I am extremely thankful and full of gratitude to have been elected to serve as the next President of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association (MSFCA).  I am very humbled for the outpouring of support I received during this election and I am thankful to have the opportunity to pay it forward as the incoming President.

As we approach the 16^th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, I find myself reflecting on my journey in the fire service.  I remember every detail of that day: where I was, what I was doing, and the feeling of helplessness while listening to FDNY/NYPD radio transmissions crackle over my radio just over 50 miles away.  The beautiful skyline of New York City was forever changed as a large plume of thick, black smoke was visible from across the sound.

The loss of life, including that of our FDNY brothers, was staggering.  I never would have fathomed being witness to such a disaster.  Despite the tragedy of that day, stories of true bravery, heroism, and patriotism emerged.

A few days after the collapse, I found myself in NYC working alongside my best friend Dominick and a contingent of FDNY and Portland, OR firefighters.  The search and rescue mission was the priority.  We had become a team and, as the daylight faded and night fell, we became friends.

It was at that moment that I truly understood the brotherhood of the fire service.  It was the recognition that public servants are part of a fraternal family that puts service above self.

In January, 2011, three years after moving to Elk River from Connecticut, I had a chance to reconnect with many of the people I met that day in 2001.  The reunion was a visit to see William “Billy” Quick, a 23-year FDNY veteran that led our team.  He had developed lung disease as a result of working countless hours at Ground Zero and was confined to his house on oxygen, 24/7.

Time quickly passed as we shared stories, laughed, and, yes, cried.  Billy gave equal attention to each person and wanted to hear about every detail of our personal and professional lives.  We said our good-byes, each of us looking forward to the next time we would see each other again.  In typical Billy fashion, he left us with us with his iconic parting words of, “stay low and go!”

As I was getting ready to board my flight back to Minnesota, my phone rang.  Billy died.

Billy was a colleague, friend, and mentor.  He was a fireman’s fireman.  He truly cared about others and was proud to see people succeed.  I am forever grateful to the people like Billy in my life – family, friends, and colleagues alike – for their leadership, guidance, and wisdom.  I have been blessed to have been surrounded by incredible people that have inspired, motivated, and pushed me.

The success of the MSFCA is entirely attributed to the collective efforts of the engaged, thoughtful, and spirited members of the Minnesota fire service.  Every firefighter – regardless of rank – is tasked with creating a stronger, more effective Minnesota fire service.  We can continue to accomplish great things by working together.  We must be committed to developing our future leaders and continuing to build on the solid foundation that was provided to us by those that have served before.

I wish to thank Chief Butler for his time and service as Vice President of the Association.  When we both spoke after receiving the election results, Chief Butler and I are equally committed to ensuring the long-term success of the association and its members.

I am eagerly looking forwarding to beginning a new chapter of the MSFCA with Vice President-elect Tom Miller, our board, agents, committee members, and our 2,000+ members.  Chief Miller and I talked at great length yesterday afternoon and are enthusiastic about working together.  We both look forward to hearing from members and welcome open discussion and feedback.  Congratulations, Chief Miller.

I owe a great deal of thanks and appreciation to Steve Koering, my Vice President running mate.  While Chief Koering and I had worked together on a few projects before, most noticeably the Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, we developed a great working relationship during the campaign and recognized that we both share the same servant-leadership philosophy.  I consider Steve a colleague and a great friend.  Thank you, Chief Koering, for your dedication and commitment to the Minnesota fire service.

In closing, I hope that we all can take a moment to reflect on the people that have made a difference in our lives.  Thank you to everyone that has supported me during this campaign and throughout my entire career, especially my fiancé, family, friends, and my Elk River Fire Department team.

I am forever grateful to the many friendships that have been forged and I am very happy to call Minnesota home.  The Minnesota fire service is my family.  Thank you.

Stay low and go.