A 23-year veteran of the Jefferson City Fire Department, Darren "Bear" Reuter has become a local fixture in the community through his involvement in a number of volunteer endeavors. But he notes that an early stint in the Marine Corps is what helped pave the path for a career in public service.
Graduating from Jefferson City High School in May 1984, Reuter joined the Marine Corps the following November.
"I grew up playing Marine when everyone else was playing Army," Reuter chuckled. "I also had a lot of family and friends that had served, and their influence meant a lot to me."
Reuter traveled to San Diego and completed 12 weeks of initial training. He then transferred to ....