Our Team

Robert’s devotion to the first responder community has lead him to found and develop Fund the First after seeing firsthand the hardships that are faced both on and off duty. His goal as CEO is to provide a secure space for first responders and their family to request help in times of need.

With his passion for business, Robert was able to put his plan into action with the assistance of four co-founding members. Utilizing years of experience developing business plans and implementing strategies in the financial and business world, Robert built the organization from the ground up. Robert’s tenacity and unwillingness to compromise has been his modus opernadi which has led to the development of this powerful, first of its kind product.

Currently, he is a decorated detective with the New York City Police Department for the past 11.5 years where he specializes in complex investigations. During that time, he has developed numerous working relationships with various organizations and charities. Robert has credentials with the Department of Homeland Security, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and is an expert witness to the Office of Special Narcotics New York.

Prior to his career, he attended New York Institute of Technology where he majored in behavioral sciences and played outfield for their Division I baseball program. Robert also volunteers as a baseball coach and AED Director for Massapequa Coast Little League.

John has been a certified Law Enforcement Officer in the State of Florida for over seven years. His current assignment is a dual purpose canine handler, as well as a part time SWAT operator for the regional SWAT team. Prior to a career in law enforcement, John attended the New York Institute of Technology where he majored in Criminal Justice. During his time at NYIT, he was a relief pitcher for the college’s Division I baseball team. He graduated with honors in May of 2009. As Chief Operating Officer, John’s experience as a member of the first responder community will help guide the organization to empower those in need.

Michael is a certified public accountant with a wide range of experience in areas such as Assurance, Taxation, Entity Formation, Business Structuring, Offers-In-Compromise and Internal Controls. He provides significant tax consulting and compliance services for clients in various industries including private companies with local, national and international operations. He is a current member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Prior to becoming a CPA, Mr. LaLuna graduated from New York Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and subsequently spent 3 years playing professional baseball for various teams including the Detroit Tiger’s organization.

Kevin serves as the Chief Communications Officer of this organization. He brings 15 years of law enforcement experience and is currently serving as a Lieutenant in the New York City Police Department. Prior to his career in law enforcement, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Western Connecticut State University where he majored in communications with a minor in criminal justice. While attending WCSU, he was a four-year member of the baseball team. Kevin is the son of a retired firemen (FDNY), brother to a member of DSNY, and brother to Sergeant in the NYPD.

With law enforcement as the foundation of his life and career, Mitch joined the Dade County Public Safety Department in 1973 as a Public Safety Officer at 20 years old. Along the way, earning his Emergency Medical Technician certification, Mitch retired from his full-time law enforcement career as a Sergeant with Plantation Police Department in 1981. His passion to serve his community continued for 10 more years as a reserve officer for both the Broward and Polk County Sheriff’s Departments while beginning his business career.

A business career spanning almost 40 years, Mitch has extensive experience in launching two highly successful entrepreneurial ventures in managed care and insurance brokerage. His most cherished experience during his business career is working with the Boys and Girls Club of Polk County. As a B&G Board Member for more than 15 years, Past President and Board Member of the Year for the State of Florida, his charitable work is only beginning as he joins Fund the First as Chief Business Strategy Officer.