Founders
It started with a simple realization: those who serve on the front lines—first responders—spend their lives in a constant state of vigilance. They are trained to push through adversity, to be the calm in the storm, to lead when others freeze. But that level of intensity comes with a cost. Over time, the mental and emotional weight of the job can become just as demanding as the physical challenges.
For years, we watched as dedicated professionals burned out, their sense of purpose eroded by the relentless pressures of the job. We saw men and women who had once thrived in service become disengaged, their passion dimmed. And we knew something had to change.
At its core, Frontline Freedom is about more than just getting outdoors. It’s about creating a mental reset, about providing those who dedicate their lives to serving others with the tools to lead, endure, and thrive. It’s about forging stronger leaders, strengthening teams, and ensuring that those on the front lines never feel like they have to carry the weight of their mission alone.
From that first hike to today, the mission remains the same: to use the wilderness as a proving ground, a sanctuary, and a crucible for leadership and renewal. Because sometimes, the best way to move forward is to step away—into the wild, into the unknown, and ultimately, into a renewed sense of purpose.
Frontline Freedom is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by David Brown and Josh Eldridge. The organization offers adventure/eco therapy to frontline heroes, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, healthcare workers, and 911 dispatch personnel, who are experiencing symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression.
Meet Our Board
david brown
Board Member – President
David Brown is a 2005 graduate of the Ohio State University and holds an M.B.A. from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. He has more than ten years of leadership experience with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. He has held various positions within the Patrol, including motorcycle unit officer, academy instructor, and post commander. He teaches leadership development for front line supervisors. David currently holds the rank of Major and serves as the Field Operations Commander of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
kevin nichols
Board Member – Treasurer
Kevin Nichols, CPA, is an Audit Manager at Cardinal Health. Kevin is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a B.S.B.A in Accounting and has over 7 years of internal audit experience working in the governmental, financial services, and healthcare industries. Kevin is also the acting Treasurer for the Central Ohio Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Chapter and is a member of the AICPA.
david bose
Board Member – Secretary
David has nearly two decades of combined experience in escalation management and strategic account management. David has an ability to quickly gain an understanding of complex situations and develop straight forward written and verbal communication. He has a superior track record in developing teams and executing communication strategies for internal and external customers. David currently works for IBM.
Larry Jones
Board Member
Larry Jones is a 2004 graduate of the University of Toledo. He has more than 13 years of leadership experience and has been with the Ohio State Highway Patrol since 2004. Larry has held multiple positions within the Division, teaching leadership courses at the academy as well as teaching for the Public Safety Leadership Academy (PSLA) in a Partnership with The Ohio State University. This program provides leadership training to executive law enforcement officers throughout the state of Ohio. He currently holds the rank of Lieutenant and is the commander of the Chardon Post. Larry has a passion for the outdoors and sharing that experience with others. He focuses on the internal struggle first responders face trying to juggle their work-life balance. He believes in the powerful link the outdoors can have on navigating this challenge and has a passion for shepherding those on their journey through this new experience.
Jason Hughes
Board Member – Mental Health Resources
Jason served in the U.S. Army for 22 years and retired in 2019. He is a published author and the co-lead for the Ohio Governor’s Challenge Team to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF). He serves as a Life Side Ohio committee member, a certified VitalCog: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace instructor, and a Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) instructor.
Emily Brown, pa
Board Member – Medical Evaluation
Emily Maupin is a Certified Physician Assistant. Emily has experience in sports injuries and orthopedic surgery. Emily provides first aid training as well as medical evaluations for participants on backpacking trips. She currently works for the Plastic Surgery Institute of Dayton
Meet Our team
david brown
Co-Founder / Executive Director
David Brown is a 2005 graduate of the Ohio State University and holds an M.B.A. from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. He has more than ten years of leadership experience with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. He has held various positions within the Patrol, including motorcycle unit officer, academy instructor, and post commander. He teaches leadership development for front line supervisors. David currently holds the rank of Major and serves as the Field Operations Commander of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Mike Slocum
Program Manager
Mike Slocum is a 2000 graduate of Youngstown State University and holds a M.P.A. from Cleveland State University. He completed Police Administrative Leadership School, Certified Law Enforcement Executive Program (CLEE) and FBI LEEDA Supervisor, Command and Executive Leadership Training. He is graduate of the FBI National Academy.
Mike has more than 14 years of leadership experience with the Painesville Police Department. He has held various positions within the department, including community service officer, honor guard member, field training officer, defensive tactics instructor, sergeant, and Less Than Lethal team leader for the Lake County Sheriffs Regional SWAT team. He currently teaches at the Lakeland Community College Basic Peace Officer Training Academy. Mike currently holds the rank of Patrol Lieutenant and serves as the Training Services Commander.