Where I Come From

Over the past few days, while attending the Christmas Basketball Tournament at Beddingfield High School, I have had several great conversations with folks from across this county. Two questions keep coming up: “Where did you grow up?” and “Where did you go to high school?”

My answer usually starts the same way.

I grew up as a military brat. Service and commitment run deep in my family. My father and mother both served in the U.S. Navy. My stepfather served in the U.S. Marine Corps. My grandfather served in the U.S. Army and later spent 32 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. My uncle served in the U.S. Navy and went on to be a deputy sheriff, ALE agent and retired as a Lieutenant in law enforcement. Currently, my younger brother is proudly serving this country in the U.S. Navy.

Because of my military upbringing, my childhood took me from Maine, where I was born, to California, Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, Texas, Alabama and eventually the great state of North Carolina. Along the way, I learned discipline, adaptability, respect and the importance of serving something greater than yourself.

I graduated from Northside High School in Jacksonville, NC in 2005. I proudly competed as a student-athlete, playing varsity soccer and baseball for four years, and wrestling and playing football for one year each.

After high school, I continued my academic and athletic journey at Louisburg College. After leaving Louisburg, I enrolled at Wake Tech Community College where I began taking classes in the criminal justice curriculum.

In early 2009, I participated in a ride-along with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office. I completed a second ride-along the week before I started Basic Law Enforcement Training where I earned a sponsorship from the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office. I fell in love with law enforcement almost immediately. The professionalism, dedication and passion for service that I saw during my ride-along time stayed with me.

I completed Basic Law Enforcement Training in December of 2009 and began my career in the Wilson County Detention Center in 2010, which was single handedly the most important chapter of my career. I have proudly served with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office for my entire law enforcement career.

On a personal note, I met a young girl in 1998 when I moved from Texas to North Carolina, someone who would later become my wife in 2010. She is my best friend and my greatest supporter. Family is not negotiable for me. It is central to who I am.

My family will be by my side throughout this campaign. They support me as much as I support them, and together, we are a team built on faith, commitment, and love. Being involved in my three children’s lives, at school, in sports, and in the community, is incredibly important to me. I’ve had the privilege of coaching and will continue to coach my own kids, as well as children from every walk of life across this county.

This county isn’t just where I work. This county has shaped me into the man that I am today, its where my family has grown, where lasting relationships have been built, and where I am committed to continuing to serve.