Geoff Dempsey, Patch Staff

I'm not like your normal Patch editor. When your local editor takes a much-needed vacation, I take the reins, ensuring you still get your news. I'm like a subsitute teacher, but don't have to deal with the kids playing pranks on me.

I also work the national desk from time to time, typing up stories of wider interest.

If you have any questions, comments, or news tips, please shoot me an email at geoffrey.dempsey@patch.com.

I joined the Marine Corps in 2006 for a variety of reasons and chose a nerdy job in communications - nerds with guns. I deployed once to Afghanistan and was honorably discharged in 2011 as a sergeant.

I used my GI Bill to get a journo degree from UMass Amherst and started with Patch in April 2017. It's been fascinating writing about so many locales within our country.

One of the most important things we can do as a public is to inform ourselves.