Axis First Responders

Eric Bengali was born and raised in Southern California. An honorably discharged U.S. Navy veteran, he served alongside the Marine Corps as part of the Alert MAGTF Crisis Response Force in Southeast Asia, helping establish makeshift bases in active combat zones, a testament to his leadership and composure under pressure. After his military service, Eric transitioned into the automotive industry, where he successfully managed and owned multiple businesses. In 2015, he made the life-changing decision to pursue and maintain sobriety, a milestone that continues to shape his personal and professional growth. His journey next took him to Oregon, where he became a structure and wild land firefighter. As an Engineer on a Type 3 Wild land Fire Engine, Eric demonstrated his trademark grit and “do what it takes” attitude on the front lines of some of nature’s toughest challenges. Now back home in Orange County, Eric is dedicated to supporting first responders and veterans in the treatment industry, helping them rebuild their lives, careers, and sense of purpose. Outside of his professional endeavors, Eric is passionate about health and fitness, enjoying weightlifting, cycling, and paddle surfing along the California coast.

My name is Weston Carrillo, I’m 34 years old and have proudly served in the fire service for 12 years. Ten of those years were with the Los Angeles City Fire Department, where I learned the true meaning of brotherhood, teamwork, and resilience. Over the past year, I’ve continued that mission with the Pechanga Fire Department, serving my community with the same passion and purpose that first drew me to this career. I’ve also been active in recovery for the last ten years, and that journey has taught me a deeper sense of gratitude, humility, and service to others values I try to bring into both my work and my personal life. I’ve been married to my beautiful wife Kristen for seven years, and together we continue to grow, travel, and build a life rooted in love, faith, and purpose. When I’m not at the station, I love spending time in the ocean surfing, exploring new places, and staying active through fitness and training. For me, balance is everything mind, body, and spirit and I try to live each day with intention and appreciation for the people and opportunities around me.

Greg is a native Californian born and raised in Los Angeles until relocating to
Orange County, CA, in the 1980s. Greg received an Honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 1974. Following that, Greg attended Loyola Law School. His career included 5
years as a Los Angeles City Attorney, where he handled numerous L.A. Police and Fire Department cases. Consequently, much of his work involved first responder situations as a trial litigator representing both Police and Fire members over the years. After his law practice, Greg enjoyed a long career in commercial real estate in both brokerage and development, as well as several start-up companies. Greg has been extremely active in the recovery field, working with individuals for over 39 years of sobriety. He is bringing his long-term commitment to helping alcoholics and addicts and those with mental health problems recover to a happier and more fulfilling, healthy life. His experience in this area has become a passion for Greg. That passion has led to working exclusively in recovery work for alcohol/drug addiction, treating anxiety and PTSD symptoms through both inpatient and outpatient recovery programs. Most of his work has been as a group facilitator and case manager exclusively with First Responders. A growing amount of recovery is taking place virtually, with great results for newer recovery clients as well as those in longer-term recovery. Greg lives with his wife, Carol, in Newport Beach with their married children in the Newport area and their grandchildren.

Retired Fire Captain & Mental Health Advocate My name is Dennis Hunt, and I'm a retired Fire Captain who proudly served with CAL FIRE for 30 years. Being a firefighter was one of the greatest joys and honors of my life-but it also became one of my hardest battles. The experiences I faced on calls and the trauma that came with them deeply affected my mental health. For a long time, I turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with the pain. When I finally recognized that I was struggling with PTSD, I made the decision to seek help. Through treatment and the support of others, I began learning tools and strategies that completely changed my life. Taking that first step toward healing truly saved me. Over the years, I've experienced many different modalities of therapy and healing-each one contributing something unique to my recovery. These included EMDR, EMBP, work in Sedona, Arizona focused on meditation and mental health healing, Epic Brain Center, the IAFF Center of Excellence, and the Unified Wellness Center. Every one of these experiences helped shape the person I am today. Today, I focus on seeking out good, wholesome things. I enjoy working out, fishing, riding my bike along the beach, and spending time with friends and family. Most importantly, I've found purpose in helping others who are struggling with similar challenges. Serving others and seeing the light return to their lives has made my own journey worthwhile.