Every year on National First Responders Day, we pause to honor the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities. You are the ones who run toward emergencies, who answer the calls in the middle of the night, and who carry the weight of public safety with courage and compassion.
At Lexipol, this day holds special meaning because so many members of our own team have stood exactly where you stand today. Across every department, from content and product development to customer success and leadership, you’ll find people who’ve worn the uniform, answered the radio, or stood watch over their communities.
That real-world experience is what gives Lexipol its credibility and its heart. It’s what drives our mission to ensure the well-being and effectiveness of the people who safeguard our communities.
This National First Responders Day, we’re highlighting a few men and women at Lexipol who once served on the front lines and now guide our work with their firsthand experience. Their stories reflect the deep commitment, empathy, and leadership that define our mission to support those who serve.
Service That Never Ends
For many on our team, public safety wasn’t just a job; it was a calling.
“I always wanted to be part of something bigger than myself,” says Jeremy Sloan, Director of Strategic Alliances and former law enforcement leader. “A career in law enforcement gave me that sense of mission. And at Lexipol, I still get to serve that mission; helping agencies reduce risk, improve operations, and save lives.”
Lisa Harrell, a former 911 dispatcher and now Customer Success Manager, shares a similar story. “In dispatch, officer safety was always the goal; getting everyone home safely. At Lexipol, I’ve learned that getting home isn’t enough. First responders also need to be mentally and physically well. That’s what keeps me motivated.”
For others, the path to public safety came through personal inspiration.
Jon Dorman, now Director of Fire Policy Content, recalls growing up on re-runs of Emergency! and photos of his grandfather in uniform. “As a chief officer, my job was to make sure my crews went home safely at the end of every shift,” he says. “At Lexipol, I still do that; just in a different way.”
Jon Dorman, Director of Fire Policy Content
And for Jennifer Ellasces, a former law enforcement officer turned content developer, the career change came from a desire to give back: “Becoming a first responder allowed me to help people in their hardest moments. Now, I help create realistic, meaningful training content for those who face those moments every day.”
Experience That Builds Trust
Public safety professionals know that credibility matters. Trust is earned through shared experience, and that’s exactly what sets Lexipol apart.
“Credibility and trust aren’t freely given in this field,” says Jeremy Sloan. “Leaders want to know you’ve been there. When they hear from someone who’s walked in their shoes, they listen.”
Gloria Sepanik, former dispatcher and accreditation manager, agrees. “Policies aren’t just words on paper; they have to work under pressure. Because we’ve lived those realities, we know when a policy or training truly helps in the field.”
That authenticity is woven into every Lexipol product and conversation, from policy updates to training courses, from wellness resources to accreditation support. Our customers can feel the difference because our people have lived the difference.
The Mission Continues
For those who once served on the front lines, working at Lexipol isn’t about leaving public safety, it’s about expanding it.
“The work I do here feeds my soul,” says Jen Moss, a former law enforcement lieutenant who now helps lead Lexipol’s webinar and marketing programs. “To provide meaningful content and empower first responders to be their best, it’s a true honor.”
Brian Caloiaro, Senior Manager of Accreditation
Brian Caloiaro, who served 28 years in law enforcement, echoes that sentiment: “Being a first responder is a calling. My experience allows me to bring authenticity to the work we do here. I may not wear the badge anymore, but I’m still serving the same mission.”
A Shared Purpose
Behind every Lexipol policy, course, or wellness tool is a team of people who understand what’s at stake, because they’ve been there.
They’ve felt the adrenaline of the radio call, the relief of a successful response, and the quiet exhaustion that follows. And now, they channel that experience into developing solutions that protect those who protect others.
So today, and every day, we salute the first responders who serve across the country, and those right here at Lexipol who continue that service in a new way.
Because when it comes to protecting those who protect us, we don’t just talk the talk. We’ve walked the walk.
So, as we approach National First Responders Day, take a few minutes to pause and think about what first inspired you. Remember the spark that started your journey. Write it down. Record it. Keep it somewhere you can return to when the days get hard.
Because your story matters, and your “why” is what keeps you strong.
