This January, we are honored to recognize Dennis Pishock as HAViK’s First Responder of the Month. Dennis has dedicated his life to public safety, serving his community first as a firefighter and now as a law enforcement officer — a rare and remarkable dual career path rooted in courage, resilience, and a deep commitment to helping others. Over more than two decades, Dennis has faced some of the hardest moments imaginable on the front lines — from swift water rescues and traumatic emergencies to the everyday challenges that come with protecting and serving those around him.
Dennis’s service did not stop when he transitioned from the firehouse to the police force. In fact, it deepened, as he continued to answer the call not only in high-stress emergency situations but also in the quieter, harder work of supporting fellow responders through trauma and recovery. He leads with empathy and experience, serving as a peer support counselor and focusing on officer wellness and suicide prevention — work that saves lives long after the initial sirens fade.
In 2024, Dennis shared his journey in his deeply personal book Demons & Angels, inviting others into the often unseen world of first responder experience. Through honest reflection, he writes about the toll that sustained trauma takes, the challenges of maintaining balance and family connections, and the pathways he’s found toward hope and healing. His willingness to confront these topics openly has resonated not just with police officers and firefighters, but with military personnel and all those who have chosen lives of service.
We are truly fortunate to have individuals like Dennis watching over our communities. His story is not only one of extraordinary service but also of perseverance, compassion, and the courage to help others face their own “demons.” It’s an example of what it means to serve with heart, strength, and humility — and why public safety professionals deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.
As HAViK’s First Responder of the Month, Dennis received a prize package built to match the level of dedication he brings every day.
Prize package includes:
This program is our small way of saying thank you to Dennis, and to the countless first responders who put others first without ever asking for recognition.
Know someone like Dennis?
Nominations are always open, and every month we’re proud to spotlight another first responder who’s making a real impact.
