STORY
COVER
Jeff Phillips explains the complexity and history of the Cache River log jams. Phil- lips spearheaded an effort to remove the flow disruptions.
into the courthouse
I believe that not one or even several events have an impact on who I am. It has taken them all to form the person I am today.
— Jeff Phillips Jackson County Judge
“It’s so much easier when people have known you your entire life and they understand your beliefs and are willing to work with you,” he recalled. “Tey know that I will do everything in my power to ensure they are treated fairly and will do the best job I can.”
Farm life, faith and family help set the path Phillips lives by a motto of “If God brings you to it. He will bring
you through it.” He was born and raised in Newport and graduated Newport High School in 1985. “Growing up in a farming community is the greatest experience
you can have,” Phillips said. “You learn to work at an early age and it prepares you for life.” Phillips said there wasn’t one experience in his life that defined who he is today, but all his experiences have collectively shaped him. “We didn’t stay in the house and watch television all day. You were out at the crack of dawn and you came home at dark. We grew and raised our own food. We hunted and fished, we played sports in the former Jackson County Judge Jerry Carlew’s yard.” Lt. Danny Breckenridge with the Newport Fire Department served as a substitute one day when Phillips was in the 12th grade, and the encounter would have a lasting impact. “He told us about being a fireman and working at the station and that sounded like something I wanted to do,” Phillips said. Phillips went on to EMT school and eventually applied for a post with the fire department. Three years later he landed the very coveted job.
COUNTY LINES, WINTER 2013
Jackson County Judge Jeff Phillips (right) works with his administra- tive assistant Debbie ODell.
“Tere is no better feeling than when you save a life of a person or keep their home from burning down,” Phillips said. “On the flip side though it is extremely hard to do all you can and use every bit of your training to save that person and it doesn’t work.” Phillips admitted a firefighter never forgets encountering a child in a
life-threatening situation. “It makes you understand that you are not in control and that
God has final say,” Phillips said. “Being a firefighter was an amazing career, where else can you go to work and drive the same equip- ment that you, as a child, thought ‘how cool is that!’” Phillips said. “It takes a lot of training as well. You never stop training. It is very physical and stressful, saving lives and property is what you do and you take that very seriously.” Phillips’ service at the fire department during the years allowed him to be involved with the community and further realize his
Background art work: Phillips tours Jacksonport.
“Out of the flames” Continued to Page 33 >>> 29
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