1. Apply
Simple intake form. We respond within two weeks.
Peer Support
Peer support looks different for everyone — and that's the point. There's no script, no intake form, no clinical framework. Just fellow first responders and veterans showing up for each other, however that looks on any given day.
Whether it's a phone call on a hard night, a coffee before shift, a walk along the beach, or someone to sit with at a VA appointment — peer support is whatever the individual needs it to be. It's confidential, it's free, and it's between peers who understand the job without needing it explained.
Peer support is not clinical therapy. Our founder holds a Doctor of Psychology, but BCFF provides peer support only. We do not diagnose, treat, or provide psychological services. Peer support is about shared experience, not clinical intervention.
How It Works
- Reach out. No paperwork. No referral. No diagnosis required.
- Get matched. We connect you with a peer supporter who shares your professional background.
- Connect your way. Phone, text, in-person — whatever works. No agenda, no clock, no judgment.
- Ongoing support. This isn't a one-time check-in. Your peer supporter is there for the long haul.
Canine Scholarships
Our canine scholarship program funds self-training for off-duty service dogs. You bring the dog and the commitment — we cover the cost of professional training guidance, equipment, and veterinary care stipends. Your dog. Your pace. Your partnership.
What the Scholarship Covers
- Professional training guidance through our contract with VFR Veterans & First Responders Service Dog Training, LLC (vfrservicedogs.com)
- Training curriculum tailored to your specific needs — PTSD support, mobility assistance, medical alert, or hearing tasks
- Equipment and supplies — leash, harness, treat pouch, training tools
- Veterinary care stipends — wellness visits, vaccinations, and preventative care for your dog in training
- Ongoing mentorship from other handlers who've gone through the same process
The Process
2. Assess
Meet with our team and VFR trainers to discuss your goals.
3. Plan
Custom training curriculum based on you and your dog.
4. Train
You train your dog with professional guidance. We cover costs.
5. Review
Regular check-ins with VFR trainers to track milestones.
6. Support
Lifetime community and resources for your ongoing partnership.
Eligibility: current or former law enforcement, military, fire, EMS, or dispatch personnel with a documented condition that a service dog can assist with. Must have a suitable dog or willingness to adopt with guidance. To inquire, email carlos@beachcitiesfrontline.org.
Mental Health Crisis & IDD Response Training
We provide specialized training for law enforcement agencies on mental health crisis intervention and intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) response. These aren't generic PowerPoint courses — they're built by people who've worked the calls and understand what officers actually face in the field. Available in-person and online.
Course Offerings
| Course | Duration | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| 8-Hour Fundamentals | 1 day | Core crisis de-escalation, recognizing mental health crisis indicators, basic communication techniques, officer safety in behavioral health calls |
| 16-Hour Intermediate | 2 days | Advanced crisis intervention, IDD recognition and response strategies, scenario-based training, community resource coordination, legal considerations |
| 40-Hour Comprehensive | 5 days | Full CIT-level certification preparation, intensive scenario work, lived-experience panels, site visits to behavioral health facilities, train-the-trainer components, and policy integration |
All courses are POST-certifiable and tailored to your agency's specific needs. Online training options are also available. Contact carlos@beachcitiesfrontline.org to schedule training for your department.
Consultation & Policy Design
We partner with law enforcement agencies to design and implement peer support programs and crisis response policies. This isn't off-the-shelf consulting — we work with your leadership, your culture, and your people to build systems that actually work.
What We Offer
- Peer support program design — From concept to implementation, we help agencies build peer support programs that fit their department's size, culture, and needs.
- Crisis response policy development — Writing, reviewing, and refining policies for mental health crisis calls, co-response models, and post-crisis follow-up.
- Program assessment — Evaluation of existing peer support and crisis response programs with actionable recommendations.
- Train-the-trainer — Building internal capacity so your agency can sustain and grow its own programs over time.
We work with agencies across Southern California and are expanding into the Pacific Northwest. To discuss your department's needs, reach out at carlos@beachcitiesfrontline.org.