My life has revolved around civil service; I was raised by parents who were both educators and additionally, my father was a local Mayor. He participated in other state-level boards and commissions, and that’s where I discovered the value of involvement.

My personal call to civil service began when I entered the Marine Corps as an MP and then as a Police Officer in Huron SD, moving to Hot Springs SD to serve as a SGT on the Police Department there and eventually to the Edgemont SD Police Department. I joined the SD Army National Guard in 1999 and a short time later was selected for a full-time position on active duty where I served as a Legal NCO, Unit Supply Sergeant, SR Human Resources NCO, Military Police 1SG and SR Logistical Sgt until my retirement and then continued on in government services.

I worked as a South Dakota Correctional Officer and was a part owner in a local business, and I am currently the Investigator for the Pennington County Public Defender’s Office. And finally, I remain active in several civic organizations in a voluntary-service status.

I am married to Colette and we have 3 children (plus a daughter-in-law and a future son-in-law) and 7 grandchildren. It would be wrong not to mention our 2 Morkie dogs. Colette is originally from Sturgis SD and I have lived in the Black Hills since 1992 and Rapid City since 1999.