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Keynote Speaker

Bob Appleby founded Cornerstone Church in Clinton Connecticut in 1992 and served as the senior pastor for 23 years. He also ministered in the town of Clinton as both the police and fire chaplain, coming alongside hundreds of families and individuals in their times of greatest need. Bob is uniquely gifted in crisis scenarios and served his country in the Marine Corps for eight years before sensing a clear call for ministry.

Bob brought his military and ministry experience together during the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York when he worked in Ground Zero alongside firefighters and law enforcement for months searching for victims and counseling first responders. He has the unique gift of combining real-life experience with biblical insights, to help people live their lives to the fullest.

Bob currently serves as the teaching pastor at Colonial Church in Saint Augustine, FL. As a husband of 44 years, a father of two incredible children, and a grandfather of 8 grandkids, Bob’s passion is to see entire families transformed by the truth of God’s Word.

Presenter

 Struggle Well is a prevention-focused program based on the science of Posttraumatic Growth. By partnering with first responder agencies and active serving military units, we’re fundamentally changing the culture from the inside-out. 

About Evelyn:

Evelyn currently serves as 

Engineer/Paramedic and Peer Support Coordinator with the Mount Dora Fire Department. Evelyn entered the fire service in 2018 with a professional background in mental health counseling. She has been actively working towards bridging those passions by supporting fellow firefighters in developing and maintaining their mental health and well-being since then. In addition to working locally with first responders individually as a peer supporter, Evelyn conducts mental health and wellness education for new recruits and active first responders. She serves as a Guide for the Struggle Well program with Boulder Crest and 2nd Alarm Project. Evelyn is passionate about a proactive approach to mental health and reducing stigma by helping departments create a culture that emphasizes overall wellness, accessibility to resources and inclusion of families. 

Welcome Speaker

Fire Chief James Banta possesses a tenure spanning over 30 years within the Fire Service, underscored by his unwavering commitment to leadership and professional development. His journey began in 1992 when he embarked on his career as an EMT in an Ocala, FL emergency room. Shortly thereafter, he joined Ocala Fire Rescue as a Firefighter EMT, marking the initial stepping stone in his path.

In 1997, Chief Banta joined Marion County Fire Rescue, where he served as a Firefighter Paramedic. Stationed in MCFR's busiest battalion, he tackled the challenges of emergency response with skill and determination.

Throughout his career, Chief Banta has consistently demonstrated his leadership acumen. He ascended through the ranks, assuming vital roles as a Lieutenant and Captain. In the wake of the tragic events of 9/11, he displayed an unwavering commitment to public safety by joining the hazardous materials team and becoming a Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) technician, positioning himself as a key figure in preparing for potential future threats. His leadership extended to overseeing special operations teams as a division chief. Chief Banta continues to immerse himself in all aspects of the fire service, most recently becoming a SWAT Paramedic and ensuring the establishment of a new partnership with the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

Chief Banta's commitment to continuous learning and professional growth includes earning a bachelor's degree in fire service administration. He has also invested significantly in leadership training, equipping himself with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead his team effectively.

In 2013, Chief Banta's leadership qualities led to his promotion to Division Chief, where he took on the role of Shift Commander, managing over 150 personnel. In 2015, he continued his upward trajectory by earning the title of Deputy Chief, and then in December 2017, Chief Banta was selected to assume the pivotal role of Fire Chief, a position he has held with distinction ever since. Under his leadership, MCFR has embarked on a transformative journey characterized by groundbreaking initiatives. These initiatives encompass critical areas such as first responder mental health, cancer prevention, hiring, workload balance/reduction, and notably, leadership training. Chief Banta's commitment to nurturing and empowering the leadership potential within his team has become a hallmark of his tenure, ensuring the continued excellence of MCFR and the safety of the community it serves.

Welcome Speaker

 Division Chief Christopher Bator began his career in 1996 as a Firefighter Paramedic with the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Dept and in that time has risen to the rank of Division Chief assigned to the Safety and Health Division. Chief Bator also serves as a, Safety Officer, Instructor, and Chair of the Safety and Health Committee for the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Dept. Chief Bator has a AS degree in EMS and is a State of Florida Certified Paramedic, Live Fire Instructor, Instructor 2, Fire Officer 3, and Safety Officer. Captain Bator also received his Fire Officer Designation from the Center of Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy Safety Program Operations and in his second year of the National Fire Academy’s Managing Officer Program. Chief Bator is a member of the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival section and the Fire Department Safety Officers Association. Chief Bator is also the recipient of Fire Officer of the Year in 2016 by the Broward County Fire Chiefs Association and Excellence Award by the City of Coral Springs in 2017.

Chief Bator is the President and co-founder of the Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative (FFSHC) a non-profit organization committed to bringing Florida’s Fire Service and Firefighter Safety and Health advocates together throughout the State to work together for the Safety and Health of Florida’s Firefighters. The FFSHC provides training, education, communication, networking and sharing of resources to enhance Fire Department Safety and Health programs to reduce the risk of injury or exposure to Florida’s Firefighters.

Presenter

This session examines moral injury, focusing on the internal conflict that arises when actions clash with personal or spiritual values. Participants will explore how moral injury differs from post-traumatic stress, while recognizing their shared emotional and behavioral impacts. Through discussions and practical strategies, the session emphasizes identifying signs, addressing moral conflict, and fostering resilience and healing within the first responder and chaplaincy communities. 

About Chris:

Chris Cottle is a Driver Engineer and Chaplain with the Palm Coast Fire Department, where he has served since 2002. With over 20 years in emergency services, he brings a unique perspective on the mental, emotional, and spiritual challenges faced by first responders. His work focuses on providing practical support and addressing critical issues like moral injury.  

Presenter

This presentation will provide an overview of the vital work being done at Ocala Consulting & Prevention to support firefighters and their families.  It will offer insight into the specific challenges firefighters are facing, including the mental health and emotional toll that comes with the demands of the job. This discussion will provide a deeper understanding of both the difficulties first responders face and the comprehensive care being offered to address those challenges. 

About Jackie:

Jackie is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Master’s Certified Addictions Professional with extensive expertise in Somatic Trauma Therapy, as well as in substance use and dependence. As the owner and CEO of Ocala Consulting & Prevention, she and her team are dedicated to serving first responders, offering specialized care tailored to the unique needs of this group. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by firefighters and a strong collaborative relationship with Marion County Fire Rescue, Jackie is leading a highly effective program that is making a significant impact. This initiative will continue to grow, ensuring ongoing support for the first responders of Marion County. 

Presenter

With all of the pressures and demands that are placed on chaplains today, developing resiliency is essential to prevent burnout, mitigate stress, reduce risk of illness, and maintain the ability to function in our calling. This discussion will include some attention getting statistics and strategies to become a more resilient chaplain. 

About Murphy:

After a 20 year career as a podiatrist in Florida, Murphy walked away from practice to answer a call that had been placed on his life as a teenager. A medical career was his choice, not God’s. Today he is answering the God given call and following after Him with a sold out passion for Him and His people.

For several years Murphy served as an associate pastor in the role of pastoral care at a local church while also serving as a volunteer chaplain to both Winter Haven Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue.

In November of 2022, Murphy became the first full-time chaplain in the history of Polk County Fire Rescue, ministering to both first responders and the citizens and visitors of Polk County, Florida.

He and his wife, Glenda, enjoy exploring antique shops as they visit small towns all over Florida and spending time with their five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Presenter

Bravery follows bravery, and warriors want to follow warriors.  Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of a warrior, and how to be brave when you are scared, yet that is not the Jesus we often think of. I want to share my experiences of when I finally was brave enough to call a spiritual mayday and how the Incident Commander of the Universe sent a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) to save me.

About Tim: 

Tim Moody is a 28-year veteran of the fire service. He currently serves the citizens and firefighters of Marion County as a Division Chief on B shift. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, a Florida State Certified Smoke Diver, a practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a husband, a father, a teacher and a student.  Tim believes that leadership is a skill that must be sharpened daily and can only be done through humility and service to others.

Presenter

  In this session, we will explore the significance of involving our firefighters’ families throughout the many seasons of the fire service.

About Kimberle:

 Kimberle Rogers is the Health and Safety Chief of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. She is a 20-year veteran with HCFR. Throughout her tenure, she has spearheaded the establishment of the Peer Support Team and the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team, as well as the vetting process for culturally competent clinicians. Additionally, she developed HCFR’s Spouse Academy.

Presenter

 Basecamp is where climbers energize, acclimate, and recharge for the climb. If basecamp is uncared for, the climb suffers. You will learn strategies for a healthy basecamp for you and the people you serve. 

About Dave:

25 years of experience investing in marriages, families, and individuals, through coaching, chaplaincy, counseling, and teaching. Dave is called to invest in people like you. His passion is evident through the years of working with groups, teaching, counseling, public speaking and chaplaining. You will find Dave studying, watching videos, or practicing guiding others to better understand one another, communicate more effectively, build trust, enhance identity, and learn to love.

People who spend time with Dave will tell you he is caring, warm, understanding, and relationally/emotionally intelligent. He knows how to help you become your best self in order to function in your world at the highest level.

Dave’s training includes Bachelor’s degree from USF in Elementary Education, Master’s degree in Clinical Christian Counseling through the National Christian Counselors Association. Dave also is a certified Brain Health Coach through Amen Clinics. In addition, Dave is SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) certified, and a Level 2 Gottman Marriage therapist. Finally, Dave is trained in temperament analysis which helps others discover their inborn traits which reveal their spiritual genetics.

Interesting fact: Dave has played the drums for 35 years, has been skydiving twice, completed 6 marathons, is adopted, and has the best family in the world.

Welcome Speaker

During his 40-year public safety career, William E. Sturgeon, (Bill), MPA, CPM, EFO, EMT-P has served volunteer, military, municipal, and county fire rescue organizations and held many titles including: Firefighter/Paramedic, Aircraft Crash Rescue Firefighter, Flight Paramedic, Hazardous Materials and Technical Rescue Specialist, EMS Supervisor, Instructor, Company Officer, Shift Safety Officer, Battalion Chief, Assistant Chief, Division Chief, Fire Chief and City Manager.

Bill Holds an associate degree in Fire Science from the Community College of the Air Force, a Bachelor’s in Occupational Safety and Health from Columbia Southern University, and a Master’s in Public Administration from American Public University. He is a Certified Public Manager and a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program at the National Fire Academy.

Presenter

 The Marion County Hospital District is the funding source for the work being done to support fire rescue personnel through Ocala Consulting and Prevention. Through this collaborative effort, firefighters and their families are able to access mental health resources at no cost.

About Debra:

 Debra Velez is a proven leader with almost 30 years of experience in social services, healthcare, program development, and organizational leadership. As Chief Operating Officer of the Marion County Hospital District, she oversees between $10 and $19 million annually, driving initiatives that expand healthcare access, including free mental health and substance abuse services, dental, and prevention of chronic health issues for 140,000+ residents. A Six Sigma Green Belt and Certified Family Court Mediator, Debra has secured $15M+ in grants and led nationally recognized child welfare, public health, and kinship care programs. A national, state, and local speaker, she has presented on child welfare, healthcare access, and nonprofit leadership. A recipient of the State of Florida Excellence in Child Welfare Award, Debra is a dedicated advocate and strategist, committed to transforming communities and improving lives.