Two St. Margaret Mary Catholic School alumni have now dedicated their lives to civil service. The two men grew up together and remained close friends.

Serving the Community

In a report with The Florida Catholic, Jack Timmes and Eddie Emons said they were good friends growing up. Timmes is now a firefighter for Winter Park, while Emons serves as a deputy for Orange County. 

Timmes told the news outlet that he was only 14 years old when he found that he had a love of service. It was when he went on a mission trip to Louisiana. 

The teen told his family about the mission trip and how it affected him. He shared that his ministry leader was a firefighter. 

Timmes said that his family supported his dream and encouraged him to pursue it. 

A car crash in high school helped solidify that decision. The teen helped the victims of the crash. 

Praying for Discernment

When he told his family about it, his parents realized that their son wanted to protect people. They encouraged him to pray for discernment. 

Timmes felt that being a firefighter was his true calling. His father is a deacon at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Winter Park.

He was also inspired by his grandfather, who was once a soldier, deacon, and police officer during his lifetime. 

The young man said he admired both men for their trust in God and their selflessness. Those qualities were what made him keep pursuing his dream. 

He told the news outlet that he did not get the chance to know his grandfather better because the older man died when he was young. 

Timmes heard from stories that he was very involved in the Church. 

Childhood Friends

Timmes and Emons are childhood friends. Both are now involved in serving their community. 

They admitted that their jobs come with pressure and responsibility. There are days when the burden grows heavy, so they look to each other for support. 

Timmes admitted that it was great to have a best friend on his side. He was also grateful that he and Emons grew up together in the same faith. 

Emons agreed with his best friend. He told the news outlet that they shared the same beliefs and values. It was important to have someone like that, especially in their professions. 

The deputy explained that he always loved to help others. When he was in school, police officers would visit. Emons said that he enjoyed chatting with them. 

He explained that his faith led him to pursue law enforcement. Being a deputy meant more than protecting people. For him, it also meant giving others the guidance that they needed. 

Emons shared during one Christmas, he responded to help a single mother. He and his fellow officers also pitched in to buy gifts for her children, who did not have any. 

He stressed that everyone was responsible for sharing Christ's love with the rest of the world. Emons knew that his ministry allowed him to do that. 

According to the school website, St. Margaret Mary Catholic School has served students in Orlando for over 67 years. 

 

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