Can you tell us about your career history, including training and certifications?

I am a fourth-generation firefighter as my great grandfather was a charter member of the Huddleston Volunteer Fire Department. Numerous other relatives, including my parents, have been involved in the fire and EMS community in Huddleston.

As a kid, I was taken along on calls with the family and then when I turned 16, I was finally able to become a member of the fire department. Shortly after joining I completed the Firefighter 1 academy.

A couple of years later I joined the rescue squad and became an EMT. I then realized that I wanted fire and EMS to be my career so when I turned 21 I was hired by Bedford County Department of Fire & Rescue as a Firefighter/EMT. Shortly after, I became an Advanced EMT and after a few more years I became a Paramedic. I now also serve as the fill-in supervisor for my shift.

On the volunteer side, I’ve remained an active member of Huddleston Volunteer Fire Department where I have held the positions of 1st and 2nd Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, and for two years was the Chief of the department. I am also a graduate of the Virginia Fire Officer Academy and the Virginia Chief Officer Academy. 

What inspired you to become a Paramedic?

After I became an EMT I had an older provider say to me that if I am truly wanting to serve then I shouldn’t limit myself by remaining an EMT but should work toward becoming a Paramedic to provide the highest level of care in the field. After that conversation, I knew that I wanted to continue my education to become a Paramedic.

What makes Bedford County unique in terms of EMS work?

There are many different environments that you can find yourself in within a single shift. We have open rural areas, heavily wooded areas, mountainous areas, small town areas, heavily urbanized areas, and Smith Mountain Lake—all in one single county. What you experience on one call may be entirely different the next. 

What advice would you give to someone thinking about becoming a paramedic?

Go for it. The door will open to many great opportunities that you would otherwise miss out on. It’s a challenge—however you cannot grow in life if you don’t challenge yourself.

What part of your job do you find most rewarding?

Driving home in the morning after a long 24-hour shift and seeing the sunrise. For me it means it’s a new day and I can be thankful that during this previous day I was able to make a positive impact on the people of our community while also returning home safely to my own family.

What are your goals for the future, either professionally or personally?

I would like to soon become an Advanced Practice Paramedic to continue growing my skill set, and also eventually move from being a fill-in shift supervisor to full time. 

What do you enjoy doing when you're not on duty?

I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids. Helping our little ones grow and learn new things brings me great joy. We also have a small family farm that I enjoy tending with the family, and I often play music in my free time.