By Avra Sullivan

Colorado native and Kent Island resident Jeffrey Reiss is a volunteer for the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department, Knights of Columbus and St. Christopher’s Church. He is currently the Assistant Chief of EMS Operations for the fire department, where he has been a member for the past 18 years. The area was a little different from his Denver hometown, but he quickly adjusted and is proud to be serving and helping the community. Between the Knights of Columbus and St. Christopher’s, where he teaches 6th graders, he hopes the kids “understand that all things are possible through God.” He has also coached here locally with the Kent Island Flag Football and Kent Island Youth Soccer Leagues. Jeff considers it a “great sense of accomplishment watching the children I coached play, grow, and learn; and hopefully I made a difference!” Jeff stresses the importance of volunteer work, in any capacity. “To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world! “

When asked the impact he has seen within the fire department, he responded, “In the fire and EMS service, the stresses you experience everyday are unique compared to some other jobs. The standard rule of thumb is to try not to remember, which is easier said than done! One of my most memorable experiences was a simple thank you from a young lady that burned herself lighting a gas grill. After a few months the young lady saw me and came to say thank you and hello. It’s the simple thank you(s) that make everything worthwhile.”

He also credits himself with adding a few more Bronco fans to the area!! Jeff resides on the Island with his wife, two children and two rescue dogs.