In the wake of the September 11th attacks, I felt a profound calling to serve something greater than myself. That calling led me to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, where I had the privilege of serving alongside some of the finest individuals this country has to offer. These men quickly became more than comrades—they became family. The bonds we formed through shared sacrifice and unwavering loyalty have lasted more than two decades.

After completing two combat tours in Iraq, I transitioned to the fire service, seeking the same sense of purpose and community. I found it almost immediately. The firehouse, much like the military, is built on trust, teamwork, and brotherhood. But with that deep sense of connection came an equally deep awareness of the invisible wounds many of us carry—specifically, the impact of PTSD and trauma on those who serve.

Through my own journey—one that included therapy, mentorship, and the support of an incredible circle of peers—I came to understand the power of healing, vulnerability, and community. I’ve lived what it means to struggle silently, and I’ve learned firsthand that no one should ever have to walk that road alone.

Today, my mission is simple: to foster resilience, create space for real conversations, and ensure that others know there is strength in seeking help. Whether it’s in the military, the fire service, law enforcement, or emergency medical fields—we are stronger together, and we don’t leave our own behind.

Hello, I am DET EJ McBride. I am a member of the NYPD serving as a Police Officer and first Responder for almost 35 years and have seen the best and worst of every day possible. I currently serve in the Intelligence Division where I investigate alleged terrorism and anything else no one else knows what to do with.
I spent the first 25 years of my career on “the street”, working in self-initiated enforcement units. I worked in Street Crime, Narcotics, and Gang Investigations where I worked in some of the most unfriendly and tumultuous neighborhoods NYC has to offer. I would never consider myself a battlefield veteran, but I have been “under fire”.
I have also been in the crosshairs of the “executives.” I know life is not easy and decisions have consequences
It is an honor to be a member of Into the Storm leadership. I hope my years of law enforcement and civil service can provide some wisdom, solace, or insight to anyone who may need it. I know law enforcement, I know hardship and I know teamwork. No one stands alone in this family. We all do a difficult and worthy job; no matter what patch you wear. Unfortunately, people get forgotten. Not here. We at Into the Storm will never forget you. We are all warriors and we stand as one.
I will never leave you behind

Prior to September 11, 2001, that date was just a regular date where some celebrated birthdays, & some anniversaries but America as a whole did not have much interest in that day. Then it happened. Those of us old enough to remember know exactly what we were doing the moment we got the news. I was an 18-year-old high school graduate who had no idea what direction his life was supposed to go. I had graduated in June & by sheer luck or what some might call fate, I received a call from the United Sates Marine Corps & to join in August of 2001. I was set to go to bootcamp at Parris Island SC on September 16th. On that fateful day on the 11th I was at home watching tv when I received a call asking me had I seen what happened. I was told to turn on the news which I did just in time to see the 2nd plane hit the tower. After that I was bombarded with calls asking if I was sure that I really wanted to join the military because they would send me to war. My response to everyone was this is not the time to run away but the time to strap them up & get going. With that one decision I believe that I became a man that day. I did 4yrs honorably and achieved the rank of E-4 in the Marines with 2 tours to Iraq. Fast-forward to 2016 when I decided to become a police officer. I was served with G4S in Charlotte & rose to a manager for them. In a meeting one day we talked about sending people to basic law enforcement training to become sworn officers & I decided to go. I was sworn in in 2017 as a police officer with the State of North Carolina & have been doing that ever since. Both of these paths have led me to the tops of mountains as well as the bottom of valleys, & I know that I would not be the man I have become without either of them. I set out now to help others understand the ups & downs of life & that every decision helps to mold & shape you into the person you want to be. Always remember that Superman is also Clark Kent, it’s ok to be normal & have normal emotions.

I am the youngest of the founders here at Into the Storm. I was born and raised in the South Carolina low country, in a family of the fire service. I followed in the family footsteps and became a fireman because it was what I knew. I quickly figured out what it took to do this profession and the toll it takes on the mind. I work with some of the best people I’ve ever had the opportunity to meet. Some real solid guys who I trust with my life and I get the privilege to say I look forward to going to work.

I tried to push what I saw and had to do deep down, but I lost my best friend in 2023 and that is where I saw the value in talking to someone and talking with your fellow brothers and sisters who go through and have experienced what you have had to go through. One of the best places I’ve found I can turn is the kitchen table. Something I live by now is that this is my career and in the end I want my body to be the only thing I have to worry about when I finish my career, not my mind.

David Reed is a dedicated professional with 32 years of experience in the fire service. He embarked on his journey in 1988 as a volunteer with the Norton Heights Fire Department and later joined the Hilton Head Fire Department. Seeking new challenges, David found his calling with the City of Columbia Fire Department, where he has excelled in every rank. He has served on some of the busiest companies within the department, including Truck 7 as a firefighter and then captain, and the rescue company 1 as a firefighter, senior firefighter, and Engineer. Currently, he serves as the Division Chief of the third shift and also fulfills the role of a task force leader for SCTF-5, contributing his expertise to safeguard the community and lead his team with unwavering commitment.

I've been at this for about fourteen years, four years as a volunteer fireman in Plantation, FL, and ten years as a fireman in Irmo, SC. I started my journey in the fire service because I wanted to directly impact the lives of the people in my community and those I served with. I chose a different route than my father by choosing the fire service over the military but I quickly realized the close similarities. This line of work can be extremely rewarding at times but can be dispiriting as well. We are taught to suppress the losses deep down and be grateful for the wins. Well as you know, that can take a toll on the human mind, body, and soul. I'm blessed to be a part of Into the Storm Mentorship. It allows like-minded individuals to come together and understand its ok to not be alright....but now what? We lean on each other in our darkest times, that's what it is about.

As a third-generation military member, it was easy an easy decision to join the Air Force and continue the tradition of service. I have been blessed to meet some of the absolute best people in the world who have shared that that dedication to service. My career has taken me across the world from working in Iraq, to guarding our Nation’s Executive Leadership in 57 different counties, to advising partner nations in defending their own country. The opportunity to continue serving and helping the Military/First Responder community that has given so much to my family as a member of Into the Storm is indescribable. As a small portion of the population, it is up to us to take care of not just our peers but also ourselves. AATW-TMCW