Ray Erickson is a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
In 1985 Ray Erickson joined the Collier County sheriff’s office. In 1987 during his career, Ray was selected by Rotary International as a group Study exchange team member traveling to Argentina representing law-enforcement from Collier County, Florida. After 31 years with the Collier County Sheriffs Office, Ray retired.
Since 2018 Ray has worked on a Grant funded by a lifelong friend, cleaning up shorelines and rescuing many birds from fishing lines and debris. His grant has been extended for another four years, funded by other donors through the Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s Von Arx Wildlife Hospital, where Ray has the job of Community Outreach and Wildlife Rescue.
Earth Junkies, Inc.: A 501c3 organization committed to the cleanup and preservation of Collier County’s shorelines, mangroves, and natural treasure – the Gulf of Mexico.
Long-time Naples residents and well-known community members, Former Deputy Sheriff Ray Ericksonand Captain Tom Purcell have joined forces to create a 501 (c) (3) corporation to address, first-hand, several serious safety concerns plaguing our waterways.
Tom and Ray met in the late 1980’s on a barrier island in Collier County while both happened to be picking up garbage and debris. And now, almost 40 years later, the two have joined forces to do the good work of this new Naples nonprofit organization.
Focusing on the removal of fishing line, debris, and trash from shorelines will save countless birds, sea turtles and other species from dangerous situations. Mangrove preservation is essential to support the ecosystem’s natural infrastructure, protecting nearby populated areas by reducing erosion and absorbing storm surge impacts during extreme weather incidents like hurricanes.
Captain Tom Purcell has spent his life in the Naples Collier County area and has been an electrician for 45 years; 35 of those years with Collier County Public Schools. Captain Tom has been an outdoorsman, fisherman, and boater his whole life. His knowledge of the waterways and of safe boating skills are at the helm of his role with Earth Junkies. Besides being a Master Electrician for over 38 years, Tom has mastered mechanical and technical skills that can combat any challenge.
Board of Directors
Captain Tom Purcell – Co-Founder and Executive Director
Ray Erickson – Co-Founder and Chief Administrative Officer
Joe Smirnov – Board Member
Dan Escott – Board Member
Sean Hanes – Board Member
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