First Responders’ Bridge Team

In order for First Responders' Bridge to fulfill its mission, we have put together a team of committed professionals that represent excellence and integrity in their chosen field.

Leadership

Mick Yinger

Mick Yinger

Executive Director

Mick has more than 21 years of Law Enforcement experience working for both the Clinton Township (OH), Police Department and City of Columbus (OH) Division of Police.

While working for the City of Columbus, Division of Police, Mick worked in the Patrol Bureau, Narcotics Bureau, and spent the majority of his career as a covert Detective in the Strategic Response Bureau.

Mick served as an unarmed self-defense and boxing instructor for new cadets at the Columbus Police Training Academy.

Mick was a recipient of the Columbus City Council Officer of the Month, The Mayor’s Award of Excellence and 2 Mutual Aid awards.

After retiring from the City of Columbus, Division of Police, Mick served as Vice-President of Safeguard Risk Solutions from 2013 – 2017.

Mick attended Defiance College where he studied Criminal Justice.

Mick serves as Executive Director of First Responders' Bridge and oversees all day-to-day activities.


Mike Pavolino

Mike Pavolino

Vice President

Michael Pavolino graduated from Urbana University (Urbana, OH) where he played football and baseball while obtaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education.

His military career spans from 1990 - current in the United States Army Reserves as a Military Policeman and as a Criminal Investigation Agent.  He progressed through the ranks from Private First Class to Chief Warrant Officer 3. He has been deployed four times, been the Unit Commander during an OCONUS deployment, and was the PSO for the Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff.

He began his civilian law enforcement career in 1992 - 2017 with the Westerville Police Department. He graduated from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy. He attended numerous other training courses emphasizing special weapons and tactics and investigations. Mike has worked or been involved with: uniform committee, awards committee, all three shifts, Westerville’s first school resource officer, bike patrol, physical fitness coordinator, honor guard, dive team, and he retired as a detective. In 1995-2017 he was selected as a member and then eventually into the leadership of the multi-agency SWAT team, Delaware Tactical Unit.

Mike has been presented several awards from the military, such as the bronze star and combat action badge; and from law enforcement, such as the Delaware County Sheriff award and gallantry star.

Mike is active socially with the Veterans of Foreign War, Moose Lodge International, AmVets and American Legion.


Maureen Kocot

Maureen Kocot

Director of Development

Maureen Kocot is the Director of Development for First Responders' Bridge after serving as the Outreach and Media Relations Manager at Franklin County Sheriff's Office and the Outreach and Media Specialist at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Prior to that, Maureen was a member of the 10TV News staff since 1995, and is an Emmy, Associated Press, and Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist.

Kocot's career at 10TV took her from the glamour of the red carpet at the Grammy Awards to the tragedy at Ground Zero. She grew up in Maryville, Ill., a small town not far from St. Louis. She graduated from the University of Illinois in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism.

She was partnered with 10TV’s Angela An to produce Crime Tracker 10, a franchise that tracks crime patterns and trends, promotes safety, and aids law enforcement in capturing wanted criminals. As a crime reporter, Kocot provided extensive coverage of the Pike County massacre, the murders of CPD SWAT Officer Steve Smith, and Westerville Officers Tony Morelli and Eric Joering.

Board of Trustees

Business Leaders

Hugh Cathey, Board Chair

Chairman & CEO Chromocare

Becky Muncy-Brooks, General Counsel

Attorney, Painter & Associates

Brian Pierson

President and COO, Mount Carmel Grove City

John Householder

President, Kokosing Construction Company

Jason Profitt

Jason Profitt

Vice President of Technology, The Piada Group

Nancy Whetstone

Nancy Whetstone

Philanthropy Director, Canine Companions

Stan Partlow

Stan Partlow

Vice President and Chief Security Officer, AEP (retired)

Dan Floyd

Dan Floyd

President/CEO, Signature Control Systems LLC (retired)

Sam Queeno

Sam Queeno, CPP

Director of Digital Identity and Physical Security, American Electric Power

Marie Silver Keister

Marie Silver Keister, AICP, APR

President & CEO, MurphyEpson

Mike Fickell

Mike Fickell

Co-founder and Chief Investment Officer, PC Wealth Solutions

Cradle Jones

Cardale Jones

Co-Founder, The Foundation

Tom Balliett

Tom Balliett

Co-Founder & CFO, International Center for Creativity

Clinicians

Dr. John (Jack) Malinky

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Barbara Jones Warren

Professor and Director of Psychiatric Mental Health, The Ohio State University

Lisa Callander

Lisa Callander

Director EAP, City of Columbus

Ra'Shawd Davis

Ra’Shawd Davis

MEd, LPC, CDCA

First Responders

Greg Bodker

Greg Bodker

Asst. Chief, Columbus Police

Ron McMillin

Assistant Chief, Westerville Police Dept. (retired), Chaplain, The Bridge

Tom Ullom

Retired Westerville Firefighter, member of Critical Incident Stress Management(CISM) team

Mike DeFrancisco

Arson Investigator, Columbus Fire Dept. (retired)

Rhonda Grizzell

Rhonda Grizzell

Deputy Chief of Police, Reynsoldsburg Division of Police

Steve Cesaro

Steve Cesaro

Deputy Chief of Police, Perry Township Police Department

Emeritus Board Members

Gary Callicoat

Anthony Johnson

Amy Coppola

Jeff Stonerock, Treasurer

Doug Vance

Dr. Mike Wagner

Volunteer With First Responders' Bridge

Are you looking for a way to give back and support those who serve our communities every day? First Responders' Bridge offers meaningful volunteer opportunities for individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of first responders and their families. We have volunteer opportunities for our Retreats & Events, where you can help create spaces for healing and connection, as well as for Chaplain roles, providing spiritual support to those in need. Whether you have experience or are simply looking to get involved, your time and compassion can have a profound impact. Learn more about how you can volunteer and be part of this important mission by reaching out to us today.

Click Here for Volunteer Options