Chuck has dedicated more than twenty years of his life to serving others as a first responder, with a commitment to the fire service that began when he became a junior firefighter at just 14 years old in New York. At 18, he responded with his department to help on September 11, 2001, an experience that deeply shaped his life and service. He went on to have a career in EMS. Today, he serves as the Quartermaster and a proud member of the PEER support team at the Sheriff’s Office, where his dedication and work ethic continue to support his community and those who serve. Over the years, Chuck has faced extraordinary hardship, including a near-fatal car accident in 2007 involving a drunk driver. In 2013, he was struck by a truck as a pedestrian, suffering catastrophic injuries that required 24 major orthopedic surgeries and a long recovery that included learning to walk again. In 2022, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma and given only weeks to live, but after months of treatment he achieved remission and recently celebrated three years cancer-free. In 2025, he suffered a pulmonary embolism, once again fighting for his life and recovery. Despite all he has endured, Chuck continues to live with severe PTSD, anxiety, and nightmares, yet his story remains one of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering service to others. Chuck is hoping that his new service dog will allow him to face his struggles head on, and allow him to be a better husband to his wife of 22 years and father to his 3 children.
Chuck and OATH became a team in August 2026, and it was truly meant to be! This loyal Labrador Retriever helps Chuck by providing deep pressure therapy to help with Chuck’s anxiety, paying attention to reduce hypervigilance, and interrupting behaviors. True to his name, OATH will work by Chuck’s side, offering various levels of assistance, and unwavering dedication every step of the way.