The kind of leader we need in Richmond

Opinion

Passion and Commitment. These were the two words that helped shape my military career. After retiring from serving 23 years in the United States Army and serving as the first African American Command Sergeant Major for the Army National Guard, it had always been a childhood dream of mine to become a fireman. 

I joined the Dale City Volunteer Fire Department in December 2011. Once I completed the fire academy, I was assigned to Station 10, Battalion 2 and my Officer in Charge was Jeremy McPike, who is now running for the Democratic nomination in the 29^th Virginia Senate district.  

I could not have been assigned to a finer officer. I’ve been leading troops for over 15 years and it’s easy me to recognize great leadership when I see it. Jeremy McPike is clearly a leader.

What I recall most of Jeremy is his commitment to his community and the people he serves with. He is thorough in all that he does and ensures that his crew is just as prepared as he is. His passion shows through on every call I’ve been on with him. I truly loved watching him in action.

My most impressive memory of Capt. McPike was my first fire as a lead firefighter, which happened to be a four-alarm apartment fire. There was nothing simple about this situation, but when I looked over at my officer, he was calm as a Sunday afternoon in the park. My adrenaline was through the roof, and it looked as if his hadn’t even kicked in yet.

That’s what I love about McPike, his calmness and strength in what others would see as a chaotic situation. There is no doubt in my mind that he will take that same levelheaded and capable approach with him as he addresses the tough issues our community faces today.