Leedom Fire Company
At age 14, I joined the Leedom Fire Company as a junior firefighter—a formative experience that grounded my values in public service, personal responsibility, and community solidarity. Volunteering meant more than showing up; it meant stepping into urgent moments with calm, respect, and the desire to serve. I assisted in community events like holiday parades, Santa rides, and fundraisers, but also responded to real emergency calls—house fires, car accidents, storms, and medical incidents—supporting senior firefighters on the front lines of crisis management. Even as a junior, I learned that being dependable in times of chaos could make all the difference.
This experience shaped my foundational belief that every community thrives when its members give more than they take. Whether helping a neighbor in distress, supporting local events, or simply showing up when others step back, I began to understand that true leadership starts with service. It was here—between fire drills and calls at 3 a.m.—that I saw the real-world impact of values like respect, generosity, and collective care. These early lessons continue to guide how I show up professionally and personally, whether in the boardroom or on the streets of a city I care about.
