Police Captain
Stamford Police
Stamford, CT
Lieutenant Douglas Deiso is a seasoned law enforcement executive with nearly three decades of public safety experience spanning the New York City Department of Correction and the Stamford Police Department. He began his career with the NYC Department of Correction, rising through the ranks to Captain while serving in the Emergency Service Unit, Intelligence Division, and Executive Protection Detail before managing large-scale operations and a seven-figure budget.
Since joining the Stamford Police Department in 2005, Lt. Deiso has served in patrol, narcotics, organized crime, K-9, and command assignments. He currently commands the Bureau of Criminal Investigations, overseeing major crimes, high-profile investigations, and multi-agency operations. He also serves as the department's Public Information Officer and commands the PEER Unit and Honor Guard.
Lt. Deiso is a Region 1 ASHER instructor, specializing in patrol and command response during the first 15–30 minutes of integrated critical incident operations. He is also a principal designer and facilitator of Stamford's semiannual tabletop exercises, bringing together local, regional, state, and federal partners to strengthen emergency preparedness.
A 17-year Honor Guard member and academy instructor, Lt. Deiso holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Supervision and Management and is completing a master's degree in Criminal Justice Critical Incident Management.
“Alcohol use is deeply woven into first responder culture, yet its impact on clarity, decision-making, fatigue, and mental health is rarely addressed openly within EMS and fire services. This session examines how routine alcohol use—both on and off shift—can affect cognitive performance, sleep quality, emotional regulation, burnout, operational readiness, and long-term wellness.
Drawing from lived experience, emerging research, and the development of the Zero Proof Hero movement, this program offers a practical, non-judgmental look at how alcohol culture influences provider performance in real-world settings. Attendees will explore why many responders underreport drinking habits, how alcohol can contribute to performance inconsistencies and preventable errors, and why even “normal” drinking patterns may quietly impact resilience and daily readiness.
The session provides clear, realistic strategies that first responders can begin using immediately—without requiring drastic lifestyle changes—to improve clarity, decision-making, and day-to-day performance. This presentation is designed for EMS providers, firefighters, educators, leaders, and instructors seeking to strengthen crew culture, reduce burnout, and enhance operational consistency.
The focus is practical, relatable, and highly relevant to the wellness and performance challenges currently facing the first responder community.”
