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Faculty

Stephen Newell

Firefighter/Paramedic
Peer Support Coordinator
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue

Driver Operator (DO) Newell began his public service career at age 16 through PBCFR’s Explorer Program. After joining Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR) as a Firefighter/Paramedic, he served ten years in one of the department’s busiest battalions before being promoted to Driver Operator. Following the loss of several close colleagues, he became deeply involved in the Peer Support Team and was selected by both the Fire Chief and the Union President to lead and develop the program. Under his leadership, the team established internal and external initiatives to support active and retired members. Additionally, he developed a First Responder Track for involuntary mental health admissions, strengthening mental health care access and response within the department.

2026 Sessions

Serving Those Who Serve: A New Blueprint for Human Connection

Yes, I understand

Every EMS leader understands that saving lives begins with protecting their own. This presentation brings together three distinct yet complementary perspectives—a chief, a chaplain, and a peer support coordinator—to present a cutting-edge, people-centered model that redefines how we care for frontline providers and their families.

This interactive panel introduces a collaborative “Triad of Care” that unites leadership, chaplaincy, and peer support to form a unified safety net for the emotional, spiritual, and operational well-being of first responders. We will discuss real cases our team has encountered, highlighting how connection, empathy, and trust guided successful outcomes. The presentation will also explore critical decision points at which administrative involvement can be beneficial or detrimental to the healing process.

Through real-world lessons, best practices, and audience-driven dialogue, participants will gain actionable strategies to implement multidisciplinary frameworks that strengthen connection, reduce burnout, and improve overall performance. This approach recognizes that when responders and their families are supported both at work and at home, they serve their communities with greater focus, resilience, and compassion.

Panelist (3 or more Presenters)

Presenter (1 Presenter)

Wednesday, September 30 3:45–4:45 PM
Room W240 A
Health and Wellness
Faculty

Brian Boggio

Firefighter/Paramedic
Captain
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue

With over a decade of dedicated service to Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, I’ve grown from firefighter/paramedic to Captain, Educator, and Chaplain. My experience spans emergency response, leadership, and medical education—developing programs that elevate care, strengthen teams, and enhance community impact. As an EMS educator and CQI officer, I’ve trained recruits and paramedics to uphold excellence under pressure. I’m passionate about mentoring others, fostering growth, and ensuring our department reflects the highest standards of professionalism and compassion. As a chaplain, I serve by offering hope and spiritual support to those facing life’s most difficult moments. Whether in the heat of an emergency or the quiet of a counseling moment, my mission remains the same—to serve with integrity, lead with humility, and point others toward strength, purpose, and peace through Christ.

Faculty

Stephen Newell

Firefighter/Paramedic
Peer Support Coordinator
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue

Driver Operator (DO) Newell began his public service career at age 16 through PBCFR’s Explorer Program. After joining Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR) as a Firefighter/Paramedic, he served ten years in one of the department’s busiest battalions before being promoted to Driver Operator. Following the loss of several close colleagues, he became deeply involved in the Peer Support Team and was selected by both the Fire Chief and the Union President to lead and develop the program. Under his leadership, the team established internal and external initiatives to support active and retired members. Additionally, he developed a First Responder Track for involuntary mental health admissions, strengthening mental health care access and response within the department.

Faculty

Charles Coyle

EMT-P, B.S
Division Chief
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue

Chief Charles Coyle has served Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR) since 2004, rising through the ranks from Paramedic and Firefighter to Division Chief of Wellness & Engagement. A national speaker and innovator in prehospital medicine, Chief Coyle has been instrumental in advancing trauma and mental health care models for first responders. Selected in 2013 to join the Training and Safety Division, he developed new EMS protocols and designed PBCFR’s comprehensive paramedic training and testing system from the ground up. As the department’s sole EMS educator, he oversaw training for more than 1,500 paramedics. Chief Coyle later established the Medical Services Division and now leads initiatives that enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of PBCFR personnel—continuing his lifelong commitment to protecting those who serve.
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