David Clauser, EdD
Marine Officer/Veteran, Former Teacher
“Recovery is essentially unlearning old ideas and replacing them with ideas and practices that provide a new way to live. So many first responders who are struggling don’t know there’s a way out, and we’re here to show them. I’ve been given the opportunity to live a second life thanks to recovery, and you can’t put a price tag on that. I’m paying it forward. When I witness the light coming on for someone else, that’s my joy.”
Ken Burkert
Retired Corrections Officer, Former NJ State PBA VP/Peer Chairman
“My background helps me understand the intricacies of human behavior and de-escalate high-stress situations, and I’m available by phone 24/7 (908.346.1691) to serve as a starting point for this process. We work as a coordinated team to calm the storm in a first responder’s brain by bringing in a level of normalcy. We then provide a menu of options for moving forward and, like air traffic controllers, help them navigate job protection and next steps in treatment. It’s not only an honor to bring hope to someone in despair, but it also provides clarity and perspective in my own life.”
Tom Nunn
Active Firefighter/EMT, Former Union President
“Peer support comes down to trust. We share our own struggles and triumphs, and often it can make the difference for someone to choose to continue with treatment. Many people in public safety roles don’t have time to process the trauma they experience on a regular basis; they’re just on to the next emergency. Here, they can find healthy ways to process it. I’ve spent my life helping others, but as a firefighter I never really got to see the longer-term impact. Now I can, and it’s unbelievable.”
Rick Zaleski
Retired Police Officer
“Trauma waits around every corner in these professions, and the fear of the unknown can be crushing. The choice is often to surrender to mental health and addiction issues or surrender to life. We reach out to these individuals on a peer level to help them understand that they’re not alone and they don’t have to suffer in silence. They can and will bounce back from life’s challenges if they work for it. It’s the ultimate reward to see someone flourish.”
