James R. O'Neill

Owner Manager Instructor of SAON, LLC – BEST Boating Emergency Safety Training, Jim is a retired Master Firefighter from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services in Maryland, with an impressive 34 years of service. Over the course of his career, he served as a Firefighter, Rescue Specialist, Emergency Medical Technician (32 years), Fire Service Instructor Level II, and Class A Vehicle Operator. His final five years were spent as an Aide to the Operations Battalion Chief before retiring in 2021. His long-standing commitment to public service reflects his reliability and dedication to community safety. 

Beyond the firehouse, he also ran a successful Maryland-licensed home improvement business for 16 years, balancing craftsmanship with his dedication to public service.

Raised in Elkridge, Maryland, he developed a lifelong love for the water, spending 24 years boating on the Chesapeake Bay and connecting waters — his last two aboard a 2020 Tidewater 21 LFX. Since retiring in September 2021, he has become a proud permanent resident of Cape Coral, Florida, where he continues to enjoy life on the water. Over the past four years, he has explored the stunning waterways of the Gulf, including the Caloosahatchee River, Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, Matanzas Pass, and San Carlos Bay.

Thanks to Jim’s AHA certifications in Life Support, CPR, AED, and Heartsaver, you’ll not only be safe but also have a great time mastering the ins and outs of life on the water.