In the intricate journey of life, parents stand as architects, sculpting the character of their little ones with every interaction and shared experience.  For me, the architect that has profoundly sculpted my worldview and molded my values is my dad, an unsung hero dedicating his life to securing our community. As a proud member of the public safety community, his unwavering commitment to safeguarding others has not only defined his professional identity but has also left a permanent mark on the person I am today. My dad has sculpted my character in numerous ways, with the most memorable moments embodied in his dedication to our community, the demanding 24-hour shifts, the significant milestone of his promotion to Assistant Chief, and the Waukesha Christmas Parade. 

For the first 10 years of my life, my dad would work 24 hour shifts as a dedicated battalion chief. Although I don't remember much from these years of my life, I do remember what it was like when he came home from the shifts. Picture this: after the challenging long hours, he would come through the door like a superhero (cape not included), with a bag of donuts for his kids. This would make my entire day because I would always be so excited for my dad to come home with my long john. As I have now grown older and my dad no longer works these types of shifts, my perspective has shifted on the true dedication my dad had to his community. The moments following the long shifts highlighted the sacrifices he made to his community, missing out on valuable time with his children who were growing up. There is no time machine to get that time back with his children, not any sweet gestures to soften the impact, and no gift to give to his wife for being like a single mother at times while he was away. Now that I am almost 18 years old, I can recognize that in those moments, the depth of his dedication and the lengths he went to balance his professional responsibilities and desire to be with his family. These early experiences in my childhood sculpted the foundation of my understanding of commitment, resilience, responsibility, and the intricate balance between work and family life. 

On October 24, 2016 I got to witness my dad be promoted to Assistant Fire Chief for the City of Waukesha. This pivotal moment not only was a significant milestone in his career but also served as a profound inspiration to me. His promotion symbolized the culmination of years of hard work, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to public service. As he stood tall with my mom pinning on his new badge, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride and admiration. His journey to becoming Assistant Chief became a beacon of possibility to me, illustrating the reward of dedication, resilience and passion for service can yield. This experience ignited in me a desire to be like my dad in my own pursuits, understanding that leadership is not just about a title but about the positive impact one can make on others lives and the community. 

When you look on Life360 and see your Dad going abnormally fast after being called into work, you know something isn't right. The Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy, on November 21, 2021, unfolded as a surreal nightmare for the community of Waukesha, and my dad’s rapid response was a stark reminder of the unpredictable challenges faced by those in public safety.  In that moment when he was responding with due regard, his commitment to duty suppressed personal considerations, his response and commitment to the safety of the community highlights the selflessness and bravery inherent in his role. Although I wasn't physically at the parade scene with him, I was struck by the gravity of responsibilities given to those in public safety. This incident left an unforgettable mark on our family and reinforced the significance of my dad’s sacrifices in ensuring the safety and well being of our community, even in unforeseen tragedies. 

Through my childhood to now, my dad has been an architect, sculpting my character by the actions and values he exemplifies in his dedication to public service. The sacrifices my dad has made through the 20 years of serving the City of Waukesha, as well as the consistent example set have not only crafted an appreciation for my community, but also has instilled a strong work ethic, and fostered a sense of responsibility to help others. As I begin a new chapter of my life in college and continue to navigate life's complexities, I carry with me all the invaluable lessons I have learned from my dad’s example. Understanding that true character is not just made in personal achievements but in the selfless dedication of making a positive impact for the community and in other people's lives.