A Lens on Legacy and Leadership

If you had told me back in 2017 when I first joined St. John Ambulance (SJA) BC and Yukon that I’d still be here years later—and still just as inspired—I would have believed you. There is something truly infectious about being surrounded by people who “live for helping.”

Since I started, I’ve worn a lot of hats. You might find me prepping first aid classrooms in Operations, coordinating equipment for our amazing brigade in Community Services, or, more recently, chatting with you all over our social media channels with the Marketing team. But one of my favorite “unofficial” roles has always been the guy behind the camera.

Early on, I had the chance to work very closely with our volunteer brigade, and honestly, it changed how I see our community. I’ve always been moved by the tireless energy our volunteers pour into their work. I’m talking about:

• Our Medical First Responders: The folks who give up their weekends to stand on guard at public events, ready to save a life at a moment’s notice.
• The Therapy Dog Teams: Is there anything better than seeing a senior’s face light up when a furry friend walks into the room? The impact these volunteers (and their four-legged partners!) have is just incredible.
• The Youth Cadets: These kids are the real deal. Their passion for learning and their drive to become our next generation of community leaders is what keeps me optimistic about the future.

One of my favorite memories—and where many of the photos in my gallery come from—was the 2018 Annual Inspection. It was one of those days where everything clicked. I feel like I captured some of my best “people” photography that day because the pride and dedication in the room were so palpable.

SJA has a legacy that goes back nearly 900 years, but when you’re on the ground seeing a volunteer bandage a knee or comfort a stranger, it feels very “in the moment.” My work here is meaningful because I get to see the direct results: safer, more empowered communities.

I’m so proud to still be a part of this team and to have the chance to tell these stories through my lens. Feel free to take a look through the gallery and see the faces of the people who make BC and Yukon a better place every single day!