Brian Peters. He is a 1983 graduate of Oak Glen High School and a life long resident of Hancock County. Brian is one of those guys that you want in your neck of the woods. He’s one of those heroes that runs towards danger. He’s one of those helpers that pitch in when disaster strikes. He’s one of those souls that will kneel down to help you back up. He’s one of those acquaintances that turns into your life long friend. He’s one of those guys, that if he doesn’t know the answer, he knows where to get the answer. He’s one of those buddies that does everything for everyone . . . but scoffs at the idea of the spotlight being put on him. His friends that nominated him for this month’s blog post are the ones that told me about ALL the things Brian does, and has done, for the community. No easy task for me to try and summarize his life into this short post. Chances are, that I’ve only begun to scratch the surface of who Brian truly is. I’ll do my best to honor his service and to reflect the light he shares with us all.
Brian’s resume shows a long history of community service. He started as a Jr. Firefighter at age 13 in 1978, and he took his first EMT class at age 15. (He credits Jeff Poole for planting the seed of volunteer firefighter service in his heart.) Included on Brian’s resume: EMT, Paramedic, CPR/First Aid instructor, Volunteer Firefighter, Project Lifesaver member, Chief of Hancock County Sheriff Reserves, and Group Manager at Arcwood Environmental.
Brian is a man who answers to two callings with quiet courage and unwavering dedication. As a volunteer sheriff’s reserve, he stands for law, order, and safety – ready to serve his community with integrity. He stands side by side with the other sheriff reserves and the county’s full time officers. Ever wonder how the heavily traveled street gets cleared for the parade that you get to enjoy? Who keeps the ebb and flow of traffic going when there’s been an accident? You can bet the Sheriff Reserves are there. Sheriff reserves train, prepare and respond with professionalism – often balancing their volunteer duties with full time jobs and family responsibilities. It is a service born not from obligation, but from choice. It reflects a deep commitment to community, to neighbors, and to the belief that protecting others is a calling worth answering. The quiet (although quiet isn’t always associated with Brian) backbone of community service in law enforcement.
As a volunteer firefighter, he joins his comrades to answer the call in moments of danger, putting others before himself and meeting fire with bravery. Have you ever had the opportunity to put on firefighter gear? The helmet and uniform alone, are enough to weigh you down. Now add on the extra weight of the air tanks, and then try to run up multiple flights of stairs, in all kinds of weather, as if someone’s life depends on it. Like all good firefighters, Brian answers calls that many would hesitate to face. He confronts danger with steady resolve, giving his time, his strength, and his heart to safeguard lives and property. He doesn’t do this for rewards, or applause, but simply because it is in his nature to serve.
It’s also in his nature to teach, and to share his expertise with others. Brian will tell you stories of ‘kids’ who he’s had the pleasure of training over the years, and how those ‘kids’ have gone on to have very successful careers in firefighting and law enforcement. I would imagine that if we gathered together all the people whose careers and life paths were touched by Brian Peters, we’d be able to fill Oak Glen’s Football Field, from end zone to end zone, and then some.
Steady, strong, and true. That’s Brian. He’s fiercely loyal to his friends and family. He loves his wife, Brandye with his whole being. If you don’t personally know Brian, you’re in luck. Because Brian does not know a stranger. Stop and talk with him, and you’re bound to learn a thing or two. Are you interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter, a part of the Sheriff Reserves, or a member of Project Lifesaver? Then reach out to Brian. He gives his time freely, and shares his experienced know how, not for recognition, but because service is a part of who he is. His legacy is written in the lives he touches, and the community he helps keep safe. True heroes are not only found in the pages of history, but among us – in people like Brian, who choose to serve, to protect, and to put others first.
Sometimes, the greatest acts of courage come from those who give quietly, consistently, and without expectation. Brian gives freely of his time, his talents, and his spirit. Embodying the very best of what it means to be a public servant. Like so many others who volunteer, Brian’s not going to blow his own horn, or shout, “Look at me, Look at me!” He’s one of the ‘behind the scenes’ guys. But that’s one of the cool things about this In FOCUS Blog. We get to Shine a light on those who inspire us and to say Thank You! So Brian, on behalf of a grateful community, we extend our heartfelt thanks for all your years of faithful service and your unwavering devotion to the safety of others.
