2021 Conference – Speakers

Daniel G. Amen, MD, Psychiatrist, Neuroscientist and Author

The Washington Post called Dr. Daniel Amen the most popular psychiatrist in America and Discover Magazine listed his brain imaging research as the top neuroscience story for 2015.

He is a veteran, serving as an infantry medic, and did his psychiatric residency at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC. Dr. Amen is a 12-time NY Times bestselling author, with books such as Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, Healing ADD, Memory Rescue, Feel Better Fast and Make It Last and The Daniel Plan written with Pastor Rick Warren. In March 2020, he published The End of Mental Illness.

Dr. Amen is the founder of Amen Clinics, which has 8 locations across the United States. Amen Clinics has the world’s largest database of brain scans related to behavior, totaling more than 160,000 SPECT scans on patients from 121 countries.

Dr. Amen’s research team has published more than 80 scientific articles. He is the lead researcher on the world’s largest brain imaging and rehabilitation study on professional football players. His research has not only demonstrated high levels of brain damage in players, but also the possibility of significant recovery for many with the principles that underlie his work. His team also published the world’s largest functional brain imaging study on how the brain ages with over 62,000 SPECT scans.

Dr. Amen has also hosted 14 national public television shows about the brain, which have aired over 110,000 times across North America.

Dr. Amen is married to Tana, the father of four children and five grandchildren.

Frank and Anna Bell

Anna Bell, Current PSPSA Vice President
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Latent Fingerprint Examiner II – Retired 2018
Former Department Peer Support Team Coordinator
Former Sheriff’s Employee Assistance Team (SEAT) Treasurer

Anna was involved with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Peer Support Team for over 13 years and has served with peer support associations as a committee member and/or board member over the past 10 years. She was part of the original formation of the Public Safety Peer Support Association and is currently the PSPSA Vice President.

Anna earned her degree in Administrative Justice and joined the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in 2004 as a Latent Fingerprint Examiner. She quickly became involved with SBCSD’s Peer Support Team. Anna started as a Peer supporter and later became a team leader. Anna ultimately became the coordinator for all five San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Peer Support teams. Prior to her career with the Sheriff’s Department, Anna worked in the Behavioral Health field and in Pediatric care.

Frank Bell, Current PSPSA Advisory Committee Member
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Captain, Retired 2018
Former Department Peer Support “Captain at Large”
Former Sheriff’s Employee Assistance Team (SEAT) Chairman and Board Member

Frank was with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for 30 years beginning in 1988 and retiring as a captain in 2018.  He retired as the Commanding Officer for the Apple Valley Station and was one of two captains over the Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT). Prior to this assignment, Frank was the Captain over the Employee Resources Division. Frank became involved in peer support in 2004 as a peer supporter and a team leader. When he retired, Frank was the Department’s Peer Support “Captain at Large”.

Anna & Frank enjoy spending time with their family. They have 3 beautiful daughters, ages 35, 29 and 28, and 2 handsome grandsons, ages 7 and 9. Their hobbies include scuba diving, hiking, travel and RV’ing. Anna and Frank have been married since 1993, all of which one or both were members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s family. Their relationship has endured the typical stressors of every marriage in addition to those added by the unique circumstances that come with Public Service and the Law Enforcement profession to include;

• Shiftwork and unreliable schedules that that ignore holidays, birthdays and family events
• Promotions that come with various and inconsistent assignments
• Constant dependence upon pagers & cell phones
• Late night/early morning/weekend calls
• Constant reminder of vulnerability when friends and co-workers are injured or worse, while on the job
• Dealing with the stress that comes with the subject matter and learning to communicate those feelings

Susan Broderick, J.D.

As a respected professional in criminal and juvenile justice issues and a woman in long-term recovery, Susan is passionate about helping others in and out of the justice systems. She started her career as an Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, where she served from 1989 until 2003. Susan joined the National DA’s Association in 2003 and went on to serve as an Assistant Research Professor at Georgetown from 2008-2018.

Susan’s expertise and wisdom with regard to addiction and the justice systems are unique and multifaceted. She has not only worked on the front lines of the child welfare, juvenile and criminal justice systems, but she spent the last several years studying what works (and what doesn’t), while at Georgetown University. Most importantly, Susan Broderick has lived through these issues and her lived experience gives her unique insight into the issues that many other experts have only studied.

Recognizing the multiple opportunities to address addiction within the child welfare and justice systems, Susan works with jurisdictions to implement innovative prevention and diversion programs, evaluate and refine drug court procedures, enhance the effectiveness of probation protocols and improve outcomes for those leaving the justice system.

Susan’s pragmatic perspective gives her tremendous credibility and allows her to bring a message of hope to anyone in the justice system, no matter where they sit in the courtroom. Given the prevalence of stress and addiction within the legal profession, she works with Bar Associations across the country to address attorney wellness.

Susan serves on the Advisory Board of Harvard University’s Recovery Research Institute and is Chairwoman of the Board of Directors for The Phoenix, a non-profit organization that promotes a sober active lifestyle.

Tim Burns, Lieutenant, Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department

Lt. Tim Burns was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After graduating from High School in 2000, he joined the United States Army as a Military Police Officer. He was stationed in Fort Leonard Wood Missouri, Fort Bliss Texas, Hanau Germany, and one Deployment to Baghdad Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom I and II.

After being Honorably Discharged in 2006, Tim relocated to the Modesto area and was sworn in as Deputy Sheriff-Custodial. Over the course of his career, he has worked in the Mental Health Program, established a Veteran’s Program, and was a member of the Hostage Negotiation Team, the Peer Support Team, and the Corrections Emergency Response Team. As a Sergeant, Tim was assigned to Internal Affairs and a supervisor on the Hostage Negotiation Team and the Peer Support Team, among other assignments.

In February 2020, Tim promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and currently has command responsibility for the Re-Entry and Enhanced Alternatives to Custody Training Facility, Jail Alternative Unit, Court Holding Facility, and the Correctional Emergency Response Team. He holds a master’s degree in Business Administration in Human Resources Management.

Randy Davis, Sergeant, Modesto Police Department

Sgt. Randy Davis started with the Modesto Police Department as a Reserve Police Officer in January 1998. He went full time with the Modesto Police Department in March 2001 and promoted to Sergeant in July 2016. Randy has been a member of the Peer Support Team since 2011. Randy holds bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting, and is a graduate of the Sherman Block Leadership Institute.

Randy has been married to his beautiful wife, Kimberly, for 33 years and has two sons and a daughter. One of his sons is a police officer and the other son is serving in the United States Army. His daughter is a college student.

Steve Diaz, Fire Captain (Retired), Cal Fire

Steve Diaz is a recently retired Battalion Chief with a career of over 30-years in the fire service. US Forest Service, City of Banning and CalFire respectively. Assignments ranging from engine crew, helicopter crew, training division, planning and engineering, camp crew, Fire Marshal and most recently, Peer Support with the Employee Support Services section of CalFire.

Steve’s passion is providing behavioral health options to public safety. Providing a safe place and coming along side of those suffering. His service includes consulting as freedom coach Steve, intake coordinator for freedom retreat, critical incident stress management, employee assistance programs, substance abuse options and fire chaplaincy.

Steve has an Associate of Science degree in Fire Technology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He is Fire Officer certified and trained by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation.

Sam Dudley, Firefighter, Peer Supporter and Emotional Support Canine Handler, Santa Barbara County Fire

Sam Dudley started his fire service career with the US Forest Service in the Los Padres National Forest where he worked for 7 years. Sam, who grew up in Santa Barbara, was then hired by Santa Barbara County Fire Department in 2015. He is currently a Firefighter and Peer Supporter at Station 12 where his Emotional Support Canine “Rhonda” goes to work with him.

Rhonda was rescued from a high kill shelter by Paws for Life K9 Rescue and then trained by prisoners at Lancaster State Prison to be an Emotional Support Canine. Sam will be discussing how Rhonda is currently being used both within and outside of the Department. He will also be sharing his experience from the Montecito Debris Flow and the emotional challenges he faced after.

Chris Fields, Major (Retired), Oklahoma City Fire Department

Chris Fields is a former member of the Oklahoma City Fire Department, Chris joined the fire department July 12, 1985 promoting through the ranks and retiring as a Major March 1, 2017 serving the citizens of Oklahoma City for 31yrs and 7 months. Chris was captured in a photo that became an iconic symbol of the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995 when he was cradling the body of 1yr old Baylee Almon. Chris is now dedicating his life, and travels to speak to other 1st responders, he discusses the brutal realities of a life spent responding to citizens in their darkest hours. Routinely placing others before himself and representing the greater good in all of us. Chris tells the story of his life, his 31yrs of public service, and how that day in 1995 all combined to take a toll on his life and his family, he suffered in silence for many years. Now he shares how with God, Faith, and Family he took control and his journey out of the suffering in hopes of helping others avoid the failure, the pitfalls, and to reach out.

“I was shocked when I reached out, how many people were reaching back, I want 1st responders to know its ok, not be ok sometimes. It’s all about changing the narrative and breaking the stigma of reaching out for help. As heroic a calling as our profession seems to many, to me it’s just as heroic if not more to speak up, reach out. Be a hero to yourself and your family.”

Steve Froehlich, Ph.D., Director of Behavioral Health Services

Since the opening of his private practice in West Los Angeles in 1976, Dr. Steven Froehlich has focused on assisting individuals, couples and families. Steve’s passion is to assist those individuals who serve the community as our First Responders. Steve serves as a Mental Heath Professional with the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Critical Incident Stress Management Program (“CISM”). CISM Programs are designed to mitigate the impact of critical incidents on Emergency Services Personnel.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Team is utilized within the County of Los Angeles as needed, but is also deployed to out of County incidents. The Team has supported incidents in Prescott, Arizona after the tragic loss of the nineteen Hotshots, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and most recently the Team was deployed to Douglas County, Oregon after the mass shootings at Umpqua Community College. Steve also supports the Beverly Hills Police Department’s Peer Support Team and serves as a Mental Health Consultant for the Department’s Crisis Negotiation Team.

Neil H. Gang, Chief, Pinole Police Department

Police Chief Neil H. Gang began his career with West Windsor, NJ Police Department in 1988. After several stops along the way to include Pembroke Pines, FL and Surprise, AZ, Neil was selected to become the Police Chief for the Pinole Police Department in 2014. With over 30 years of experience at all levels of a full-service agency, Gang’s policing strategy is progressive and innovative. He is an action-oriented problem solver who believes that leadership is all about building relationships and relationships build trust; without a community-oriented focus and partnerships, success could not be achieved.

Gang’s philosophy toward community engagement is his main focus, most notably seen through his development and effective use of Community Outreach programs. His most relevant work focuses on innovation and community engagement, and in 2019 his agency was first in the Nation to create a Video Reporting program that allows citizens to utilize different platforms to report crimes remotely and still receive officer engagement, which was just featured in Police Chief magazine. Neil also was the first in the Nation to partner with ThinBlueOnline for their online de-escalation technology and training software.

Neil has been involved in Special Olympics throughout his career and now in Northern California, where he is a member of the Northern California Executive Advisory Board. He also participates in the annual Torch Run kick-off Conference, Bike the Bridges, Law Enforcement Torch Run, Tip-a-Cop, the Bay Area Games and the opening ceremony for the Northern California Summer Games. In 2016, Neil was awarded the Special Olympics Northern California Chief of the Year.

Neil is a graduate of the prestigious Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, where he was both the president of the class and the recipient of the Franklin M. Kremel Award for excellence in the field of leadership. Neil has a Bachelor’s of Applied Science Degree in Administrative Justice from Wayland Baptist University and is a graduate of the California POST Management School. He is also member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Police Executive Research Forum, International Hostage Negotiators Association, California Police Chiefs Association and the National Association of Police. Neil was also a past Northern California representative on the California Peace Officer Memorial Foundation Board and a past Chairman of the West County Police Chief’s Association.

Neil is a member of the California Police Chiefs’, Human behind the Badge Initiative and the chairperson to the Contra Costa Officer Wellness Committee and is advocates on the national level as member of the BJA/COPS Officer Safety and Wellness Working group in Washington D.C. Neil is a national speaker on Officer Wellness and the author of the Asher Model-7 Point Approach to a Culture of Wellness. He was just awarded a congressional honor and named the 2020 Public Safety Hero of the Year by Congressman Mike Thompson.

Jennifer Hannula, Lieutenant, Sonora Police Department

Lieutenant Jennifer Hannula has been in law enforcement for over 25 years. She is currently a Lieutenant with the Sonora Police Department, having previously worked for the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department in positions including Crimes Against Children, HNT, as an Academy Instructor, Coroners Office, Mounted Unit, Mobile Field Force and Peer Support. Lt. Hannula understands that our jobs in law enforcement and public safety are not easy and it can lead to trauma and pain. Because of this, she understands that people need someone to talk to, and she is always willing to listen.

“Most of the pain we feel is nothing more than a story that needs telling.”
― Ashly Lorenzana

Peter Killeen, Ph.D.

Peter J. Killeen received his Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from The American School of Professional Psychology/ Washington, D.C. at Argosy University, Arlington, VA. A former police officer with the Port Authority of NY & NJ Police Department, Peter has worked as a police psychotherapist with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Unions as well as Wellness Counselor for ATF since the early 1990’s. He was involved extensively with the rescue and recovery efforts following the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center followed by years of counseling for 9/11 First Responders.

He has authored four books for law enforcement on wellness and resilience in help them live a more sustainable healthy lifestyle. The Operation Longevity™ textbook works in tandem with the Operation Longevity Personal Journal. In 2019, the Operation Longevity™ Personal Stories and Meditations and the “21 Day Call to Action Coin Challenge” books were released.

Kimberly Lightley, Risk Management Program Specialist, U.S. Forest Service Fire and Aviation Management

The South Canyon Fire on Storm King Mountain claimed the lives of fourteen wildland firefighters in Glenwood Springs, Colorado in 1994. Kimberly Lightley is a surviving crewmember of the US Forest Service, Prineville Interagency Hotshot Crew, from the July 6th, 1994 tragedy. As an educator and advocate for firefighter well-being, Kimberly has spoken in venues across the nation and internationally, delivering mechanisms of coping and well-being in preparation and mitigation of the stress associated with the firefighting occupation. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from George Fox University and has received training from the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation, ICISF, Duke University of Integrative Medicine and the Mind Fitness Training Institute. As a fire peer, she has responded to numerous critical incidents, providing on-site peer support.

Kimberly is employed as a Risk Management Program Specialist with the U.S. Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management, Washington Office.

Morgan Luttrell, Former Navy Seal Lieutenant & Former Senior Advisor of Veteran Relations with the Department of Energy

A 14-year military veteran with multiple deployments around the globe, Morgan Luttrell has made it his mission to assist veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s) post-traumatic stress syndrome, chronic pain, and addiction in finding more effective treatments. The neuroscientist-in-training has drawn largely from his own experience with a TBI. Luttrell was aboard an army helicopter during a training exercise when their Black Hawk crashed; the force of the helicopter’s explosion caused Luttrell to break his back in numerous places and sustain a severe traumatic brain injury that caused him multiple cognitive issues for months. While recovering from his own injury, Luttrell signed up to take part in a clinical trial, in which he underwent cognitive testing to learn how to improve his ability to process information. His journey through his own recovery led Luttrell to develop a keen interest in understanding the mechanics of the brain and in turn advance effective treatment protocols for other veterans that suffer from the side effects of TBI’s and other related injuries. He completed his graduate degree in cognitive neuroscience and served as a Senior Advisor to the Secretary and Director for Translational Research and Applied Analytics in the Department of Energy. Through his work combining the DOE’s technology with clinical data from the Department of Veterans Aairs and other agencies, Luttrell aims to use such partnerships to increase the quality of life for injured veterans in a shorter amount of time.

To maximize results, Luttrell has focused on principles from the military’s Mission Success Philosophy. Luttrell’s dedication to teamwork and collaboration has established him as an influential force across several industries. Discipline honed from his military experience combined with his dedication to using machine learning and artificial intelligence to compute complex data has led to the breakdown of silos, faster more precise statistical outcomes, and the creation of cross-functional teams that have resulted in a
greater impact for companies and causes.

Jeff McGreevy, Sergeant, Ret., Oxnard Police Department

Jeff McGreevy was in law enforcement for 29 years and recently retired as a Sergeant with the Oxnard Police Department. Jeff joined the United States Marine Corps at age 17 and served in a helicopter squadron during Operation Desert Storm.

Jeff has worked several challenging assignments including patrol, field training officer, Special Enforcement Unit, he has 10 years SWAT experience, with 4 of those years as a dual-purpose Explosive Detection/Patrol K-9 handler. He spent a short time on an FBI Gang Task Force and worked Detective assignments as a Gang Investigator and Robbery/Violent Crimes Investigator. He worked a Community Policing detail in Downtown Oxnard until he was promoted to Sergeant in 2014. He supervised the Oxnard Police Department’s Neighborhood Policing Team and was the coordinator for the department’s Peer Support Team and Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) programs.

Sergeant McGreevy has humbly received a long list of awards and commendations over his career including a Medal of Valor. He was selected as the 2018 Volunteer of the Year by the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce, the 2018 Supervisor of the Year, and in 2020 he was awarded the Chiefs Award of Excellence for his leadership with several initiatives and community engagement programs with the American Cancer Society and the Autism Society of Ventura County. He considers his greatest accomplishments being married to his high school sweetheart for the last 33 years, and having a great relationship with his children.

Paul Meyer, Sergeant, Portland Police Bureau

Sergeant Paul Meyer was hired by the Portland Police Bureau December of 1992. After working as a street officer and becoming a Field Training Officer, he joined the Training Division in 2000. During his time in the Training Division he served as a lead instructor for Firearms, Patrol Tactics and at the time of his injury he was the Special Weapons Lead overseeing the Patrol Rifle, 12 gauge Less Lethal and Taser Programs. Paul became a member of the Special Emergency Reaction Team in August 2004, where he served as a sniper and explosive breacher until the date of his injury.

On the morning of November 19, 2012, Paul was injured, on duty, while operating a Police Bureau ATV. Without warning a 110-foot long upper section of a tree snapped off and fell on top of Paul’s head, fracturing numerous vertebrae in his neck and back. Paul is paralyzed from the waist down and will live out the rest of his life in a wheelchair. Paul is still a member of the Portland Police Bureau and remains a certified Police Officer. Paul was promoted to the rank of Sergeant July of 2017 and is currently assigned to the Forensic Evidence Division.

Paul has been married for 20 years. He and his wife, Mary, have two sons, Russell and Matthew.

Alana Negroni, M.S.

Alana has a master’s degree in Forensic Psychology and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University. She is presently getting her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Her professional experience focuses on the treatment of trauma as it relates to first responders and their families. Alana is EMDR trained and has worked with survivors, first responders, and family members of victims of mass violence. Her trauma work includes major incidents such as the San Bernardino Terrorist Attack and the Route 91 Las Vegas Mass Shooting. Alana has been with The Counseling Team International since 2008 and has served in various roles within the company. She is a POST certified instructor and is currently a member of the 24-hour critical incident stress debriefing team.

Stephen Odom, Ph.D., CEO, Chief Clinical Officer

Dr. Odom is a distinguished healthcare professional with more than 30 years expertise as a healthcare leader, organizational consultant, speaker, and psychotherapist. Dr. Odom’s focus on First Responder Wellness was born of his family’s career backgrounds with the military, healthcare, and public safety, and was honed as he created and led specialty programs for physicians, nurses, first responders and their families. He founded and leads First Responder Wellness, a First Responder-only behavioral health treatment program in Southern California. He possesses an educational background in organizational behavior, clinical psychology and healthcare administration. This valuable combination allows him to integrate current research knowledge, clinical and administrative practice understanding, and practical, directly relevant experience. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Behavior from Covenant College (Lookout Mtn. GA), a Master’s in Experimental Psychology (Univ. of Tennessee), a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, along with a doctoral candidacy (Palo Alto University), and a Doctorate (Ph.D.) with a focus in Healthcare Administration (Capella University). He is also a licensed marriage & family therapist in California. Dr. Odom has been coined as a wellness and behavioral health expert with peer-reviewed articles published on mental health, substance abuse and technology; was presented the national Behavioral Health Champion award in 2018; has appeared on The Today Show; the 2016 documentary film California High, and multiple print, radio, and podcast media channels.

David Picone, Battalion Chief, Health and Safety Officer, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department

Battalion Chief Picone, recipient of the 2020 Chief Sandy Davis Safety Officer of the Year award given by the IAFC and FDSOA. His passion is to assist First-Responders in all forms of crisis i.e., behavioral, physical, cancer, etc. He is the SDFD Health and Safety Officer and San Diego County Health & Safety Section Chair. He has thirty (30) years combined in the fire service and EMS as a paramedic. He also is a credentialed instructor for vocational firefighters and medical course studies.

Joseph L. Piersante, LLC, Veteran of the United States Department of Justice

Joe Piersante is a 22-year veteran of the Drug Enforcement Administration and provides presentations on overcoming adversity. While serving on a counter narcotics mission in Afghanistan, Joe survived a Taliban sniper round through the frontal lobe which left him blind. After his injury, Joe’s long path of recovery is an amazing journey. He has shared his story and secrets to overcoming the odds and adversity with audiences across the country. His presentation provides valuable insight by sharing stories of his life experiences, setbacks, life lessons and motivates people to overcome hardships and achieve their goals.

During his time with the DEA, Special Agent Piersante was assigned to complex transnational narcotics and clandestine laboratory investigations and also deployed with a DEA’s Foreign Advisory Support Team (FAST). While assigned to FAST, Joe was part of Delta Team for three tours to Afghanistan and Honduras.

Jocelyn E. Roland, Ph.D., ABPP

Dr. Roland is a licensed psychologist who is board-certified in Police and Public Safety Psychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology. For the duration of her 27-year career she has specialized in providing psychological services to law enforcement, dispatch and fire agencies, currently serving over 60 departments primarily in Central California. Her practice includes confidential counseling, critical incident stress/post-shooting debriefing/intervention, preemployment psychological evaluations, fitness-for-duty evaluations, consultation to executives and managers, and is a member of multiple crisis negotiation teams and peer support/CISM programs. She provides training for agencies on a variety of topics, and has taught at sheriff’s academies focusing on law enforcement’s response to the mentally ill. She has authored a chapter on the role peer support programs in law enforcement in an edited text, and published articles on public safety. She is the President of the American Board of Police and Public Safety Psychology, and is a former Chair of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Police Psychological Services Section.

Scott Ross, Fire Captain, Los Angeles County Fire Department, PSPSA Director At-Large

Scott is a 28 year veteran of the Fire Service, currently a Fire Captain assigned as the Peer Support Coordinator for the Los Angeles County Fire Peer Support Team. The LA County Peer team consists of 134 trained Peers that are of service to over 4000 LA County members including Firefighters, Lifeguards, Dispatchers, Executive and administrative personnel. He has been involved in Peer Support for over 17 years with extensive training in both ICISF and IAFF.

He is a Master Instructor with the IAFF for their Peer support training program. Captain Ross has been deployed by the IAFF as a Lead Peer to LODD’s in Prescott AZ (Granite Mountain 19), Redding FD (Ca.), Cal Fire (San Diego Ca.),Salt Lake City Ut. and LBFD(ca.). He has also been deployed to multiple mass shootings incidents that include Route 91 in Las Vegas,UCC College shooting in Roseburg OR. and Walmart shooting in El Paso TX. Scott is also an executive board member of the PSPSA.

Nikki Stevens, Fire Captain and Widow, Santa Barbara County Fire

Nikki Stevens is a 27-year veteran of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. She started her fire service career at Torrance Fire in 1993 but returned to her home town of Santa Barbara and began working for Santa Barbara County Fire in 1994. Nikki is currently a Captain working at Fire Station 15. She has worked as an engineer and captain on the Truck Company and is a certified member of the USAR team. Throughout her career she has held staff positions in both Fire Protection and Training.

Nikki is the widow of Retired Engineer Brad Stevens and mother of two. Her husband, Brad Stevens retired after 30 years of service from Santa Barbara City Fire in 2006 and took his life on October 31, 2017.