OUR TEAM

Justin Bridges is a counselor in training and a career firefighter who has built my life around service to others. I currently serve as a captain with the Bernalillo County Fire Department and as our department’s peer support coordinator, where I have the privilege of walking alongside firefighters and first responders during some of their hardest moments. With 18 years in EMS and 16 years as a paramedic, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply this work impacts individuals, families, and the wider community, and it has shaped my desire to continue serving in the role of a counselor.

Community is at the heart of everything I do. Whether responding to emergencies, supporting colleagues through critical incidents, or showing up for community events and trainings, I see each interaction as an opportunity to build trust, safety, and connection. I love teaching and mentoring new fire recruits and paramedic students, and I’ve taught in both our training division and the paramedicine program at CNM. Helping up-and-coming first responders grow in skill, resilience, and compassion is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.

As I move toward a career in counseling, my goal is to blend my experience in the fire service with clinical training to better support first responders, their families, and others in the community who are navigating trauma, stress, and life transitions. My dedication to service has always been about more than a job description; it’s about showing up, listening, and doing my part to help people feel seen, supported, and less alone.