Our Contributors, Board Members, and Partners

Our Generous Contributors

Steve & Arlene Cohen

The inaugural First Responders Symposium of Philadelphia, focused on supporting the mental wellness of first responders and military personnel and providing essential resources for suicide prevention, was made possible through the generous contribution of Steve and Arlene Cohen.

Founding Board Members

Darrell O'Connor

Darrell O’Connor has more than 45 years of experience as a Special Agent/Criminal Investigator and Security Consultant for various government agencies and private companies. Darrell earned his B.A. in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. Starting in 1977 to 2001, Darrell served as a Special Agent / Criminal Investigator for the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, and Explosives. In this role, he coordinated numerous complex multi-defendant criminal conspiracy investigations of violations of federal firearms, explosives and arson laws. He has participated in numerous U.S. Secret Service and U.S. State Department protection details for the President of the United States, Presidential Candidates and Foreign Dignitaries. Notably, he participated in the 1996 Olympic Bombing in Atlanta, Georgia and on September 11, 2001, he responded to “Ground Zero” to assist in the recovery operation in the aftermath of the 2001 World Trade Center Terrorist Attack.

From 2002 to 2007, Darrell’s experience was called upon to assist in standing up the newly created Transportation Security Administration, Office of Internal Affairs and Inspection for the United States Department of Homeland Security. In this role, Special Agent O’Connor participated in impartial investigations, inspections and covert testing of TSA personnel, programs and operations to ensure the safety and security of national and local air, rail and surface transportation systems. From 2007 to 2011, Darrell was appointed the Senior Safety and Security Advisor for the U. S. House of Representatives, in Washington, DC. In this position, his responsibility included oversight of the United States Capitol Police (USCP), the House Sergeant at Arms (HSAA), and USCP Inspector General. In addition, he conducted assessments of safety, security, threats, evacuation, business continuity preparedness and disaster recovery operations for the House of Representatives, House Staff, Capitol Hill properties, District Office locations and assets. In 2012, Darrell assisted the Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Philadelphia Field Office in conducting nationwide waste, fraud and abuse reviews and proactive investigations to determine compliance with EPA Superfund and State Revolving Fund programs and procedures. Darrell started his career in 1975 as a Special Investigator, Office of the Special Prosecutor, for the state of New York. In this role, Darrell participated in internal affairs and criminal investigations relating to corruption within the New York City Police Department and the NYC Criminal Justice system. Agent O’Connor has also served as an instructor in numerous ATF training seminars for law enforcement personnel and civilian organizations. He possesses a U.S. Department of Justice Top Secret Security Clearance and conduct background investigations in that capacity. He was formerly the President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) for five years and is a licensed Private Investigator in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania operating as O’Connor Investigative Service.

Dr. Melissa Rice

Melissa Hopely Rice, PhD is a professional public speaker and author to The Worry Shark and The People You Meet in Real Life. She is a full-time professor of Communication at Immaculata University. Melissa also serves as the Director of Programming for the national non-profit mental health organization, CogWell, which involves training development, event planning, social media marketing, fundraising, website development, and public relations interests. Melissa was the keynote speaker at the Tactical Pause Day for over 400 Airmen at Joint Base McGuire and the HOPE RISING international mental health conference. She has also appeared on several radio and television programs including CBS, KYW, the CW, NBC, 9.25 XTU, and Q102

Dana Jackson

Dana Jackson is a pioneer in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the Philadelphia Fire Department, where she blends her passion for change with a knack for innovation. As the Director of DEI and Professional Standards Officer, Dana is a driving force behind creating a workplace where every voice is heard, and every individual can thrive. With a career that spans over decades, she has transformed how the department approaches DEI. She’s not just a leader but a catalyst for progress, pioneering initiatives that have redefined workplace culture. From launching cutting-edge programs to streamlining workplace investigations with tech-savvy solutions, Dana’s work is all about making a tangible impact.Her journey began decades ago with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where she mastered the art of process improvement and employee relations.

It was here that she established herself as someone who not only tackled challenges head-on but also transformed them into opportunities. Her dedication to fostering talent and enhancing performance quickly set her apart, earning her a reputation as a true problem-solver and mentor. Dana’s undergraduate degree in Finance from Philadelphia University, along with her advanced certifications and hands-on experience, provides her with a distinctive perspective on leadership and organizational development. Additionally, Dana serves as an adjunct trainer for the City of Philadelphia’s Elevate Leadership Excellence (ELE) program, where she inspires the next generation of leaders to embrace change and drive innovation. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dana is incredibly proud of her daughter, Dalaney, who is nearing the completion of her Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. Dalaney is dedicated to working with children who have experienced trauma and behavioral challenges, embodying the same commitment to making a difference that runs in the family. At the heart of Dana’s work is a genuine commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. Her energy, creativity, and dedication make her an invaluable voice in discussions about enhancing workplace culture and supporting our first responders.

Brian Paul

Brian is a multifaceted digital marketer and creative producer with experience in e-commerce, startups, and non-profits, specializing in storytelling and digital growth. Currently, he is producing a Horror Sci-Fi feature film and leading digital marketing for the First Responders Suicide Prevention Symposium.