"I am a native Austinite and have been Chasing severe storms in central Texas for over 20 years now, (except for 3 years where I was in college and otherwise busy). Working one of the Jarrell tornadoes at 4am with my Fire Dept in 1988 is what sealed the deal for me and I was hooked. I chased on my own mostly, working closely with KXAN. I founded TSSI in 1993. My history prior to this was mainly many years of Fire/Rescue, (having received a handful of awards and letters of proclamation and appreciation), along with 4 years of EMS (payed-ALS). I have also enjoyed numerous years of riding out with Law Enforcement buddies, riding Motorcycles, having a Suzuki GSX-R 1300 Hayabusa, and now building a big block 73 Pro Street Camaro. I have been a Cell Technician for a Wireless company since 2000, and now own a home in Cedar Park.

Married 15 years, with a 14 year old Daughter, and 2 step Daughters, chasing for 22 years, Founder of TSSI© in 1993, Moderator and now owner of Lone Star Storm Spotters Network, N.W.S. Damage Survey assistant, Fire/EMS since 1987-(Texas A&M Fire School, Air Force Aircraft Crash Training, Search & Rescue, JAWS-Rescue-Extrication, Emergency Medical Technician, all other standard facets of Fire Fighting, 2006 largest wildfire in national history in Texas Panhandle), Award from the City of Austin City Council for "Betterment of the Community", The Ben Franklin Firefighters Silver Medal, "Extraordinary Service in Saving A Life" award, Letter of appreciation for involvement in the Recovery of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, 10 years of involvement with the Austin Skywarn program, Ham radio operator 5 years, Travis County ARES Duty Officer 4 years, Wireless Technician 7 years, Volente Fire Dept.- progressed from Firefighter, to Lieutenant, to Captain, multiple FEMA classes/certificates in Incident Command-Fire Officer-Mass Casualty Incident, Wildland Urban Interface, etc, many video clips on various local TV news casts and weather specials, shows on The Weather Channel and Discovery Channel, and a handful of photos used in a recent motion picture. (Our media is requested by these entities, and not promoted by us)

Lee joined TSSI in 2001, after he and Jeff became friends through ham radio and TCARES. He has been a vital role in many of the behind the scenes operations of the team. He has been part of many chases since then and has the hail dents in the truck to show for it. Lee is not a fan of night chases though as the probability that tornadoes in Texas will be rain-wrapped just add to the risks taken. In addition to TSSI, Lee has served as Emergency Coordinator for Travis County ARES; is certified in the City of Austin CERT program and is a member of the State RACES program.

Bio:

Lee spent ten years in the Military serving in locations such as the Far East, Europe and Key West Florida. After that he spent time traveling the world for the defense industry, which has taken him to the Middle East on several occasions. Lee now lives in Leander. He has 25 years of experience in Information Technology and served as CIO for two clinical research firms. He currently is an IT Project Manager for the Texas Health and Human Services agency. Lee is an Amateur Radio Operator and Skywarn graduate with strong interest in public service and severe weather.

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Preston began chasing at the end of 2002. He has been active ever since, made an Oklahoma trip with us, and was responsible for locating the Manor tornado damage before daylight on Dec. 23, 2002. He has since been building out his truck very actively and I am impressed with his seriousness and commitment. Preston has gone to Denton to pursue college, and recently graduated with a degree in Emergency management, but comes back down for Holidays, etc. and will continue to be a great fellow chaser and friend. He recently took on an EM job in Denton, so he will remain there for the time being.

Bio:

"I began my interest in severe weather at a young age while spotting storms with my Dad. The Jarrell storm of ’97 increased my interest as I rode my bike home watching the cloud formations as it approached the Cedar Park area. After high school I moved to Alaska for a year where I obtained my HAM license and got involved in the local ARES group and clubs in the area. After returning to Texas I began spotting and gradually moved up to chasing after meeting Jeff and the rest of TSSI and increasing my knowledge of severe weather. Being involved in TSSI and ARES spawned my interest in emergency management and I recently completed a B.S. in Emergency Administration and Planning from the University of North Texas. I am currently working in floodplain management under contract with FEMA. While I am not able to make it back to Central Texas as much as I would like I continue to chase and assist in Emergency Operations Centers in the North Texas area."

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Greg and Jeff met one evening during a chase. They got to talking and Greg joined TSSI shortly after, and has been with the team ever since. Greg and his wife Jamie had the freedom to travel often, and did alot of freelance chasing while traveling through the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma. They have since moved to Arkansas in early 2006, and will be missed, but remain on the team. ( and no, i'm not adding an ASSI sister group, but he is welcome to : )

Bio:

"My interest in severe weather spawned at an early age after watching a tornado ravage Austin's Robert Mueller Airport and experiencing the Memorial Day floods of 1981. This interest in weather continued throughout high school, then I began seriously studying meteorology while attending LeTourneau University in Longview. While in Longview, I acquired my HAM radio license and became involved in the National Weather Service's SKYWARN program. After moving back to Austin, I outfitted my personal vehicle for storm chasing (in time for the Jarrell & Cedar Park tornados) and have provided local television stations with severe weather footage. I met Jeff while on a late day chase in 2001."

Greg & Jamie now live in Arkansas and are under the control of the WalMart Corporation. : )

Aaron is a Captain for the City of Lockhart Fire Dept, and also dispatches for an EMS service. He is also the Communications Coordinator for the City of Lockhart, and runs our paging system. He and his wife reside in Luling. Aaron joined TSSI in 2004, but has been a member of LSSN for most of its existence. He has been very active and is building his vehicle out for spotting in the area. Aaron is a great guy and is upbeat and ready to jump in when he can. Aaron is also ARES EC for Caldwell County.

Bio:

I began my fire service career while still in high school in 1994 as a volunteer with Luling Fire department. After high school, I graduated from Taylor Fire training academy and worked part-time for Luling Fire Department and Travis County ESD 4. In 1999, I was hired by the City of Lockhart as a part-time firefighter and a year later hired as a full-time firefighter for Lockhart in a landmark event for the City by increasing the number of full-time on duty firefighters from 2 to 3. I became interested in severe weather during this time when a Skywarn Class was held at the Sheriff's Office. In 2002 I attended the start up meeting for LSSN (formerly CTSS) in Waco and was invited to join TSSI in 2004. I currently have my 2001 Explorer full of comm. Equipment including 2m/70cm dual band, VHF, 800 public safety radios and APRS for tracking during severe storms.

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Clint is also a Captain for the City of Lockhart Fire Dept. as well as preacher of Staples Baptist Church. He resides in Lockhart with his wife and family, and like Aaron, has joined TSSI in 2004, but has been a long standing member of LSSN. He is also very active and willing to learn and equip his vehicle, mostly serving his local community. Clint is a great guy and we are glad to have him aboard. He also shares some side interests and activities with Tim & Jeff.

Bio:

I have been married for 16 years and have two wonderful little girls. I have served in various Emergency Service departments for the last 20 years from EMS, Sheriff's Office, Communications, and Fire. I currently work for Lockhart Fire Rescue as a shift captain and the departments Training officer and Public Information Officer. During my off duty hours when not chasing weather. I serve as pastor or Staples Baptist Church and have been an ordained minister for 2 years. I look forward to new challenges everyday.

I started weather related training and chasing in the late 80's growing up on the coast I was very familiar with hurricanes and the weather spawned by them upon moving to Central Texas in 1988 I found that my first spring semester of college was under a constant state of severe weather watch or warning. My interest as well as training has only grown. The first thing you learn is you can never have enough training, lack of experience will get you or someone else killed. I look forward to the knowledge and experience I gain every time the team deploys for an event.

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Jason joined TSSI in 2004 and has been progressing since. He has been rigging out his truck, and picking up on things, mostly by going out and getting live OJT. Usually not recommended, but was allowed to and it has worked out well. He has also been a member of LSSN for about the same amount of time.

Bio:

"Graduated from Sam Houston State University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography. Spent the last half year in Guam, Hawaii and the Mariana Islands working for a engineering firm. Recently moved to Dallas to accept the position as GIS Engineering Coordinator for a oil & gas company. Although I do not reside in Austin anymore, I will still be very active with TSSI. My time on the team has led me to participate in almost every chase in the last three years. The wealth of knowledge and experience I have gained is priceless and I can truly say it has been an incredible ride."

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David is Prestons dad, and has been running with us since early 2004, if not longer. He is a long time ham and a great guy. He has also been enthusiastic in getting gear in his truck and getting out with us. David also works at DPS with Lee Cooper. He is involved with Emergency Management thru DPS, as is his other half, so the experience goes hand in hand. David is a welcome addition to the team, and we are very glad to have him. He ventures out with us, and on his own whenever able.

Bio:

I've been a public servant since 1972, when I became an Air Force Security Policeman. After the USAF and college I joined the Texas Department of Public Safety (Service, Courtesy, Protection) and the Sam Bass Company of the Round Rock Volunteer Fire Department. Serving as a firefighter then in the Governor's Emergency Management Division, gave me a respect for the devastating effects of weather; I had seen it, but hadn't experienced it. Joining Travis County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (www.tcares.org) and being a State R.A.C.E.S. (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) pushed me further to the roll of storm chaser.

As a Security Policeman, firefighter, and TCARES member I was always running toward what most people were running away from which is just the way I like it. If people can benefit from that, so much the better. I'm glad some of that was passed down to KL0ZW.

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Shane was invited to join TSSI in early 2006, and has been out on several chases with us, has the experience required, and will go far with us if he so chooses. He also has experience as a firefighter, which is a plus.

Bio:

"I moved to Austin in August of 2005 after completing a spring an summer tour with the US Forestry Fire Service based in Mississippi, Wisconsin, and Utah. I graduated from Spartan School of Aeronautics in September of 2000 with a private pilots liscense and moved to Durant Oklahoma to start my bachelor of science degree in aviation science. I also joined the local volunteer fire department as well as the local Bryan county emergency management office. From that point I started as a stationary spotter for them as well as haz-mat response for the next couple years. We had an unorginized chase team that chased from Oklahoma City all the way over to Arkansas. After school I took on my first tour with the forest service and joined a helitack team out of Lufkin as well as spotted an chased in north central Texas for the next few years. I then moved up to Nashville Tennessee where I joined the Almaville Fire and Rescue and served with them as weather spotter and engineer. In college I studied advanced weather as well as basic and advanced meterology, as well as advanced skywarn."

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Tim lives on the Northern edge of Round Rock just off of I-35. Tim has been with LSSN for several years and has assisted with duties within the group, and is the Net Operations Coordinator. He has been very active with the group, as well as assisting Jeff with behind the scenes duties. He works for Dell in an unspecified secret group of I.T. personnel. Tim has alot of similar interests as Jeff which generates some interesting discussions. Tim was invited to join the group in late 2004, and has been a beneficial part since.

Bio:

Tim's fascination with weather began as a child when he witnessed a weak tornado tearing the roof from a large building behind his house. In 3rd grade, his school was hit by another small tornado during his reading class. It was the only time he can remember actually doing the 'duck and cover' routine for real. He experienced similar incidents through the 60s and 70s in San Antonio and, by the mid-1980s, in Florida, he had been in several hurricanes and countless violent storms. Tim worked at remote outdoor sites in San Antonio and the Hill Country for 10 years, which gave him many opportunities to experience the extremes of Texas weather up close. After attending his first Skywarn training class in 2003, he met Jeff and became involved with local spotting/chase efforts. His most memorable experience was an unexpected 'chase' while being evacuated from Garner State Park in the Hill Country during a late night flash flood. Lightning forked over the vehicles, repeatedly hitting fences on the road side for about 30 minutes.

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Steven was invited to the team (finally) at the Skywarn meeting on 2/23/08.

Steven is a Senior Firefighter with Bastrop Fire Rescue and has served with them since 1991. He has attended multiple schools and training and is currently a Basic Accredited Firefighter through the State Firemen’s and Fire Marshals’ Association. Steven is also the Assistant Emergency Coordinator for Bastrop County ARES and the CLO for Bastrop County RACES. He has been involved with LSSN since 2006 and spotting weather since he was in High School. Steven attended the first Lou Withrow Skywarn training sessions in 1990 at 3M while he was a weather intern for Channel 24 meteorology department in Austin. Steven assisted the KVUE team in setting up the first citizen weather watcher networks for the station. Recently Steven assisted Bastrop County in becoming StormReady certified through the National Weather Service. He also assisted in putting together the local EOC’s for Bastrop City, Bastrop County and Smithville, Texas. All of these stations are outfitted with radio equipment and computers provided by grant funding. Yes, they run GRlevel3 and APRS along with Airmail, Winpack and a host of other programs to help assist local officials during a natural or manmade disaster. All station have VHF, UHF and HF voice and data capabilities.

BIO:

Steven lives in Bastrop, Texas with his wife and two daughters. He is a professional conference planner at his day job and had earned the title of Certified Meeting Professional. Steven is also involved in many of his career oriented associations and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Bastrop County Teen Court. Steven obtained his BS degree in Tourism Resources Management from Texas A&M in 1997. He started out as a Meteorology major and changed along the path as many college students do. I truly believe that the most people chase storms for the wrong reasons and do not understand what they are getting themselves into. It takes a lot of dedication and involvement to make a difference and the goal is to help save lives not endanger them. The trend in glamorizing such powerful force had lead many people into very dangerous situations sometime ending in death. I look forward to working with the TSSI team to make a difference in central Texas in terms of educating the public to the dangers of severe weather as well as chasing the storms for the NWS.

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Shawn has worked with TSSI for years, along with the rest of the weather anchors at KXAN. Shawn has been an extremely integral friend of mine the last few years. He is always doing things for us behind the scenes, from secret site links on experimental radar features, to advising in direction of future workings, to giving us SWAT assistance while we're out chasing, even when in Oklahoma. Shawn is also building out his vehicle, and will join us on some outings soon. He is an absolute genius in the workings of computers, media events, and many other important roles. Jeff and Shawn are always working on new things (mostly Jeffs computer) and ideas to try out. We can often be found in the lawn chairs in the yard in the evening, or in the garage building something, or in front of a computer at home or at the station. Shawn is non-stop and a fantastic friend and associate. Shawn is a consulting/staff meteorologist for the team.

Bio:

Shawn is the father of two sons, two foster daughters and husband to Kathy for 10+ years, has interests in software development, meteorology, and amateur radio. His contributions to storm-chasing are centered around tech support and net lead from home, when severe weather hits. If you've heard of LiveStrike, then you have heard of one of Shawn's more notable ideas, brought to market in 2000, and to date, is the only live, three dimensional, lightning acquisition and display system. His latest projects have centered around the Gibson Ridge radar software, including integration of A.P.R.S., and Gibson Ridge AE... and of course, Shawn is the morning weather guy at KXAN TV, in Austin, Texas.

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Blake joined the Team in 2002, and was subjected to some of the same "touring of the state" as Lee. His background in Meteorology made him a natural for joining the group. He has also been a vital behind the scenes player and assists Jeff whenever possible. He has also been a member of LSSN for a similar amount of time. Unfortunately, he has sold his chase vehicle, bought a car, and devoted his life to umpiring baseball. This has altered his status to become a consulting/Staff Meteorologist for the team, alongside Shawn.

Bio:

"I graduated from the University of Washington in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Sciences. I specialized in forecast modeling and climatic data analysis. I have been a Skywarn spotter in the Seattle, WA area since 1995, and was working for a local TV station when the last known funnel cloud passed over Seattle on September 2, 1996. I moved to Austin, TX in 2001 and now live in Georgetown. I currently work as a Systems Administrator in the electric utility industry, and am a retired baseball umpire."