Rebecca Allanson, M.A., LAC., CCTP-II
First Responder Agency: 18+ years of law enforcement experience - New South Wales (Sydney, Australia) Police (6 years), Arvada Police Department (9 years), Jefferson County DA’s Office (3 years)
Board Position: Founder/President
Why did you found Badge2Badge: Six years ago, after I transitioned out of law enforcement, there was a clear need for First Responder support meetings and resources. It is a privilege to be part of something that provides these resources.
What do you want First Responders to know about Badge2 Badge: Strength is reaching out and getting support, not keeping everything in your already very full compartment and letting symptomology destroy your life.
Jay Lanphere
First Responder Agency: 26+ years of law enforcement experience - State of Colorado (4 years), Louisville (CO) Police (20 years), Denver Police (2 years)
Board Position: Vice President
Why do you volunteer with Badge2Badge: I’ve always had a passion for helping my peers in LE and the first responder community. “Leave no one behind” is my motto!
What do you want First Responders to know about Badge2Badge: We all have a story. Come learn about ours, and share yours when you’re ready.
Daniel “Dan” Montana, Jr
First Responder Agency: 22 years of law enforcement experience - Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Department
Board Position: 2nd Vice President/Sergeant at Arms
Why do you volunteer with Badge2Badge: I enjoy volunteering for Badge2Badge since I’ve been retired. Giving back to others who are struggling with similar obstacles helps provide me with a sense of purpose.
What do you want First Responders to know about Badge2Badge: This is a safe place for those of us who are struggling. It is totally confidential and is a safe place to open up.
Martha Nichols
First Responder Agency: 15 years of law enforcement experience - Adams County Communications (13 years), Federal Heights (2 years)
Board Position: Secretary
Why do you volunteer with Badge2Badge: I see a great need for peer support within the First Responder community. I want to help fill that void for others as Badge2Badge has done for me.
What do you want First Responders to know about Badge2Badge: Badge2Badge is a judgement-free zone where you can speak freely with other First Responders. It is a confidential meeting that can help people deal with personal and professional concerns in a comfortable and supportive setting.
Kelly Karinen
First Responder Agency: 18 years of law enforcement experience - Lakewood Police
Board Position: Treasurer
Why do you volunteer with Badge2Badge: It is important for our emergency responders to have a place to go when they need support. I have been attending Badge2Badge meetings since 2016, first as a person in need of support and now as a peer.
What do you want First Responders to know about Badge2Badge: Know that there is a safe, confidential place for you to go when you need help - no questions asked.
George Voigt, AS, BS, M. Div.
First Responder Agency: 30 years of law enforcement experience - Greenwood Village Police
Board Position: Chaplain
Why do you volunteer with Badge2Badge: To assist First Responders dealing with stress and trauma caused by serving their community while on the front lines of reality.
What do you want First Responders to know about Badge2Badge: All First Responders need to choose to take care of themselves the way they take care of those who call on them for help. Badge2Badge is a place to get support for yourself and to give support to others.
William “Bill” Johnson
First Responder Agency: 32 years of law enforcement experience - Arvada Police (25 years)
Board Position: Member-At-Large
Why do you volunteer with Badge2Badge: I was forced to retire from law enforcement due to PTSI. I have received extensive training in recognizing and mitigating the symptoms of PTSI and enjoy helping fellow First Responders avoid the PTSI pitfalls.
What do you want First Responders to know about Badge2Badge: This is a group founded by First Responders to assist other First Responders in combatting the effects of PTSI in a supportive and safe environment.