In 2009, founder Jeff Dill, organized Counseling Services for Fire Fighters. CSFF was established based on the tragic events that surrounded Hurricane Katrina. When speaking with firefighters who returned after serving the community of New Orleans, he heard the pleas of firefighters who had a difficult time talking with counselors who did not have any firefighting experience. They became frustrated and never did seek the help they needed. It was CSFF mission to offer behavioral health workshops to support firefighters, train senior officers and educate clinicians on the benefits of understanding the life and emotions of firefighters. On 12/31/14, CSFF donated all of their intellectual property to FBHA.

In 2011, Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance was organized based on the decreasing funds available for training at the Fire Department level and the staggering number of firefighter suicides. FBHA was established to directly educate firefighters/ Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel and their families about behavioral health issues such as depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety and addictions, as well as firefighter suicides. Through businesses, community support and sponsorships, it is our hope that the workshops and services will be offered at low cost or no charge to those in need.

Jeff holds a master’s degree and is a NBCC Licensed Counselor. He is a retired Captain from Palatine Rural Fire Protection District in Inverness, Illinois and is a member of the American Counseling Association and National Board of Certified Counselors.

As of July 1, 2021, Jeff accepted a position with the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue as their Behavioral Health Administrator.

Jeff Dill, and those working with FBHA, are dedicated to educating firefighters and emergency service personnel on the importance of behavioral health and suicide awareness.

Paul has recently retired as Chief of Rio Rancho Fire Rescue after serving the community for the past 25 years.

Paul has always been a life-long learner and pursued training and education throughout his life, especially during his fire service tenure. Paul has attained a Bachelor’s Degree (journalism) from University of Utah, Paramedic Training Academy from the University of New Mexico, Master’s Degree (Emergency Services Management) from Columbia Southern University, Executive Fire Officer from the U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Academy, Chief Fire Officer designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Graduate Certificate (Disaster Mental Health) from the University of South Dakota. His proudest achievements include supporting behavioral health initiatives at Rio Rancho Fire Rescue and throughout New Mexico, and across the country.

Paul resides in New Mexico with his wife of over 40 years. They have two sons and four grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with family, fly fishing, camping, hiking, backcountry travel, and staying active. He is also focusing on learning the importance of self-care.

Emily is a 2007 graduate from The University of Illinois Chicago with a degree in Marketing Communications.
During her college years, she had multiple internships specializing Marketing and Customer Communication. She spent the following years after college working as a Flight Attendant for United Airlines.

Emily is also a custom floral designer and enjoys traveling, watching football and spending time with her family and friends. She currently resides in Peoria, Arizona with her children and dogs.

Julie Bevers has been the resident Chaplain for FBHA for a few years now and is an integral part of our Fire, EMS and dispatch survivor families program. Here is a little information about Julie and her vast experience.

Julie wants to live in a world where people allow themselves to laugh like a loon when something is funny, and cry as much as they want to cry when they feel sad, judgement-free from others and themselves.

Julie’s mission to serve 1st Responders and their families needing support began years ago when she saw the need in the fire service. She combines her experiences as the wife of a firefighter for 25 years, a Life Coach (she is affectionately known as “The Marriage Whisperer”), and a Trauma & Crisis Chaplain. As if these skills weren’t enough, Julie continually seeks out the very best training opportunities and resources so she can stay relevant and ready to serve 1st Responders.

When she’s not working as a Coach or Chaplain, Julie loves to spend time with her friends and family. She especially enjoys date nights with her husband, making her 3 adult children’s eyes roll, and giggling with her granddaughter.