Our Team

Paul was employed in law enforcement for 40 years. His experience in this field created his passion and later becoming an advocate for supporting and serving Police and Fire, line of duty deaths in the State of California. Paul brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes. While working for the Oakland Police Department and University of California San Francisco Police Department Paul held both officer, supervisory, command and executive leadership roles. As a homicide commander and investigator, he observed first-hand the trauma and devastation that occurs when there is a line of duty death. It’s this experience that has made Paul an invaluable asset to Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes. Paul’s service to Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes, is deeply rooted in his real-life experiences with fellow fallen officers and fire personnel who have died in the performance of their duties while serving their community. Outside of the Board room, Paul enjoys his four grandchildren ages 3-10, his wife of 46 years, gym, gardening, hunting and fishing. Oh, and he’s a beekeeper who is allergic to bees. Paul is always eager to talk and share more information about our awesome non-profit organization, Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes. Paul can be reached at pberlin@thethefallenheroes.org.

For over 20 years, Jeff has been an active supporter of his local community, both professionally and personally, with a special interest in supporting our active military, veterans, and first responders. Throughout his professional career, Jeff has held leadership roles in construction and project management, marketing, sales, public relations, and community outreach. His strategic vision and passion for his community have helped generate millions of dollars in donations that have positively impacted countless lives. Jeff proudly supports Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes out of respect and gratitude for our first responders who serve and protect us every day. He believes that those who make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty must be honored, and that their families deserve ongoing care and support. When he’s not volunteering, Jeff enjoys spending time hiking, kayaking, and fly fishing in the Sierras, or chasing golf balls around local courses. If you’d like to learn more or get involved with our organization, feel free to reach out to Jeff at 925-476-5213.

Patrice is a retired Firefighter Paramedic with more than 30 years of service in the Bay Area. She wrapped up her career with the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District after working with several local agencies throughout her time in the field. Patrice also spent years caring for patients in the Emergency Department at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek. In the aftermath of the Loma Prieta earthquake, Patrice led the North Command Medical Division during the Cypress structure collapse and served as Medical Aide to then-President George H. W. Bush - experiences that highlight her leadership and dedication to helping others in critical moments. Patrice started volunteering with Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes in 2010, following the tragic and personal loss of four Oakland Police Officers. Her extensive background in Emergency Medical Services and Firefighting has made her an incredible part of the team. She’s attended memorial services, workshops, and special events in support of families and agencies affected by line of duty deaths. Since 2012, Patrice has served as our Agency Liaison and has been a member of the Scholarship Committee since 2013. When she’s not serving her community, Patrice is the proud mom of 21-year-old twins and enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, golfing, listening to music, and hanging out with family, friends, and her adopted dog. She’s also passionate about animal welfare and volunteers with organizations that help rescue and transport dogs. Patrice is a proud advocate for Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes and is always happy to share more about our mission. You can reach her at pdoyle@thethefallenheroes.org.

Nathan is a Grammy-nominated bassist, and with more than 2,000 recordings, is one of the most recorded bass players in the history of music. He is a UC San Diego Foundation Board Member and an Honorary Deputy Sheriff in San Diego. Nathan has been a Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes board member since 2021.

Patty has dedicated over 30 years to volunteer service and nonprofit leadership. She currently serves as Treasurer on three nonprofit boards, including Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes, and provides guidance as an advisor on a fourth. Her lifelong commitment to community service is driven by a passion for giving back and supporting others. Patty joined Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes to honor those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting their communities. She is deeply committed to the organization’s mission of providing emotional and financial support to surviving families and agencies. Beyond her board work, Patty volunteers with the California Highway Patrol in a variety of roles. In her personal life, she is the proud mother of two firefighter medics, a personal connection that further inspires her dedication to supporting first responders.

Gary has been an insurance and financial advisor in the Bay Area since 1976. His passion for supporting first responders stems from his brother-in-law who served as a fireman in Napa for several years before his passing. Additionally, Gary’s early experiences growing up around fire and police departments in Oroville, California, deepened his connection to those who serve. Since 2014, Gary served on the Board of Directors for Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes, where he is the Scholarship Chairperson. He brings a unique blend of experience, and enthusiasm to the organization, and his strategic vision and commitment have been invaluable to the team. Outside of Police and Fire: the Fallen Heroes, Gary is active in his community as a member of the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce Foundation Board, and Chair of the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. He is also holds various positions in his industry and currently serves on the board of directors of the Diablo Valley Chapter of the National Association of Remodel Inc. (NARI). In his spare time, Gary enjoys cultivating his Bonsai collection, pursuing landscape and wildlife photography, and enjoys playing golf and pickle ball with his wife Cindy.

Dirk Manoukian started his professional career as a Deputy District Attorney in Contra Costa County and has spent the last 35 years working with the first responders who keep our communities safe. Having witnessed the service and sacrifice by the men and woman in our police and fire agencies over the last four decades, Dirk has a deep appreciation for their truly invaluable contributions to our society and the costs to them and their families. Following 14 years at the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, Dirk entered private practice and ran private law firms for almost 20 years in California and Nevada. Dirk returned to government in 2024, and now runs the Lake Tahoe branch of the Placer County District Attorney’s Office. Working in both government and private business roles, Dirk understands the financial and legal complexities which challenge the leaders and rank and file members of our municipal, county, and state agencies in the traumatic and often chaotic aftermath of a line of duty death. In April of 2003, Pittsburg Police Department Inspector Ray Giacomelli was murdered by a parolee while searching a residence during a homicide investigation. The effects on Inspector Giacomelli’s wife and children, friends and agency, were devastating and are a powerful reminder of the ultimate sacrifice all too many who serve our communities make to keep our families safe. Following Inspector Giacomelli’s murder, Dirk became actively involved in organizations dedicated to the support of our police and fire fallen hero families. In 2017, Dirk had the honor and privilege of joining Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes and continues his efforts to support the loved one’s left behind following a line of duty death. Dirk wrestled and played football in college and greatly enjoys and values being on a team. The mission of supporting our heroes’ loved ones after they make the ultimate sacrifice is most certainly a team sport. Dirk welcomes anyone who can join our team to help make our mission a success. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Dirk with any questions, suggestions or comments about our non-profit organization. He can be reached at 925-787-9527.

Maggie retired from Chevron in 2016 after more than 30 years of dedicated service. She served in various roles over the years, from Receptionist/Typist to Assistant Property Manager, Executive Assistant and Supervisor of the Downstream Legal staff. Following her retirement, Maggie began looking for ways to give back. She soon found Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes and began volunteering as Administrative Assistant and Event Assistant. She quickly developed a deep appreciation for our mission and the positive impact it has on the families of our fallen heroes. After a brief break, she returned to serve as Operations Manager, where she continues to contribute her leadership, organizational skills, and compassion to supporting the families of those who gave their lives protecting our communities and ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. Outside of her work with Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes, Maggie enjoys spending time with friends, the occasional shopping adventure, experimenting (sometimes successfully) with new recipes, tackling home improvement projects, and navigating a love-hate relationship with her spin bike. She also volunteers with the Contra Costa chapter of the Chevron Retirees Association. Want to learn more about Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes? Maggie is happy to discuss and can be reached at maggie.pryde@thethefallenheroes.org.

Shelby has been a dedicated member of Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes for over four years, serving in a variety of roles wherever she is needed most. Her focus has always been on supporting the families of Fallen Heroes, a responsibility she considers both an honor and a calling. As a Marine spouse for more than a decade, Shelby has witnessed firsthand the sacrifices service members, and their families endure. She has also seen how many veterans continue their mission of service by becoming firefighters and police officers. This deep connection has fueled her commitment to stand alongside families when the unthinkable happens, ensuring they feel supported and never forgotten. Beyond her work with the organization, Shelby is the proud mother of four wonderful children. She strives to instill in them an understanding of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who serve, as well as the importance of compassion and resilience. Her life experiences have equipped her with the strength, empathy, and tact needed to help ease the burden families face in times of tragedy, making her an invaluable part of the mission to honor and support our Fallen Heroes.