Kajil Sharp was born in Lake Arrowhead, California, and grew up in California until 2000. His family moved to Hartland, WI, in the late summer of 2000. He attended Arrowhead High School, and graduated in 2004. Kajil has lived in the Lake Country area for over 20 years, and currently works for the Hartland Fire Department, where he’s worked for a combination of 10 years. He has been in the fire/EMS services for 14 years in multiple capacities. Kajil enjoys being outdoors, continued education, and being with family.
About Kajil Sharp
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been with my wife, Amber, for 19 years, married 16 years. We were great friends in high school but not high school sweethearts. We have two children: daughter Addison and son Gaten. Both keep us on our toes. On top of that, we have two dogs, Bolt and Maggie and our cat Stitch. We love to go camping and being outdoors.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
After high school, I pursued my passion for motorcycles by training to become a motorcycle mechanic. For six years, I proudly worked as a technician at a Harley-Davidson dealership. During this time, I felt a strong desire to give back to my community. This led me to join the Hartland Fire Department in 2010, stepping in as a new member with a willingness to learn. The department provided me with the education and support I needed to grow into a firefighter/EMT. Over six fulfilling years at Hartland Fire, I gained valuable experience and earned my paramedic certification. I also took on various roles as a firefighter/EMT and emergency room technician.
In 2016, I made the heartfelt decision to resign from Hartland Fire and move to Dallas, TX, to be closer to my mother during her battle with cancer. A family man at heart, I wanted to be there for her. Sadly, she passed away after a few years, but I chose to stay in Texas to offer support to my grandmother when she needed it most. While in Texas, I worked briefly as a field paramedic for a private EMS company and later became the corporate director for a freestanding emergency room company. I focused on overseeing six locations and enhancing paramedic operations.
Following an unexpected change in employment, I found my way to a pediatric trauma center in Dallas as a senior paramedic in their emergency department. This turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. In late 2019, I received a call from the acting chief at Hartland Fire, inviting me to consider returning to apply for a full-time firefighter/paramedic position. Knowing my grandmother was well cared for with my uncle nearby, I felt it was the right time. I applied and was welcomed back to Hartland Fire in early 2020, just as we were all facing the challenges of COVID-19, and I began my journey as a career firefighter/paramedic.
Since then, I’ve proudly taken on the role of Division Chief of EMS, a position I’ve held since late 2020. Additionally, I’ve enjoyed working as an Adjunct Instructor at Waukesha County Technical College Fire/EMS Department for about two years. Over the last few years, I achieved my associate’s degree as a Paramedic Technician at Waukesha County Technical College and am currently enrolled at UW Oshkosh, where I’m pursuing a Fire Service Management Bachelor’s Degree with the hope of becoming a fire chief—ideally at Hartland Fire.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
It’s truly fulfilling to support others during their tough times. Helping people isn’t something you learn; it’s a natural response from the heart. With time and experience, you can learn to apply this compassion even more effectively. Advocating for the community makes a difference in their lives and helps create a brighter environment for everyone’s outcomes.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was taking the leap to join the fire service. I wasn’t quite sure if I was ready at that moment, but looking back, I can honestly say I’ve never regretted that decision!
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
Being a role model to the community, my colleagues and my family.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
My future goal is to complete my bachelor’s degree in fire service management.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Focus on your goals and dreams, no matter what career you seek. Be willing to learn and teach others.
Kajil Sharp & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
The amount of support our communities have for each other is significant. From events being held to services needed, it truly makes Lake Country a great place to live.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
David Jambretz, the current Chief of Hartland Fire, has been a mentor to me since I joined the department fourteen years ago. He has encouraged me to become the leader I am today. His support has significantly improved my life, benefiting both the department and my family.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
Birch & Banyan Coffee is my weekly go-to place for coffee, both on and off shift. It has such a welcoming atmosphere and offers amazing coffee and treats. When they ask, “Are you getting the usual?” You know you’re a regular. Those four-shot Americanos keep me going for long shifts at work.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Engaging, Exciting and Fun.
For Fun
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
I wouldn’t pick just one movie. But the James Bond movies are some of my favorites. Even the old films give me a thrill for what’s going to happen next.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mother and grandmother were the most inspirational people in my life. However, I could not do it without my supportive wife.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
It’s probably a four-shot Americano with sugar-free caramel syrup.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
My mother, as she always had a smile bigger than the room. No matter the time of day or moment. She could make it better.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Traveling with my family to National Parks with our camper. We want to go to Yellowstone.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Making my family proud and seeing them happy!
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Lead by example! Treat everyone the way you want to be treated. Be willing to do what you want others to do.
Nice To Meet You:
I believe in positively impacting my clients and the community I live in, which is why I jumped at the chance to be an ambassador with “The Faces of Lake Country”. It’s a perfect blend of why I enjoy being a Realtor with Shorewest, Realtors, and everything I love about living in Lake Country.
I truly enjoy being a part of this community and helping others along the way. Prior to real estate, I was an Office Supervisor for the City of Waukesha Park & Recreation Department. During this time, I had the opportunity to work with many business owners and serve the general public. It was there that I realized that it really does take a village to make a community great and each and every one of us plays an important role.
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