What area do you work in within the VPFA portfolio?
I work for the University of Oregon Environmental Health & Safety Department in the University Fire Marshal’s Group.
What is your current position, and what are your job responsibilities?
My current position and job title is Fire Protection Systems Manager.
My responsibilities are many and varied in nature. My primary responsibility is the maintenance and testing of the UO fire protection systems to ensure their readiness and reliability. Other tasks include providing event safety, maintaining building exits, facilitating fire safety plans and emergency evacuation drills, delivering fire safety education to the UO community, and responding to emergency incidents on campus. Additionally, because of my prior experience as an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), I check and maintain over 120 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) on campus to ensure readiness of the life-saving devices.
What has been your career path; how did you end up in your current position?
I started my career path right out of high school as a Wildland Fire Fighter with the US Forest Service. Later, I transitioned into structural firefighting as a Volunteer Fire Fighter/EMT with South Lane County Fire & Rescue. In 2014, I was offered the opportunity to join the University Fire Marshal Group and expand my career knowledge by working in the different areas of fire prevention.
What obstacles have you overcome in your career?
In the beginning of my career, I worked mainly on fighting fires. Transitioning to proactive approaches of fire prevention required me to change the way I evaluated fire risk management, and understand the impact hostile, uncontrollable fires can have on the day-to-day UO operations.
What is your work history and education that enabled you to attain your current position?
I hold an Associate of Sciences Degree in Emergency Medicine from Umpqua Community College in Roseburg. My experience comes from the US Forest Service, independent contractor work, and South Lane County Fire & Rescue.
How has working at UO enabled your professional goals and interests?
Working at UO has provided me with a unique opportunity to develop myself as a fire prevention professional because I am required to have proficiency in many areas of fire prevention. It has also given me a much broader perspective and understanding of the scope needed for a comprehensive fire and life safety program.
What do you like about your current position?
I enjoy the constant interaction with the very diverse group of individuals that work, attend, and visit the UO. I also like the daily challenges: broken fire sprinklers and alarm systems, overseeing fire drills for children at our day care centers, and dealing with patrons at our large-venue events. Finally, I am very fond of the relaxed, goal-oriented spirit I enjoy with my co-workers in the University Fire Marshal Group.
What advice would you have for others; what secrets would you share for someone thinking of applying to the UO?
Get ready to be constantly challenged; devote yourself to your professional growth; be flexible in the execution of your responsibilities; and cherish the friendships you will make along the way as a UO employee.
Share a little about yourself personally:
Family: My wife Sarah and I live in a secluded, but picturesque 10-acre property in Cottage Grove. We enjoy watching our children Rumer (age 9), Rowyn (age 7), Ransom (age 5), and Rorie (age 3) grow up around the house.
Favorite food: I particularly enjoy the spiciness and complexity of flavors of Thai food.
Best movie you’ve seen: Nacho Libre.
If you could only take three items with you to a deserted island, what would they be?
It would depend on: 1) Where is the island? 2) What time of the year is it? 3) How big is the island?
How do you want to be remembered?
I want to be remembered as someone who stood for what he believed in.
If you could have the answer to any question, what would it be?
I already have it.
(December 2018)