At the heart of After Watch are the men and women who have worn the badge, carried the gear, and answered the calls that most people pray they’ll never get. Our founders are first responders themselves, people who know firsthand the toll that service can take on the mind, body, and heart. They’ve walked through the sleepless nights, the unshakable memories, and the silent battles of PTSD.
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This nonprofit was born from their determination that no first responder should ever face those struggles alone. They built this organization as a place where trust, understanding, and community run deep because they’ve lived it.
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For our donors and supporters, these stories aren’t just biographies. They are testaments to courage, sacrifice, and resilience. By standing with our founders, you stand with the countless first responders who keep our communities safe while carrying invisible scars.
Veronica Leroux
Co-Founder/CEO/After the Call Podcast Cohost
Veronica Leroux is a former law enforcement officer with over 17 years of frontline experience, including roles as a patrol officer, homicide and robbery detective, child and sex crimes detective, and internal affairs investigator. Coming from a law enforcement family—including her late father, brother, and her husband, a 23-year veteran officer, as well as several other family members also currently serving—Veronica has a lifelong connection to the unique challenges faced by those in uniform.
Her career was profoundly impacted by PTSD, and rather than allowing her personal struggles to define her, Veronica transformed them into a mission to help others. In 2018, she channeled her own experiences into advocacy, addressing the stigma surrounding mental health in law enforcement and providing support for first responders. She co-founded the After Watch Foundation, an organization dedicated to breaking stigma, strengthening the mental health, resilience, and well-being of first responders and their families. Through outreach, training, and advocacy, Veronica works to break the silence around PTSD and trauma, provide resources for recovery, and create a supportive community that ensures no hero stands alone After the Call.
As CEO, Veronica works tirelessly to illuminate the realities of PTSD in law enforcement, including the risks of early retirement and suicide. Her mission is to ensure every officer feels empowered to prioritize their mental wellness, seek help and to thrive beyond the badge. Veronica’s resilience, empathy, and determination have transformed personal adversity into unwavering dedication for hope and healing within the first responder community.
Patrick is a disabled United States Marine Corps veteran and retired police officer with more than 20 years of combined service to his country and community. Originally born in Germany and naturalized as an American citizen at a young age, Patrick felt a strong calling to give back through a life of public service. His military and law enforcement careers reflect his unwavering dedication to protecting and supporting others, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to duty, integrity, and community well-being.
Patrick Kreuzer
Co-Founder/CoO/After the Call Podcast Cohost
burke Roberts
Co-Founder/Director of Support Services and Development
Burke Roberts dedicated 35 years to a career in law enforcement, retiring as a sergeant with the Phoenix Police Department. He began his service in Missouri, spending five years with a local department before moving to Phoenix in 1988, where he served another 30 years until his retirement in 2018.
In addition to his law enforcement career, Burke served six years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve before relocating to Arizona. Much of his professional work was focused in control operations, where he built a reputation for dedication, discipline, and leadership.
Bill is a lifelong public servant with a steadfast dedication to protecting and uplifting his community. His journey began in the United States Army, where he developed a strong foundation in discipline, leadership, and service under pressure. After completing his military service, Bill transitioned into law enforcement with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, serving a vast jurisdiction that includes the South Rim of the Grand Canyon—an area larger than many states.
During his time with the sheriff’s office, Bill discovered a deep passion for training and supporting fellow officers, especially in navigating the mental health challenges that often accompany the job. His commitment to wellness and resilience became a driving force, leading him to teach and mentor others throughout his career.
Even in retirement, Bill continues to serve by presenting specialized trainings on PTSD in Law Enforcement and Resiliency in Public Safety Careers—empowering first responders with tools to protect their mental health and preserve what matters most. Whether in patrol, investigations, or community policing, Bill has always prioritized safety, connection, and the well-being of those around him.
Today, he bridges the gap between first responders and behavioral health services, advocating for compassionate, effective care and equipping teams with the resources they need to respond to crisis with confidence and clarity. His legacy is one of service, accountability, and unwavering support for first responders across Arizona and beyond.
