Casey Ellsworth, Board Member

Casey Ellsworth brings nearly two decades of experience as a firefighter and paramedic to the Assist the Officer Foundation. With 17 years of service—15 of them with Dallas Fire-Rescue—Casey has worked at some of the most specialized stations in the city, including Station 19, one of only two Urban Search and Rescue stations in Dallas, and Station 39, which handles calls on Lake Ray Hubbard. Currently, he serves in the department’s Safety Division in the DFR Care Network as a Peer Support Coordinator, where he is in his third year helping first responders navigate the mental and emotional challenges of the job.

Casey’s connection to ATO began in the aftermath of the 7/7/16 shooting, where he supported a fellow paramedic struggling with the trauma of that day. Witnessing firsthand the impact of ATO’s counseling services—and how they helped shift the mindset of a reluctant, seasoned veteran—solidified his commitment to the Foundation’s mission. Casey believes that ATO plays a critical role in bridging two of the biggest barriers to help-seeking in the first responder community: financial hardship and stigma.

Beyond his professional role, Casey is deeply committed to peer support and mental wellness initiatives across the region. He serves on the board of the DFW First Responder Support Network, is a master peer support instructor for the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), and chairs the Peer Support Committee for the Dallas Firefighters Association. He’s also certified as an ASIST and safeTALK instructor for suicide prevention and is an active member of the Dallas Firefighters Pipes and Drums.

Born in Oregon but raised in Texas, Casey grew up in Euless and graduated from Trinity High School. He pursued his calling early, becoming an EMT two days after graduation and a certified firefighter by the end of 2005. He joined the fire service in 2007 at the age of 20. Casey married his high school sweetheart, Crystal, in 2011, and together they’ve built a beautiful life in Royse City with their three children—twins Callahan and Corbyn, and their youngest, Carrigan—plus a few chickens, a donkey, three goats, and a dog.

Outside of work and volunteer commitments, Casey enjoys spending time outdoors, being on the water, traveling, and listening to live music. Above all, he has a passion for people and a drive to serve his community, especially those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.