How long have you been a member for?

I've been a member since August 2011.

What made you join the Vista Volunteer Fire Department?

When my brother died in a tragic car accident, Thanksgiving 2003, the EMTs and Firefighters were the first people on-scene with my brother and his friend, and the only people who got to help my brother as he was dying. Even though my brother didn't survive the crash, firefighters and EMTs were the last people to be with and speak with my brother while he was alive. These heroes were the people who comforted him in his time of need, and helped him, at the scariest moment of his life. I wish I could've been there for my brother that night, but since I wasn't there, I'm so grateful to the FD and EMTs who were able to be there for him in that way.

That being said, the driver of the accident, did in fact survive. It was the hard work and quality of the firemen and EMTs that saved this boy's life. It was then that I realized, I wanted to be that kind of a person for others in their time of need, when their own families wished they could be there for them. It is the biggest blessing to be able to hold someone's hand or work on them medically, in their time of greatest need. It is for sure, the best training I've ever had.

What does serving the Vista Fire District community mean to you?

When I first joined the VFD, I had just moved to Lewisboro the year before, and didn't know anyone. Now, everywhere I go, I recognize people who I have worked with or helped, in one way or another. Working with the VFD has put me head first into the community where I live, and given me the privilege to help my neighbors and their family members.

What has been your greatest achievement with the Vista Volunteer Fire Department?

My greatest achievement with the VFD is getting 2 life save awards. I just so happened to respond to 2 critical calls, where the patient died, and then was resuscitated by our crew and delivered to the hospital alive. I'm so happy to say, both of these patients are still alive today. What's a better feeling than knowing you were there and had a small part in helping save someone's life?

What would you tell someone who is thinking about joining the Vista Volunteer Fire Department?

There's probably two things I would tell them:

1. This is the most rewarding thing you could possibly do. You're helping people when they're at their worst, they're scared, they may be alone, they may be in pain, they may be confused... and YOU are there helping them through this moment. I can't think of a greater blessing than being able to be there for someone else in this way.

2. The only way to guarantee that someone will be there when you or your family needs help, is to make sure you're trained and a member, because the more trained individuals we have in the community, the more people we have to respond and help in an emergency.

This training goes beyond our community. One time, on an international flight, I was called upon to help a woman who was having an allergic reaction mid-flight, over the ocean, where the closest place to land was over an hour away. You never know when you will need this training, or who you will be able to help, and in what capacity.