Conference Presentations
Wellness on the Front Line™
October 27-30, 2026
Additional speakers and presentations will be posted once finalized.
Presentations appear in alphabetic order by the presenter’s last name.
Bobbie Burns, Retired SRPO– San Diego Probation Department
PRESENTATION TITLE
Surviving the Aftermath
SHORT DESCRIPTION
Bobby Burns shares his personal journey through multiple critical incidents experienced during his career, combined with significant life trauma that ultimately led to struggle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Drawing from real-life experience, Bobby provides an honest and relatable perspective on the impact trauma can have on mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.
This class explores the challenges of recognizing PTSD, seeking help, and developing healthy coping strategies. Through hard work, professional support, and commitment to personal growth, Bobby learned practical tools that helped him manage PTSD and reclaim a fulfilling meaningful life.
Lieutenant James Colford (Panel Speaker)
PRESENTATION TITLE
“Addressing the epidemic of trauma, addiction and suicide among first responders through peer support and science backed meditation”
SHORT DESCRIPTION
The forum is being presented by the David Lynch Foundation (DLF), a 501(c)(3) organization who for over 20 years , has successfully delivered the evidence-based, trauma-healing Transcendental Meditation(TM) technique to first responders and veterans with Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Program partnerships have included FDNY, NYPD, U.S. Capitol Police and the LA County Fire Department.
FDNY Lt. Drew Kane will be the keynote speaker.
TM is a simple, effortless technique practiced 15–20 minutes twice daily, requiring no concentration or prior experience. Over 400 peer-reviewed studies confirm TM’s impact on PTS, anxiety, depression, SUD and hypertension. The NIH and Department of Defense have awarded nearly $35 million in research funding on TM. The American Heart Association has recognized TM as an effective approach to reducing hypertension.
This session will cover what TM is, how it works, and how to deploy it within your department. Thanks to generous donor funded support of the David Lynch Foundation, pilot training programs are offered to most public safety departments at no cost.
Rochelle Costelloe – Dispatcher, Fountain Valley Police Department
PRESENTATION TITLE
Notes from the Console and the Crib
A Dispatcher’s Journey Through Postpartum Depression
SHORT DESCRIPTION
This presentation offers a candid and heartfelt account of navigating postpartum depression, drawing from Rochelle’s personal experience as a first-time mom and an emergency dispatcher. Attendees will gain insight into the emotional challenges faced during the postpartum period, including feelings of isolation, anxiety, and overwhelming sadness. Rochelle will discuss the impact on daily life, returning to the high stress communications center, relationships, and self-identity, as well as the steps taken toward seeking support and recovery.
By sharing this journey, Rochelle aims to foster understanding, reduce stigma, and provide encouragement to others who may be struggling. Attendees will learn about the importance of recognizing symptoms, asking for help, and finding hope through community and professional resources within the first responder industry. Backed by 14 years in dispatch, peer support and training; Rochelle’s mission is to inspire empathy, promote awareness of postpartum mental health, and empower individuals to support themselves and others through similar experiences.
Brandon Dreiman, JD, CPRC, CBT-I, Behavioral Health Specialist, ProTeam Wellness
PRESENTATION TITLE
Optimizing Sleep: Why Sleep Should Be Your Second Job
SHORT DESCRIPTION
Sleep is one of the most overlooked performance and resilience tools in public safety. In this engaging session, participants will explore how the body’s sleep systems work, common mistakes that sabotage rest, and practical strategies to improve sleep quality despite the challenges of shift work and operational stress. Topics include circadian rhythms, anchor wake times, environmental factors such as light, sound, and temperature, and evidence-based principles drawn from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). Attendees will leave with realistic, actionable tools designed to improve recovery, performance, health, and long-term well-being.
Thomas Floersch, Special Agent In Charge, US DHHS OIG
PRESENTATION TITLE
“Leading While Grieving”
SHORT DESCRIPTION
As peer supporters, we respond to critical incidents that could be shocking and emotionally disturbing. But what happens when we are involved as peer supporters in an incident that strikes too close to home? An incident that involves our coworkers, partners, and friends. How do we handle it? How do we lead others during an incident response when we are part of the affected group?
During this presentation, we will discuss how the OI peer support team handled multiple employee deaths and coordinated the peer support response during the Fall and Winter of 2021. We will delve into the response from the leader’s point of view and tell the personal story of how we still need to lead while we grieve.
Oftentimes, we see the leaders of operations as calm and controlled when in reality, they may be swirling with emotions inside. How do we control these emotions and even use them to our benefit while providing the necessary support to our people? We will examine the vulnerability of leaders and team dynamics during a peer support response.
Some key elements that will be discussed are the challenges and successes of leading the response when you are very close to the incident itself, how cumulative stress from dealing with multiple incidents impacts us and how do inexperienced teams succeed when dealing with an incident response with nationwide exposure. Overall, this presentation will share lessons learned told through the personal story and viewpoint of the incident leader.
Joey Jones, U.S. Marine Corps EOD Staff Sergeant (Ret.)
PRESENTATION TITLE
Overcoming Adversity
SHORT DESCRIPTION
Adversity is a constant. Seemingly as reliable as the morning sun. Look around; the weather, sickness, jobs, accidents… things break, things change, people in our lives disappoint us, we disappoint others. Most of the human experience is navigating adversity we didn’t intend to happen or plan. But each time we are met with difficulty something amazing happens, we survive. We don’t just survive, we get stronger, more equipped, better prepared, more resilient. We gain wisdom, experience, and sometimes even the ability to enjoy the struggle knowing we can get through it. For me adversity started early, I was raised poor, hard work and little reward was a constant in the single-wide trailer home of my hardworking brick mason father and house cleaner mother. No expense came easy, and no sick days were free. But through that adversity came love, appreciation void of entitlement and an intimate understanding of the value of hard work.
I lost my legs at 24 years old. I was in peak physical condition and given state of the art medical treatment. Yet, folks look at me in awe as I stand on prosthetics and travel the country independently, usually with a genuine smile, and say “I don’t know how you stay so positive after you lost your legs.” To which I sometimes respond, “Well don’t ever get negative, since you have yours.” The point here is that one aspect of adversity doesn’t get to define us. Yes, I lost my legs, but I haven’t had cancer, I haven’t filed bankruptcy, lost a child, gone through a divorce. But all those things are present in this room, and all of you are here today with the opportunity to celebrate, work, give, love. You have all gone through every type of adversity life has thrown at you, and here you are. Remember what you are capable of, remember how you got here.
Drew Robinson, Former Major League Baseball Player, Mental Health Advocate
PRESENTATION TITILE
Strength Isn’t Always Physical
SHORT DESCRIPTION
Drew Robinson shares his lived experience as a survivor of a suicide attempt to challenge the idea that strength is only physical. Through his journey with depression and recovery, Drew highlights the power of vulnerability, honesty, and asking for support, especially in high-pressure roles. Now serving in a mental health advocacy role with the San Francisco Giants, he works to foster peer support and normalize conversations around mental wellness. His message encourages first responders to view mental wellness as a critical component of performance, resilience, and long-term health.
If you would like to review information covering previous conferences, visit our Training Calendar archive section.