ASSOCIATE Magazine FBINAA Q1-2024

FIRST RESPONDERS GET HELP FROM LOCAL BREWERY

FBINAA.ORG | Q1 2024

DOUG MULDOON, NA Session 153

In 2018, Doug and Karen Monda founded Survive First with the primary objective of addressing suicide prevention and pro viding mental health support to the first responder community. D oug Monda 's professional background includes an impres sive career in law enforcement with the Cocoa Police Department and advocacy in the area of mental health and well ness for first responders. With extensive experience as a former undercover narcotics agent and a career-long member of the Special Weapons and Tactics unit, serving as team leader and lead sniper, Doug not only possesses expertise in tactical plan ning and leadership but understands the impact the career can have one’s health and wellness. In 2013, Doug’s own mental health became impacted from the cumulative trauma experienced throughout his career. After a failed suicide attempt, his own chief of police, Mike Cantaloupe , and many of his brothers and sisters at the department rallied behind him, and Doug began the process of healing, returning to the career he loved with a new outlook and mission. As the recipient of the Cocoa Police Department’s 2016 Officer of the Year award, Monda was highly regarded in his profession for ensuring the safety of his team members, contrib uting to the success of many missions, and bringing awareness to the importance of taking care of one’s mental health through normalizing the conversation, breaking down the stigma and providing support to his peers. Today, he and his wife, Karen , fo cus their full efforts on reducing the stigma surrounding mental health in the first responder community and providing assis tance to those in need of mental health support through Survive First’s programs. In 2015, Paul Hill , Chris Hughes , and Mark Alderman crossed paths. Each individual brought a distinct professional background to the table. Paul had previously been employed by Burger King Corporation and was concurrently the owner of Merri Cakes. Chris had a role at a local brewery, while Mark had

accumulated experience working with various companies, spe cializing in sound and audio-visual installations. In June 2017, they united to establish the Dirty Oar Beer Company . Their motto "Nobody Has More Fun Than Us!" is not merely a slogan; it is a guiding principle infused into every aspect of their beer, taproom, and personal interactions. They take genuine pleasure in cultivating a warm and cheerful atmosphere for patrons, friends, and family alike. Their extensive 22-tap menu consistently features a dynamic mix of innovative creations and beloved classics. In 2018, at a local golf tournament honoring a fallen law enforcement officer, Doug and Karen encountered the Dirty Oar team. Following a brief conversation about the mission of Survive First, Paul, Chris, and Mark rallied behind the cause to support first responders. Demonstrating their commitment to first responders and frontline workers, they forged a close partnership with Survive First. Their collaborative efforts aim to ensure that those relied upon for our health and safety have access to mental health and wellness resources for themselves and their families. In tribute to individuals displaying courage in aiding others, Dirty Oar crafted the Everyone’s Hero IPA. With each batch created, 100 percent of all sales from this brew are dedicated to Survive First, facilitating ongoing support for those dedicated to our public safety professionals. In 2021, the FBINAA National Conference convened at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando. Mr. Rosen graciously permitted Dirty Oar to feature their beer in the hospitality room, where it was professionally served by his staff. In a generous gesture, Dirty Oar donated six kegs of their beer and produced 600 com memorative sampler glasses adorned with the FBINAA confer ence logo, Survive First, and Dirty Oar logos — an enduring keepsake for attendees. Paul, Chris, and Mark expressed their readiness in 2022 to travel to any state or national conferences and contribute their beer to FBINAA members, exemplifying their ongoing generosity. Notably, they actively supported the 2022 Florida Conference in Sarasota. In 2022, Paul assumed a role on the Board of Directors for Survive First, following a dedicated five-year tenure on the His toric Cocoa Village Main Street Board.

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