Founder
As the founder of SPIRIT, I organize and control the direction of the group much like the CEO of a business. We have the final say in membership, investigations, and overall operations of the group. It is my responsibility to make connections and oversee all areas and programs of SPIRIT. I have been interested in the paranormal since early childhood. My father told me of seeing the apparition of his mother (my grandmother) shortly after her death. My grandfather had a real interest in ghosts and Bigfoot as well.
Over the last thirty years, I have done a great deal of research in parapsychology and have the experience to show for it. I have taught parapsychology courses and continue to do so. Also, I have experience in cryptozoology. Visiting many proclaimed haunted locations both domestic and abroad has taught me a great deal. You might say I came into the field when the paranormal TV shows had not popularized the study and the Paranormal was not cool. I have been a member of a few other paranormal group's years ago. After years of study and participating in other groups, I was able to identify one problem with groups and it was internal politics and lack of both knowledge of parapsychology and professionalism, as well as a non-cooperative attitude toward other groups. So, in 2000 I decided it was time to form a professional group. One that would not have these issues and hence forth SPIRIT was born.
I am the husband of a wonderful wife and team member Heather, a father of four children, 4 stepchildren, and a grandfather to six. I am a Fire Chief and Medic by trade. Having served as Chief to the Region 3 Rescue Squad SEMA Team since 1999. I also am a Retired Associate Professor at a local university. I attended Indiana University as part of their Navel ROTC Commissioning program. I am a member of Scottish Clan Maclaren (yes, I play bagpipes)
" I am a Freemason of 30+ years,
o Past Master of Prospect Masonic Lodge 714,
o Life member of Bannock Masonic Lodge 3777 Montana,
o Life member of the Indianapolis Valley of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite
o Founding member of the AASSR Knights of St. Andrew,
o Former Chief of Masonic Emergency Services (MES),
o Sir Knight of Prather York Rite and Levant Preceptory Knights Templar founding member,
o Murat Shrine supporting Shrine Hospitals
o Royal Order of Scotland
o Commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of Kentucky.
Awarded the Kentucky Colonel Medal of Merit for my response to Ground Zero.
I have the honor to hold two honorary PH. D.'s in Theology and in Letters. I sit on numerous boards including Community Hospital Network Virtual Advisory Council. I am also listed in Manchester's Who's Who.
