Growing up in Idaho I grew to love the smell of the Amalgamated Sugar Beet Factory. I watched I-84 begin as a two-lane highway becoming what it is today.  Growing up in a small community has allowed me the opportunity to play outside until the street lights came on, and gain friends that would last a lifetime. Most importantly I want to set the example of an environment I would raise my own children in.

 

During my Junior High years my family relocated to Jackpot Nevada where I remained until my High School graduation. But every year during the summer I would come back to Idaho, the state I love, for camping, and fishing trips with my extended family still living here.

 

After High School I enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Diesel Mechanic. The Army provided me the opportunity to travel throughout the United States, and meet some amazing people.  Most importantly, it was during this time in my life that I was taught excellent values and positive traits that would last a lifetime.  I am so grateful for that experience. I learned the true meaning of loyalty, duty, respect, honor, integrity, personal courage, and selfless service.  I truly believe that these are some of the most valuable traits a person can possess. Having been given this opportunity so early in life these values helped shaped me and set the foundation for the person I am today. After leaving the military I chose to bring my daughters back to Idaho to provide for them the experience of the small-town atmosphere that I knew as a child. I would always look forward to the first smell of the Sugar Beet Factory which was the first sign that I was home!

 

Shortly after returning I began my twelve years of employment with Canyon County.  I first began working in the Records Department as a Customer Service Rep. I quickly moved over into the Canyon County Crime Lab as an Evidence Custodian/Criminalist Assistant. It was here that I gained hands on experience with the handling, collection/storage of evidence, processing techniques, and fingerprinting. This experience prompted me to pursue my Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Crime Scene Investigation from Kaplan University. I remained in the Crime Lab for approximately three years when an opportunity opened in the Canyon County Coroner’s Office. Using all this newfound knowledge, I was finally able to move into a career that I had always dreamed of. While working as a Deputy Coroner, I became extremely familiar with the inner workings of the Coroner’s Office. As one of my duties I was trained at assisting in performing the delicate work of autopsies. I was also successful in working with outside agencies, including many law enforcement personnel, which I feel is vital to this position. I was employed with this office about 8 years.  I learned so much and found so much personal fulfillment in doing the work that I was so passionate about. Unfortunately, a time came where I chose to be with my daughters during a tragic time in their lives.  Their father was severely wounded while serving in Afghanistan. Even though I was approved the time off, I lost my position with the Canyon County Coroner’s Office.

 

Even after leaving the Canyon County Coroner’s Office, my passion for learning pushed me to continue my education in the medical field through the College of Western Idaho.  Classes included Anatomy & Physiology I&II, Medical Terminology as well as successfully completing the Certified Nursing Assistant program. This has really opened up a better understanding of the things that I had encountered while working at the Coroner’s Office.

 

I want to send a personal thank you to everyone who has helped me during this campaign.  I take great pride in knowing that each and every one of you have placed your confidence and trust in my ability to perform the duties as your next Canyon County Coroner with compassion, dignity, and respect!