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Our Leadership

David Bluestein

David is an active police officer with the Los Angeles Police Department. He has served for 23 years and is currently a Lieutenant II assigned to the Training Division.  David is a past member of the Police Unity Tour and has dedicated his career to helping those in need.  He is honored to continue his father's legacy and serve ForBadges.

 

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The late Michael Bluestein was a founder of ForBadges.  He served as a Reserve Police Officer for the Los Angeles Police Department and through his business PIP Printing and Marketing Services has been a generous contributor to numerous charitable organizations related to the Los Angeles Police Department including the Police Unity Tour of Southern California and the LAPD Centurions. His insight and experience was invaluable in guiding ForBadges for over 20 years.

Michael Bluestein

Stephen N. Getzoff

Kwame Cooper

Kwame Cooper retired as an Assistant Chief of the Los Angeles City Fire Department, at the culmination of a 38-year career. Chief Cooper served in multiple major command and leadership roles including Operations Central Bureau, Fire Prevention and Public Safety Bureau, Training and Support Bureau, Employee Relations Officer, and the Community Relations Officer for the department. Over the years, Kwame has provided leadership and diversity training in fire service communities throughout the United States, and internationally. He is a graduate of the Executive Fire Office Program at the National Fire Academy and the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Leadership Program, and the Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute. He is a doctoral candidate at Grand Canyon University where he has successfully defended his doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Fire Protection Association.



Stephen Is a Certified Public Accountant and  Reserve Officer with the Los Angeles Police Department for 20+ years.  His current assignments include holding the designation as a LAPD Professional Specialist assigned to the Employees Assistance Unit and is a member of the Financial Counseling Team.  Steve also serves on the Board of Directors of several charitable organizations related to the Los Angeles Police Department including the Police Unity Tour of Southern California, LAPD Centurions and the Topanga Police Foundation. 

Paul C. McDonald

Paul is a senior executive in the talent, staffing and recruitment industry. He has served on numerous boards including non profits and a university. His passion for helping first responders and their family members in need is the motivator for involvement in supporting  ForBadges. Paul has mentored, coached and led many people in his 40 year career. 

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Karen Slider

Karen is a retired Firefighter/Paramedic who was a member of the Los Angeles Fire Department for 25 years. In addition to her 22 years of front line service in fire stations, Karen was a valued Critical Incident Stress Debriefer. She was actively involved in fire safety programs for kids, represented at after school programs like the Boys and Girls clubs and was the LAFD's national symbol of fire safety for kids "Sparky the Dog."Additionally Karen served the LAFD in the recruitment and retention of women in the fire service.

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