH Fire/EMS? I joined Jackson Hole Fire/EMS 8 years ago. 

What made you want to join?  Mostly the thought of helping out our community. I was drawn to the trucks as well, I must admit. 

Your initial inspiration? My good friend and fellow painter moved from Wilson to Baltimore and became a firefighter and paramedic; he was very inspirational. 

What is your role in the department? I am a volunteer out of Station 6, and previously Station 2.

What are your current certs? Firefighter 1 and 2 and EMR.

What are your future goals in the department? I hope to continue as a volunteer with the hopes that when my daughter is off to college I can lend more time to calls and training. 

Favorite part of volunteering? I really enjoy the tools and trucks. The people are also awesome, many of whom I would not know had I not joined JH Fire/EMS.

Most challenging? For me the most challenging aspect is time. With a busy life, it is a challenge to make trainings and calls. 

What advice would you give new recruits? New recruits should know that everyone on Fire/EMS was scared the first time training with live fire. Breathe slowly and stay calm. Firefighting is scary but your training will prepare you for the real thing. 

What is the most valuable trait for someone to have in this line of work? Problem solving is an important part of the work in both Firefighting and EMS. Quick thinking and awareness are key to basically all aspects of Fire/EMS. 

What do you think you bring to the department? I’m a team player and am able to work with any member in a professional manner at the drop of a hat. Teamwork is clutch in this business. 

Who is your mentor? There are so many individuals that I look up to and consider as mentors. On the west bank, the stand outs include Mommsen, Jarvie, Levy, and Harland: all of whom exude professionalism and leadership skills that set a great example for others to follow. It’s also easy to include the Chiefs and Captains as I look up to all of them.