Protecting The Guardian

04/30/2026

I'm Blessed everytime I'm asked to speak and share my story. This week I presented at the Shield of Armor Wellness Seminar. I met some amazing people and spent some time with friends. A big thank to my Brother Bobby Newton, for making it happen.

04/26/2026

📢 Protecting The Guardian would like to introduce our newest Board Member, Dana DeLorenzo! 👏

Dana recently retired after 24 years of service in the law enforcement field (2yrs as a dispatcher, 22yrs as a police officer). During that time, Dana received her license in Mental Health Counseling to continue her desire to help those in this honorable field.

When asked what motivated her to join the team, Dana said, “I joined PTG because the non-profit organization has the same passion to educate, inform and support first responders to normalize asking for help in times of mental and emotional difficulties.”

Since her induction as Board Member, Dana has implemented a Wednesday PTG online group for women first responders. Email: dana.delorenzo@protectingtheguardian.com to sign up!

04/26/2026

🤔 Are you working in an environment where your, “value matches your ambition?”

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVRJu4lke3p/?igsh=Y2xuZ3I5djkwOXM1

04/25/2026

As a first responder, saving a life doesn’t just look like freeing someone trapped in a vehicle accident or rescuing someone from a burning building. Saving a life is also helping someone work through a mental crisis.

What may seem to be a crisis to one person, may not appear to be a crisis to another. Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) teachers their deputies to recognize all crises in our community and how it may relate to that person. In turn, they understand how to properly prepare to respond.

All deputies become certified in CIT (Crisis Intervention Training); a 40hr class taught by mental health professionals.

Protecting The Guardian President, Mark DiBona, had the honor of speaking to this week’s OCSO attendees about su***de prevention.

Mark talked about the importance of implementing good listening skills, providing a safe atmosphere, and fielding out proper resources when responding to a crisis on the job.

Mark not only speaks from the position of being a former CIT certified SCSO deputy (Ret.), but also as someone who accepted resources who experienced crisis himself.

If you call 911, it’s okay to ask for a CIT certified deputy or officer to respond. It could save a life.

04/24/2026

There comes a point where you realize not everything and not everyone. Deserves a permanent place in your life. Letting go of toxic people and draining situations isn’t about anger or revenge, it’s about choosing peace.

And the truth is, once you do it, you feel it almost immediately. The weight lifts. Your mind gets clearer. You breathe easier. You start to remember who you are without all the noise, negativity, and pressure.

Protecting your energy isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. Because the right people and the right environments won’t exhaust you… they’ll elevate you.
Sometimes the most powerful move you can make is simply walking away and realizing how good it feels on the other side.

04/23/2026

Sunday, May 3rd, come visit Protecting The Guardian at the 7th Annual First Responder Hero Fest! All first responders, family members, and friends are welcome! Annnnnnd it’s FREE!

Hero Fest (7th Annual First Responder Appreciation Day)

The community is invited to once again come together and celebrate our local heroes at Hero Fest! 🎊 This beloved event honors the dedication and service of our first responders while giving the community an opportunity to learn more about the lifesaving work they do every day.

📅 Date: May 3, 2026
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
📍 Location: Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, 400 S Sykes Creek Pkwy, Merritt Island

Hero Fest is a family-friendly event designed to bring the community and first responders together. Attendees will have the chance to meet local first responders, watch exciting demonstrations, and explore a variety of interactive exhibits. 🚔👨‍🚒🚑
⭐ Event Highlights Include:
🐕 K-9 Demonstrations – See these incredible working dogs in action.
🚗 Jaws of Life Demonstration – Watch the fire department perform a live rescue demonstration.
👮‍♂️ Meet Sheriff Ivey and K-9 Saint – Get to know our local sheriff and his team.
🚒 Static Displays – Check out emergency response vehicles, including fire trucks and a Coast Guard boat.
🌊 BCSO Dive Team – Learn about underwater investigations and evidence recovery.
🦎 Petting Zoo & Safari Todd’s Reptiles – A fun and educational experience for kids and adults alike.
🎪 Le Troupe from Cirque Athletics – Be amazed by aerialists showcasing breathtaking acrobatics!
💦 A Foam Party! – Jump into mountains of foamy fun and beat the heat in the coolest way possible. Don’t forget a towel!
🎭 Carnival Games & Starry Eyed Wish Face Painting – Fun activities for children and adults of all ages.
🏪 Local Business Sponsors – Meet the businesses that help make this event possible.
🍗 BBQ & Food Available – Enjoy delicious food while supporting a great cause. (Donations for lunch appreciated)
✨ And so much more!!!
🔥 First responders and their families – this day is for YOU! Enjoy a free day of food, entertainment, and fun as the community comes together to show just how much you are appreciated. 💙
This event is a fantastic opportunity to show appreciation for the brave men and women who serve and protect our community. Whether you’re watching a demonstration, meeting a first responder, or just enjoying the festivities, Hero Fest is an event for the whole family. ❤️
Come out, show your support, and help strengthen the bond between first responders and the community they serve! 💙👨‍🚒👮‍♀️ Admission is FREE!
📧 For more information, please contact Sherri at 📩 backbrevardheroes@gmail.com or 📞 321-960-2033.

04/16/2026

Your story continues 🙏❤️

04/13/2026

Thank you to all 911 Call Takers and Dispatchers, past and present. PTG truly appreciates you 🙏❤️

04/13/2026

✌🏼Two more days until taxes have to be filed 😱😬 If you’re looking for a non-profit organization to offset your taxes, feel free to make a charitable donation to Protecting The Guardian. All proceeds go towards preventing first responder su***de through Mental Health for Heroes training events 👮🏽‍♂️👨🏻‍🚒

Protect a guardian and choose your own donation amount! All donations go towards Protecting The Guardian Mental Health For Heroes training events to be held in-house at Public Safety Departments. For more information visit www.protectingtheguardian.com

04/11/2026

Sharing your story, will help others 🙏❤️

04/05/2026

He is Risen, have a safe and blessed Easter 🙏❤️

04/01/2026

A message from PTG's President Mark DiBona.... Seven years ago today, I retired after 33 years. I learned through my career, you may love the job, the job doesn't love you. I made several mistakes during my career and accept full responsibility. I met and worked with some amazing people and to be honest I worked with some toxic people, who made my life miserable and a toxic agency, who allowed it to happen. One thing I'm very proud of, I was a Cops Cop and a Leader not a Supervisor. Trust me, there is life after the job. I will continue my passion for First Responder su***de prevention and mental health wellness. Retirement has been amazing in so many ways. There is life after the job. I'm truly Blessed in so many ways. I love being a Christian, trust me God answers your prayers. Please stay strong, God Bless 🙏 ❤️🙏