BOSTON – Marc Exarhopoulos was one of the best backstops and hitters to put on a Suffolk baseball jersey over his four-year career that spanned 2003-07. The three-time All-GNAC first-team selection still stands on the Top 10 lists on multiple career hitting categories including all-time hits with 187 career knocks. Since playing inside the white lines on the diamond, Exarhopoulos has taken his teamwork talents to the Hudson Firehouse. He recently caught up with GoSuffolkRams.com for a Q&A.
Since Suffolk, you’ve moved into the work field. Could you describe your current occupation, what company you work for and the role you have?
My current position is Lieutenant Firefighter with the Hudson Massachusetts Fire Department, with affiliations with the District 14 Fire Investigation Team, Hudson SAFE (Student/Senior Awareness Fire Education) team, and certified Fire Instructor. I am also the Vice President of the Hudson Firefighters Local 1713 Union.
How did you land your job?
At first, I was contemplating Law School at Suffolk, but by senior year I started taking Firefighter and Police Civil Service exams. I scored well in both, but chose the fire service after researching the job. During that time, the economy was entering the last recession, so I was lucky to be hired as an On-Call Firefighter at the time, and eventually promoted to full-time.
Is this your dream job?
Well, it has turned into my dream job after being a part of the industry. I consider it the best job in the world, and look forward to going into work every tour.
Describe your typical work day.
The Hudson Fire Department currently operate a 24-hour shift rotation, which includes all weekends and holidays. During our tours, we deal with any and all aspects of life safety, fire protection, fire training, emergency medical service, inspections, and public education.
What’s the most surprising part of your job?
Every day is something different. Public safety personnel witness things that not everyone will witness in a lifetime, so that is a surprising aspect of the job.
What’s the biggest perk of your job?
Being in the Fire Service is the biggest perk all to itself. I feel that landing this job, is like winning the lottery. The adrenaline rush at fires, or car accidents is unexplainable, and helping people in need are great perks as well.
What are you most proud of?
I’m mostly proud to serve and protect the community where I grew up. Returning to the town of Hudson, after living in the Boston area for many years was a good change of pace. Like the Suffolk community, it’s very “tight knit.” I feel that there is a great amount of pride serving in the community where you live, and by doing so you have an opportunity to make change within the community.
What is your favorite memory at work?
I wouldn’t say I have a favorite memory, but have a lot of good memories. In the Fire service, you see a lot of tragic events in peoples lives, but you also see a lot of good things, and we all are put in situations that turn out great. We’ve delivered babies on scene, made great stops in house fires, made ice water rescues, etc. etc. It’s a very rewarding job that produces unforgettable memories.
How did Suffolk prepare you for your role?
Suffolk laid the foundation for hard work, and perseverance. Going to school and playing a sport at Suffolk is a constant grind compared to your typical university. Doing so toughens you up for anything life throws at you. Also, my current job is extremely team orientated, and playing baseball at Suffolk under coach Cary McConnell includes the same dedication to the team atmosphere.
What’s your favorite Suffolk memory?
Playing baseball for Suffolk is the best compilation of memories that I have. One step further I can comfortably say that playing baseball for Suffolk was the best time in my life, and I would still give it all up for another four years. MUTTS!
What advice do you have for current students?
Your college career goes by fast, so make the most of it. Be the best player/student that you can be. Leave nothing to regret, and at the end of it all, that will be enough.
What made you choose Suffolk?
Initially I chose Suffolk to play two sports -- hockey and baseball -- but stuck with baseball after my first year. I wanted to be a part of a baseball program that competed for a national championship consistently every year. I also wanted to go to school in the city.
Outside of work, what is your life like? I.E. family, kids, what do you do for fun, etc?
I live with my beautiful wife Kelly, who is a Police Officer, and was a two-sport athlete at Norwich University. We have a dog, and a cat. I work out a lot and still play men’s league baseball and hockey. Kelly and I plan on starting a family in the near future. We go on many trips around the country, and to the Caribbean islands.
Ram Nation has the chance to stay in touch with Marc Exarhopouls by friending him on Facebook.
Are you a Suffolk Athletics alum who would like to revisit with Ram Nation? Contact Sports Information Director Amy Barry at abarry7@suffolk.edu.