Mark DiBona — Instructor Profile

About Mark DiBona

Mark DiBona, known nationwide as “The Rock Star of Mental Health,” is a retired law enforcement Sergeant, nationally recognized speaker, and co-founder of Protecting The Guardian. With 33 years in law enforcement spanning Massachusetts and Florida, Mark built a respected career serving in patrol, street crimes, DUI enforcement, peer support, critical incident stress management, and law enforcement instruction.

Behind the badge, Mark battled PTSD, depression, anxiety, and survived multiple suicide attempts after years of accumulated trauma on the job — including volunteering in recovery efforts following the 9/11 attacks. Today, he has become one of the leading voices in first responder mental health, using his personal story to break stigma and start conversations many agencies have avoided for far too long.

Mark has appeared on national media platforms, podcasts, documentaries, and law enforcement conferences across the country, speaking on officer wellness, suicide prevention, leadership, resilience, and surviving the profession mentally. His authentic, high-energy delivery and willingness to speak openly about the realities of the job have made him one of the most impactful mental health advocates in the law enforcement community today.