Hope K9-63

Dr. Keven McNeill

Dr. Keven McNeill brings over 26 years of experience as a first responder, beginning his career in 1998 with the Dayville Fire Company as a junior member. In 2003, he was appointed as a police officer for a rural community, graduating from the 298th Connecticut Police Officer Training Class in Meriden.

In 2007, Dr. McNeill transferred to a city department in Connecticut, where he served in the patrol division and instructed impaired driving courses at the Connecticut Police Academy. He became one of the state's first certified Drug Recognition Experts (DRE) in 2013 and later joined the ranks of only a few DRE instructors in Connecticut. He went on to teach courses in identifying drug-impaired individuals throughout New England and provided expert testimony to the Connecticut Legislature about the dangers of legalizing recreational cannabis. Dr. McNeill received a ten-year award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving in 2021 for his significant contributions to reducing impaired driving on Connecticut roadways.

Dr. McNeill has been honored with numerous life-saving and meritorious service awards throughout his career. Notably, he received a bravery award for risking his safety during an apartment complex blaze. Alongside several officers, he played a pivotal role in rescuing residents from within the structure fire, and their courageous efforts averted a significant loss of life.

In 2022, Dr. McNeill transitioned away from policing after a prolonged battle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which he was diagnosed with in 2016 following a violent assault during a traffic stop. This condition has been closely linked to his service as a first responder. Drawing from his experiences, Dr. McNeill has become a dedicated advocate for raising awareness about PTSD and training first responders to recognize its signs.

"PTSD in the first responder community is often an invisible burden, affecting not only the individual but their families and colleagues. Acknowledging its dangers is crucial, as unaddressed trauma can lead to devastating consequences for both mental health and public safety. I want people to find hope in my story and to know that the darkness and suffering from PTSD can one day be a distant memory once you speak up.” -Dr. M

In 2024, he founded First In Tactics, aimed at enhancing training standards within the first responder community. Dr. McNeill remains actively involved in firefighting and rescue operations with the South Killingly Fire Department and is a regional technical rescue team member. Dr. McNeill also volunteers his time with the Dayville Fire Company as a Therapy K9 Handler. Hope (K9-63) is a Golden Retriever that is being trained as a First Responder Therapy Dog. You can follow her journey here.

Dr. McNeill is the author of Pushing It Down, which is a memoir of his experiences dealing with trauma and mental health-related issues. The book is scheduled to be released on January 31, 2025, and more information can be found here.

Dr. McNeill holds the following degrees and certifications:

Higher Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology

Masters Degree in Public Administration and Emergency Management

Doctorate in Education and the Psychology of Leadership

Police Training:

Drug Recognition Expert Instructor

Crisis Intervention Team

Peer Support Member

Crash Reconstruction

Fire & Rescue Training:

Firefighter 1 & 2

Fire Service Instructor 1

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Rope Rescue Technician 1 & 2

Fire Officer 1

Paramedic Justin Merchant

EMS Coordinator / Lead EMS Instructor

Lead Instructor Justin Merchant has been actively engaged in the Fire Service and Emergency Medical Services since the age of 16. He began by obtaining his Medical Responder Training (now known as EMR) and sought to expand his knowledge and skills to better serve his department and the communities he protects. This pursuit of knowledge led him to enroll in an EMT course at QVCC, where he earned his EMT certification six months later.

During his early experiences, there was a poignant moment when he felt a deep desire to do more for a patient, but his qualifications held him back. After reflecting on this experience and discussing it with a mentor, he made the heartfelt decision to pursue Paramedic School at American Professional Education Services. Nearly two years later, he proudly obtained his National Registry Paramedic License and his State of Connecticut license.

For the past 14 years, he has served as a Paramedic in various regions throughout the state, acquiring experience in both urban and rural settings. He currently works full-time along the shoreline and part-time in the Quiet Corner of Connecticut. Additionally, he is a Paramedic Field Instructor, Preceptor, and Field Training Officer. He holds certifications as an EMS Instructor and an American Heart Association CPR Instructor.

“Despite my achievements and certifications, my commitment to continuous learning remains unwavering. I actively seek new knowledge and stay current with advancements in medicine and firefighting. I am also a student and I look forward to learning from you, just as much as you will learn from our exceptional team here at First In Tactics” -Instructor Merchant

Outside of work, he is a devoted husband and father to three wonderful daughters. He embraces an active lifestyle, often enjoying outdoor activities such as fishing, target shooting, hunting, and, more recently, running. These moments spent with his family bring him immense joy and fulfillment.

In his spare time, he volunteers as a Firefighter/EMT/Driver at the South Killingly Fire Department.

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