Why Do I Want To Serve?

I believe in the mission of East Lake Fire Rescue. And I want to be elected as your Fire Commissioner to contribute to that mission. Many people have asked me, “Why?”

The idea of leaving a “legacy” is really important to me. It’s something I learned from my grandfather and the motivation for me to author Letters to Ethan: A Grandfather’s Legacy of Life & Love (2010, Seraphina Press).

Sean Duff (pictured in the photo), an East Lake firefighter who died much too young, left a legacy of character, competence, and compassion for my son, Joe, who is now a Lieutenant for Polk County Fire Rescue.

Of course, while I’m confident that I have both the skills and the experience necessary to make a contribution to the Fire Commission, my primary motivation is to repay the coaching and the guidance that Sean provided for my son along his early path to becoming a firefighter.

In Sean’s memory, if I’m elected, I will donate my entire salary to non-profit organizations that benefit children and families in our community.