Originally from Springville, New York, (just south of Buffalo, NY), John started working at the local hospital in 1980 and also served with the Morton’s Corners Fire Department until 1983. John then joined the US military and served for 9 years.

After he got out of the military, he joined the public service in Savannah, GA eventually ending up at the Southside Fire Department. During his time at the fire department, John served as the Training Officer. He was a career Staff Officer with his office located at the Fire/EMS Headquarters building in Savannah, Georgia. In that position, he not only instructed numerous Fire and EMS classes but also oversaw and coordinated all aspects of training and safety within the department. John holds numerous state and national Fire and EMS instructorships to include National Fire Instructor, Georgia EMT Instructor, Georgia Police Academy Specialized Instructor, Federal Terrorism Response Instructor, National Leadership Instructor, National Firefighter Evaluator, and many more. John has taught at Savannah area colleges and public schools for over 8 years. John holds various separate Fire and EMS ratings that are too numerous to list but include Rescue Specialist, Flight Paramedic, National Paramedic and Firefighter. He also has training and certifications in many areas of Law Enforcement, survival, and of course K9 handler. John has received many public service awards and recognitions through the years. John for many years has commanded an EMS Bike Medic Team, worked as a Marine Paramedic with the Sheriff’s Office as well as a K9 Paramedic supporting numerous K9 teams with paramedic skills aimed at saving the life of a wounded or ill working dog.

Being a Staff Officer John is on 24-hour call not only for K9 calls but for any type of emergency.  John not only gets directly involved with going right in to fight the fires or offer paramedic level care to patients but as a staff officer has to command scenes which at times have been very large where John has commanded more than 5 departments responding to aid in the firefighting efforts.

John enjoys public speaking and spreading the word on items such as safety in the home, on the road, and of course what he does in life. He also enjoys computers, motorcycles, and traveling.