Bob Stanberry

Director First Responder Mental Wellness - National Peer Support Network

Chief Bob Stanberry has spent over 25 years in law enforcement, dedicating his career to advocating for the mental health and wellness of first responders. Coming from a proud family of public servants—his grandfather and father both serving in law enforcement and his mother spending her career as a trauma and ER nurse—Chief Stanberry was raised with a deep understanding of the sacrifices and challenges faced by first responders. His personal mission was shaped by tragedy, losing his father to suicide and recognizing how profoundly it affected him. That experience ignited his commitment to breaking the stigma around mental health in public safety, ensuring that first responders and their families have access to the support, resources, and tools they need to protect their well-being. Chief Stanberry has served at all levels of law enforcement, including SWAT operations, and had the honor of helping establish a new police department from the ground up. Now, as a leader at The National Peer Support Network, he focuses on integrating mental health resources, peer support programs, and AI-driven platforms to address the unique challenges of this profession. His commitment to first responder wellness extends beyond his professional roles. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he worked to secure critical support for frontline workers—coordinating hotel stays, financial assistance, line-of-duty death funding for families, and helping distribute over a million masks. Chief Stanberry is also a proud member of the SMMART Team, responding when officers are killed in the line of duty or pass away suddenly while off duty. In those heartbreaking moments, he and his team stand with agencies and families, ensuring they have the resources, guidance, and support they need. For Chief Stanberry, this work is more than a career—it’s a lifelong commitment to those who dedicate their lives to serving others.

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