Rising Together: 100th Episode Celebration-Part A

Introducing Brian Gillespie, a remarkable individual whose life journey has been characterized by unwavering dedication and service to both his country and community.

Brian's commitment to duty began in 1982 when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served as a Corporal in the 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California. During his four-year tenure, he embodied the Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment.

In 1989, Brian transitioned to a new role as a law enforcement officer, joining the Manasquan Police Department. Over the next two decades, he demonstrated exemplary service as both a Patrolman and Detective. His assignments spanned various divisions, including the Patrol Division and Community Policing, highlighting his versatility and dedication to maintaining the safety and well-being of his community.

Notably, Brian took on the role of Juvenile Officer within the Detective Bureau, showing his deep commitment to protecting and guiding the youth in his jurisdiction. He also completed specialized training at the Monmouth County Police Academy, further honing his skills and expertise in law enforcement.

In 2016, Brian transitioned to a different aspect of service, becoming a Supervisor for Vets4Warriors, a 24/7 national peer support program hosted by Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care. His role involved providing crucial support to veterans and their families, embodying his dedication to those who have served.

Brian's commitment to peer support co… Read More

My name is Tommy Bolin, I am a 28 year veteran in the fire service. I currently hold the rank of Lieutenant with a department in central Ohio. I have also served as a Paramedic for the last 27 years. I have been married for the past 28 years to my rock Lynn Bolin. We have three boys, Trey, Josh, Nathan who we are very proud of. I also have a therapy dog Finn who is a four year old Labradoodle. Finn and I go to nursing homes and work with memory care units. We have also been invited to elementary schools to visit with the kids. We have recently been asked to be members of the Jackson Township PEER support team. Finn routinely goes with me when I lecture to other Fire Departments about mental health awareness in our profession. My journey is like so many others, but I have come through the other side and want to share my story with the hope of letting others know they are not alone. That there are so many people out there suffering alone. We need a cultural change when dealing with mental health. This is my new purpose.

Larry Turner's journey is nothing short of remarkable. A proud member of Cohort 058, Larry dedicated a significant part of his life to the U.S. Army as an Armor Crewman in the 1/73rd Armor Battalion from 1985 to 1987. However, it was his transition to a career in the Columbus Division of Police upon returning to Ohio that set the stage for a transformative chapter.

The turning point in Larry's life came with the heartbreaking loss of a close friend and fellow officer at the Columbus Division of Police. In response, Larry felt a deep calling to make a positive impact on his community. This led him to take the stage at various events as a public speaker and craft a unique bourbon, aged to perfection in honor of his friend's badge number. In that same year, he brought his passion to life by establishing the Killbuck Creek Distillery, a venture that he continues to own and operate today.

During this period, Larry embarked on a personal healing journey that brought him to a cohort at Save a Warrior. For Larry, this experience was nothing short of life-altering, marking the most significant moment of self-discovery. Subsequently, he became a sought-after speaker at events, using his platform to transform his distillery into a poignant memorial paying homage to the sacrifices of Military Veterans and First Responders.

Larry's impact extends beyond his distilling skills; he has played a pivotal role in helping numerous individuals find healing, openly sharing the profound influence Save a Warrior had on his own life. In 2020, Larry to… Read More

Meet Kenny Mitchell, a dedicated firefighter and the visionary behind Operation Yellow Tape, an organization born from tragedy and fueled by a relentless passion for change. Kenny's journey began in 2002 when he embarked on a remarkable 20-year career with The Virginia Beach Fire Department, where he currently serves as a lieutenant. After relocating to Chesterfield in 2007, Kenny became an integral part of the Chesterfield County Fire & EMS team, demonstrating unwavering commitment and leadership in every role he undertook.

From his early days in the bustling fire companies to his tenure in the training division, Kenny's expertise and dedication shone through. As a member of the Marine Incident Response Team and a vital part of the Peer Support Team since 2009, Kenny has been a pillar of strength and support for his colleagues in times of crisis. His contributions extend beyond the firehouse walls, as he served as the department's Public Information Officer for two years before assuming the role of lieutenant in charge of the Fire & Life Safety Division in the Fire Marshal's Office. Covering a vast area of 446 square miles, with 22 fire stations and a population nearing 400,000, Kenny's leadership ensures the safety and well-being of countless individuals every day.

Yet, amidst his professional achievements, Kenny faced personal trials, enduring the devastating loss of his daughter's mother in 2013 and grappling with the heartache of losing colleagues in the line of duty. Despite these hardships, Kenny's resi… Read More

As a former Deputy Sheriff, now First Responder Coach & Specialist, AK helps First Responders learn how to manage chronic stress and regulate their nervous systems to prevent burnout and cultivate personal growth despite the pressures of work and home life. Having experienced burnout accompanied with depression, PTS, and adrenal fatigue it has become her life's mission to give back to all Life Savers.

She has blended her experience as a Deputy and Criminal Court Victim Advocate, graduate degree, yoga instructing and multiple other disciplines and modalities to create the Life Saver Academy. Now, coaching individuals, speaking and training at agencies and conferences, AK helps first responders regain their focus as they release the pressure that comes from the job so that they can start living the life they deserve.