The people behind the promise

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nathan’s contributions to music have earned him international recognition, including an acknowledgment in the Congressional Record honoring his impact on the music community. A sought-after performer and recording artist, he continues to bring a lifetime of musicianship and experience to audiences around the world.

Today, Nathan maintains an active touring schedule, performing both with renowned artists and in collaboration with his son, who is also a professional musician. His dedication, humility, and commitment to others have remained constants throughout his remarkable career.

Nathan’s genuine respect for those who dedicate their lives to serving others, along with his commitment to helping us honor the fallen first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice, embodies the spirit of our mission. His compassion, leadership, and dedication to service strengthen our mission and the work of our Board of Directors.