Law enforcement
Detective Rob Barber
Detective Rob Barber brings law enforcement experience and a background in crisis intervention to the Westchester–Putnam Peer Support Team. In his work with the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, he was among five officers awarded the New York State Senate Liberty Medal in 2019 for helping save a young man in crisis. Public recognition of his work highlights his use of crisis intervention skills and mental health training to assist people experiencing emotional distress.
Clinician
Joseph Cloidt
Joseph Cloidt is a clinician and a member of the Westchester–Putnam Peer Support Team. He brings a clinical perspective to the team’s work supporting personnel affected by critical incidents.
President · Emergency Communications
Dispatcher Cari Daddio — President
Cari Daddio serves as President of the Westchester–Putnam Peer Support Team, a position she was elected to in January 2023. She joined the Croton-on-Hudson Police Department as a dispatcher in 2005 and trained with the team to support first responders facing the emotional demands of their work. Cari holds a bachelor’s degree in business management with a minor in political science and an additional paralegal degree. Her public service also includes union representation and helping establish the department’s Youth Cadet Program.
Firefighter
Thomas Fejes
Thomas Fejes is a firefighter and a member of the Westchester–Putnam Peer Support Team. He brings a fire service perspective to the team’s work supporting personnel affected by critical incidents.
Mental Health Professional
Mark R. Giuliano, MSW
Mark R. Giuliano, MSW, is a mental health professional and longstanding member of the Westchester–Putnam Peer Support Team and Director of the Institute for Police, Mental Health and Community Collaboration. He brings more than 30 years of experience across behavioral health and criminal justice, including training and technical assistance for law enforcement and emergency services. His work includes crisis system assessments, CIT programs and 911 diversion. An FBI-trained crisis negotiator and certified safety trainer, Mark emphasizes worker wellness, situational awareness and mindfulness in responder training.
Volunteer fire service
Michelle Kowack
Michelle Kowack brings a background in volunteer fire service and community involvement to the Westchester–Putnam Peer Support Team. Public listings connect her with the Briarcliff Fire Department and identify her among the Westchester County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association’s 2025 directors. The association’s 2025–2026 committee roster also lists her involvement in fire prevention and education, memorial activities and its annual dinner.
Fire service & emergency preparedness
Luci Labriola-Cuffe
Luci Labriola-Cuffe brings fire service leadership, emergency preparedness and training experience to the team. Appointed New York’s Deputy State Fire Administrator in 2022, she was the first woman to hold that position. She previously served as Chief of Fire Training for Westchester County and Chief of the Armonk Fire Department. A former President of the Westchester–Putnam Peer Support Team, Luci holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science and master’s degrees in Public Health Preparedness and Counterterrorism from Penn State.
Mental health professional
Roberto Mignone
Roberto Mignone is a mental health professional and a member of the Westchester–Putnam Peer Support Team. He brings a behavioral health perspective to the team’s work supporting personnel affected by critical incidents.
Therapy dog · Team member
Phoenix
Phoenix is the team’s therapy dog, working alongside handler and team member Samantha Stretz-Fejes. In 2024, the pair earned certification through First Responder Therapy Dogs.
Emergency Medical Technician
Curtis St. John
Curtis St. John has been active in emergency medical services since 2012, serving multiple agencies over the course of his career, including Somers Volunteer Fire Department, Westchester County EMS, and Hospital Bernard Mevs in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Now retired from field response, Curtis brings experience and a firsthand understanding of the physical, mental, and emotional toll of the job to the Westchester–Putnam Peer Support Team.
Fire Service & Law Enforcement
Scott Stein
Scott Stein is a member of the Westchester–Putnam Peer Support Team with a background in the Millwood Fire Department and the New York City Police Department (NYPD). He brings both fire service and law enforcement experience to the team’s work supporting personnel affected by critical incidents.
Team member · Therapy dog handler
Samantha Stretz-Fejes
Samantha Stretz-Fejes is a member of the Westchester–Putnam Peer Support Team and the handler of therapy dog Phoenix. Their work brings a therapy dog partnership to the team’s support for first responders.
Volunteer emergency services
Theresa Tippin
Theresa Tippin brings volunteer emergency service and community fundraising experience to the Westchester–Putnam Peer Support Team. A 2015 volunteer recognition profile described her service with the Mohegan Volunteer Fire Association, including Color Guard participation, and her acceptance into the county peer support team. Mohegan’s own reporting credits Theresa with helping secure a donation for firefighter training equipment. Her background also includes health and fitness and organizing fundraising activities for disease research.