Vernon is currently a District Chief of Operations with the Toronto Fire Services and a graduate of Seneca College’s Fire Fighter & Emergency Services Program.  He has received the Governor General's Fire Service Medal, the Ontario Long Service Medal, a Toronto Fire Services Award of Merit, and a Cardiac Save Award.  A graduate of Sheridan College's Performing Arts Program, he has a BA in History/Politics from Trent University, is a graduate of Durham College’s Teacher and Trainer of Adults Program, and now studies with Dalhousie University.  An active volunteer, he has engaged in fundraisers, led marriage preparation workshops, coached sports teams and advocated for youth in Durham Region for over 15 years.  Having struggled with academics as a child, Vernon joined the LEADR Board to help others uncover their potential and discover the benefits of ongoing education.