Daniel DeGryse is a retired battalion chief with 30 years’ experience working for the Chicago Fire Department and over 30 years of experience in the field of addiction and mental health. He currently serves as the Director of Coaching & Outreach for NDRI Ventures.

Dan is a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP), a Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC), a Certified Labor Assistance Professional (LAP/C), a Certified ARISE Interventionist (CAI), and holds advanced training in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). Dan operated in the capacity of peer supporter in New York after the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001, and in Chicago following the E-2 nightclub disaster. Dan has been a member of the International Association of Firefighters Labor/EAP committee since 2002.

Dan holds degrees from two universities; A Bachelor of Science in Fire Science Management from Southern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Wabash College. Previously, Dan worked six years as a counselor at a private hospital, where his experience included individual, group, and family therapy for adolescents and adults in the area of addictions and behavior management.

Certifications, Designations, and Awards

Chief Fire Officer (CFO), Center for Public Safety Excellence 2019

Mental Health First Aid Instructor 2017

Master Instructor for the IAFF Peer Support Program 2016

Certified ARISE Interventionist 2015

Certified Labor Assistance Professional 2012

Certified Employee Assistance Professional 2005

Advanced Training in Critical Incident Stress Management 2003

Basic Training in Critical Incident Stress Management 2001

Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor 1991

Illinois Emergency Medical Technician Basic 2008

Illinois Certified Weapons of Mass Destruction : Hazardous Materials Technician A 2006

Illinois Certified Firefighter III 1992

Illinois Certified Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations 1991

Illinois Certified First Responder 1990

Illinois Certified Firefighter II 1990

State of Illinois VFW Firefighter of the Year award recipient for 2009

Chicago Fire Department Unit performance Award 2004

Chicago Fire Department Unit performance Award 2000