How would you describe your occupation? I’m retired, now I work for free. I’ve been with Newtown Ambulance for over 25 years, I’m an EMT, I’m an EMS-I, I’m an instructor, I used to run all the classes. I do training. You meet a lot of good people, lifelong friends.

Do you have any pets? I have two dogs, Bennie and Bella. They are yellow labrador retrievers, rescues from Louisiana. I got them through the organization I volunteer for, Labs 4 Rescue. I pick up dogs, I bring them to adoption events, and try to rehome them.

Who is in your family? My son Chris and his wife Trina live in Sandy Hook. I have brothers and sisters who all live in Connecticut. My father’s family lives in Vermont, and my mother’s family was from Bridgeport.

How long have you lived in Newtown? Since ‘92.

What do you like to do in your free time? I do like to work in my yard, I read, I visit my family members. Since COVID, I don’t really go to stores, malls, or movies, but I guess I’m going to have to try to work that in.

What is your favorite book? I read all the time. I do have favorite authors, but I think my all-time favorite books are old ones: To Kill A Mockingbird and How Green Was My Valley.

Who or what has been the greatest influence in your life? My grandmother. She was a very kind person. She read all the time, she always tried to fill her head with knowledge and encouraged us to do the same. She told us that being a good person and being good to other people is the most important thing.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose? It would be my grandmother because I miss her.

Who is your favorite musical artist? I like all types of music. I always loved the Beach Boys. I like the DropKick Murphys, but I think my all-time favorite would be Billy Joel.

What’s the greatest piece of advice you’ve ever been given? The old classic: Treat people how you want to be treated, and how you want people to treat your loved ones.

What’s something you can’t live without? My doggies.

What is your proudest accomplishment? My son is grown up and happy, and I am really happy with what I do. I like volunteering.

What’s your favorite travel destination? I love the state of Maine. It’s got everything: mountains, lakes, and ocean.

What is the best part of Newtown? It’s the people. You can go into Eunice’s bagel shop and everyone’s like your neighbor. You go to Nick’s garage, and he treats you just like you were his cousin. Anywhere you go here, it’s the people.