After 8 years as US Army Helicopter Pilot, Jerry stepped into the private sector in the field of surface transportation where he spent 25 years in management. Concurrently he was flying in the National Guard and Reserve. In 2004 Jerry received license/certification as a barber and is currently working in that field. His SAR training began as a helicopter pilot in Viet Nam working with Special Forces in the location of missing military personnel. Jerry joined MARK-9 as a canine handler trainee and served as a FAS team member until his dog, Shadow, received certification. Since joining MARK-9, Jerry has also served in SAR as a member of Texas Task Force 1 and First Special Response Group.

Following Shadow's retirement, Jerry has begun training his second search dog, a clever, high-drive Australian Shepherd named Gypsy.