Jason Cavallaro

Photos by Gary Higgins

Firefighter - paramedic, Hanover

Tell us about yourself.

"My philosophy is anything worth doing is worth doing right."

"This philosophy relates to my job because every task you take on you have to be as successful as possible. You need to always be on your game."

"The thing I do best is interact with people - with colleagues and the public."

"The key to my happiness is my job. It allows me to have a positive impact on the lives of people I interact with."

THE SKINNY

RANK: Firefighter -paramedic

AGE:26

BIO: Cavallaro grew up in Hanover and graduated from Hanover High School in 2001. He attended Utica College in Utica, N.Y., for one semester before enrolling at Bridgewater State College. Hanover hired him as a call firefighter in 2001, and he decided to pursue a fire service career. He enrolled at Northeastern University, received his paramedic certification in 2004 and an associate's degree in paramedic technology in 2005. He was hired as a full-time firefighter/paramedic in Hanover. He has an associate's degree in fire science from Massasoit Community College and is studying fire science administration at Salem State College. He is president of Hanover's firefighters union, Local 2726. He and fiancée Michelle Long of Hanover plan to marry this year.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? "I wanted to be in the military."

What would you have been if not a firefighter? "Probably involved in politics."

Best advice you ever got? "Always put yourself in the position to achieve success."

Person who gave it to you? Father.

What do you do in your spare time? "I like to be physically active and spend time with my family and friends."