Peer Support & Chaplain Program Director
Claudio Medina
The life of Claudio Medina (he/him/his) embodies a profound dedication to service, leadership, and healing. With 28 years of experience as a Captain and Paramedic for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Claudio’s career has been defined by his unwavering commitment to supporting others during their most challenging moments. Serving as the department’s Critical Incident Stress Management and Peer Support Coordinator for over 20 years, Claudio provided vital care during countless crises, including large-scale tragedies such as the 1992 Los Angeles Riots, the 2001 Terrorist Attacks, and the 2013 Yarnell Hill Fire, which claimed 19 firefighter lives.
Claudio’s expertise as a Disaster Relief Chaplain has extended far beyond the fireline. A sought-after national presenter, he has trained emergency service departments across the country on the pivotal role of Peer Support and Chaplaincy. Combining evidence-based practices with heartfelt compassion, Claudio builds lasting systems of care that prioritize the mental and emotional well-being of first responders and their families.
A dedicated family man, Claudio comes from a proud legacy of public safety, with deep ties to both fire service and law enforcement within his family. He and his wife of over 35 years, Gina, have passed down their shared passion for service to their children and delight in the joy of watching their grandchildren grow.
Whether mentoring a peer, training a team, or offering comfort during a crisis, Claudio’s leadership, wisdom, and compassion continue to inspire resilience and healing within the CTRN community and beyond.