Daniel Ortiz

“Protecting the guardian begins with taking care of the person behind the badge,” says Daniel Ortiz, Protecting The Guardian’s newest Board Member and 25-year law enforcement veteran. Daniel is also a recognized national speaker and digital forensics expert dedicated to strengthening the mental health and resilience of first responders. Throughout his career, Daniel has served in the major crime investigations, mobile device forensics, and child protection units; earning a reputation for precision, integrity, and unwavering advocacy for those who serve.

When asked where his commitment to PTG’s mission to help those who help others stems from, Daniel recounts how his first responder wellness initiative is deeply personal and professionally grounded. “As officers, we spend our entire career protecting the community. I later learned to be more intentional about protecting my own mental wellness and the wellbeing of my fellow officers too.”

After decades of witnessing the cumulative impact of trauma, organizational pressure, and stigma within public safety, he has become a leading voice for cultural change. His work highlights confidential support and peer-driven connection. Daniel emphasizes, “First responder mental wellness is a core operational necessity, not an optional resource.”

In January of 2026, Daniel signed up for Protecting The Guardian’s Ambassadorship program. In July, Daniel became a QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Instructor, enabling him to instruct the suicide prevention courses on behalf of Protecting The Guardian. Becoming a QPR Instructor allows Daniel to help guide national initiatives that support the emotional and psychological well-being of law enforcement, fire, EMS, dispatch, corrections, and military personnel.

By August of 2026, Daniel accepted PTG’s invitation to become a Board Member of the fully non-profit organization. “I nominated Daniel to become a Board Member because of his passion and excitement towards our shared mission of providing mental wellness services to first responders,” says fellow Board Member, Maya Tolentino.

Beyond his board work, Daniel is the founder of Family First Online, LLC, a digital safety education company. He serves on the Child Protection Advisory Committee (CPAC) with the National Child Protection Task Force (NCPTF). He regularly presents at national conferences on digital forensics, child protection, and investigator wellness.

Daniel Ortiz lives in Connecticut with his wife and children, and remains committed to one mission: ensuring that every first responder knows their life matters, their story isn’t over, and asking for help is a sign of strength.