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05/01/2024 08:30 AMWhether it’s working as a peer counselor for first responders, as a fire inspector at Yale, or as a private chef, Joe Gallagher has made serving others a top priority.
Due to a long career in both the public safety sector and the military, Joe is quite familiar with the sacrifices, joys, and struggles facing the members of those communities.
“I just feel like I’ve got a good perspective on it,” Joe says.
Joe is currently in school with the goal of becoming a certified counselor.
“I have about a year-and-a-half left, then I need a certain amount [of hours] as an assistant before I can take the test to become officially licensed,” Joe says.
However, Joe is still volunteering to be a counselor on his own while he goes through school.
“It’s something that’s super important to me. I know what those struggles are, and I feel like I can help people get through them and get on the right path,” Joe says.
While public safety jobs or a military career can certainly be rewarding, they can also be extremely taxing from both a mental and emotional perspective. This inspired Joe to pursue a career in peer counseling with a focus on helping first responders and wounded military members.
“I’ve never shied away from helping people or being the person who answers the call at 2 a.m.,” Joe says.
Joe says that anyone who feels like they can use someone to talk to or knows someone who may need help can call him at 401-529-9985.
It’s nothing new for Joe to make sure that people are safe. For work, Joe is a fire inspector at Yale.
“We check the buildings if there’s a call for a fire. We also do some hazmat work if needed,” Joe explains.
Joe has been working in the fire-prevention field for many years. Prior to his job at Yale, Joe worked at Electric Boat for several years.
“I ran a crew there where we made sure the yard was safe and also did some hazmat work if needed there,” Joe says.
When asked about his favorite part of helping others, Joe doesn’t hesitate in his response.
“Honestly, the best part for me is seeing people who were struggling get better, helping them get back on the right track and not going down a bad path,” Joe says.
Beyond working in public safety or with people in crisis, Joe has recently found another way to combine a lifelong interest with helping others.
“I’ve always had a passion for cooking. It’s something I feel like really connects people and brings people together. It’s hard to have an argument or be too mad at someone while you’re eating together,” Joe says.
Joe founded Rebel Anchor Food Company, where he works as a private chef for interested clients. Joe worked in restaurants when he was younger and, while he may have changed careers since then, his love of cooking never went away.
“I’ve gotten back into it and recently been doing some private events. It’s been a lot of fun,” Joe says.
More importantly, Joe sees a connection between cooking and his other jobs and how they all help people.
“Everything is connected, absolutely. When you’re cooking, you have to be understanding of the food and of yourself. You have to know your limitations, and it takes some self-awareness. But it can also bring everyone together and connect with someone else and learn more about them,” Joe says.
Besides cooking for himself, Joe is also enthusiastic about supporting The Burnt Chef Project, a charity that supports those in need who work in the culinary industry.
“All the money raised goes to helping those who need it. It’s a great cause,” Joe says.
Joe has lived in Clinton for the past four years, moving to town from Rhode Island after he got the job at Yale. In his spare time, he can be found sailing along Long Island Sound. Of his new hometown, Joe says he’s most fond of the people in it.
“I’ve found a lot of wonderful caring people live here, and I feel like I found a home here,” Joe says.