Lorraine Downey has been an Ottawa Paramedic for 13 years and coordinator of the Peer Support Program since 2014. Her combined role as front line medic and coordinator of the 50 member peer support team provide great challenges and satisfaction. As co-chair of the First Responder Mental Health Network Collaboration she is working on a pilot project first responder clinic. A business graduate with background in team building, corporate training and marketing.
The Peer support team was awarded the Royal Mental Health "Transformational Leader for Mental Health Award" (March 2019)
Alain Pellegroms has been a firefighter for 11 years and training officer for the past year with Ottawa Fire Services. Previous to this, he served with the Canadian Armed Forces as a Medic for 21 years in Canada and internationally. In 2017 Al set up a 35 member Peer Support Team for the OFS. He has implemented Mental health programs including OFS Partner day, which invites family members into the Fire service giving them information on the mental and physical challenges of a firefighter. He believes that education, training with a well developed anti stigma campaign are the strongest components for resiliency.
Brent MacIntyre has been a police officer for 21 years, in Niagara Regional Police Service and for the last 18 with the Ottawa Police Service. Throughout his career, Brent has worked in, Criminal Investigative, Emergency Operations and Patrol Services. Since 2017 he has served as a Sergeant in charge of Peer Support within the Health Safety Lifestyles and Wellness Section. He assists members experiencing life challenges and implements concrete measurable responses for the organization wellness plan. Brent is a strong advocate for members’ personal mental health and believes that members are stronger when working in a team environment to overcome challenging circumstances.