I have worked in the high-tech industry for the last 15 years and support the Winthrop Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter. My credentials in firefighting include certifications in Auto Rescue Technician / Extrication, Wildland Firefighter II, Crew Boss Trainee, Structure Firefighter I, and Search & Rescue. I have also grown up in gyms and health clubs as I strive to keep active and fit especially as a father of two loves to spend time outdoors.
What inspires me to spend 300+ hours annually with my local fire department?
It is the contribution to the community that satisfies me. Luckily I have a wife and a job that allows me to firefight and I want my kids to have a sense of pride in their family, which will radiate to them in their lives. It’s just that inner instinct to do things that benefit the people in need that gives me the strength to stand and be the Hero
You are active fundraising as well. Can you tell us a little about this?
I compete in the Firefighter StairClimb benefitting the Leukemia & Lymphoma society and this event raises over $900,000 every year. 69 floors, 1311 stairs, and 788ft of elevation in full bunker gear, pants, boots, coat, gloves, and SCBA, around 45 pounds of gear – it is monstrous. And after about 10th floor you start asking yourself “WHY” with every step you take. But hung on the walls in each landing between the floors are names and pictures of children that have had Leukemia or Lymphoma and you can see the faces of those who suffered a painful end and at that moment everything falls in place.
Why Armadillo Merino®?
A big salute to Armadillo for great product concept and making the Fireplay safer and adventure comfortable. One thing that has changed in my challenges and in all these years is what I wear under my bunkers. Always wore cotton T-shirts as the base layer for firefighting and while working out and now its Armadillo. The moisture wicking properties of wool, and the comfort of Armadillo has changed what I grab when heading to the gym, trail, or fire call.
