About Us
Experience and Education
I am a US Navy veteran and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Idaho with a baccalaureate degree in Fire Ecology and Management with a minor in Forest Resources. I was a wildland firefighter for fourteen years and ended my career with the Forest Service as a Squad Leader on the Idaho Panhandle Interagency Hotshot Crew.
The experience I have gained from the Navy and wildland fire has prepared me for working in extreme environments under heavy stress and has given me an excellent foundation in understanding the mission of public service. I contribute a positive attitude, devoted work ethic, and a desire to fulfil my customer’s expectations and goals.
I chose to leave my career with the Forest Service for two reasons: I need to be home more for my wife and three young children; and I want to be a public servant at the community level, not the national level.
During my ongoing education, time spent in the military, and Forest Service career, I have had the privilege of meeting, working with, and leading a diverse crowd. From these experiences, I bring an understanding of the many different situations one may face when working with and leading a team. I also have a desire to continue to learn new aspects of my job and other jobs as well. I believe the better rounded a person is the more he/she has to offer. I have a true passion for public service and I look forward to working with you on your next project.
I have been a public servant in one form or another for my entire adult life. Although I’ve enjoyed them all, my most lustrous of jobs have been a helicopter mechanic, a detainee guard in Afghanistan, and my eight years with the Hotshots. Other positions that I’ve held in my career include: Fuels Technician, Senior Firefighter, Acting Assistant Engine Captain, Fire Engine Operator, and disciplined crewmember. Some of the duties and responsibilities of the positions I have held include: advanced knowledge of fire line tactics, operations, and the Incident Command System; Fleet Vehicle Commander that ensures all fire vehicles are properly maintained and “fire ready”; leading and maintaining the operational readiness of an 8-14 person initial attack/engine module (type 3/4/6 engines); using and maintaining a variety of hand tools and power tools with extensive knowledge of chainsaws; obtaining a class A commercial driver’s license; entering crewmembers time and travel; and many more.