Born 1962 in Long Beach, California; now residing in Coeur d’ Alene; worked as a respiratory therapist prior to a 32-year career in public safety; retired as the deputy chief of operations from the Santa Monica Fire Department; managed all fire department operational divisions, including managing the department’s EMS system; A.S in respiratory therapy; B.S. in organizational leadership; graduate of the Paramedic Training Institute; served seven years on the management team for the LA Marathon; former trustee for the SMFD Health Benefits Trust; spouse: Lesli, married 32 years; two grown children, a son and daughter.