Boots on The Ground Alberta
Boots on the Grounds Alberta aims to provide an 24/7 anonymous helpline providing anonymous and confidential peer support to First Responders and Military Members across the province of Alberta. We are a charitable organization that is entirely run and staffed by volunteers.
Our Roots
Boots On The Ground (BOTG) was founded by Dave McLennan, a dedicated police officer, to address the impact of trauma on first responders. Initially, Dave gathered a group of experienced retired and active law enforcement officers to launch a confidential peer support program.
The first division of BOTG, Boots On The Ground Alberta (BOTG-AB), was established under the leadership of Mo Shaukat, a retired law enforcement officer and current lecturer at a post-secondary institution in Calgary, AB. Mo, who also serves as a military reservist, shares Dave’s passion for supporting first responders and military members. He has dedicated himself to providing an avenue for first responders and military personnel across Alberta to speak with someone who understands their experiences firsthand.
BOTG-AB began operations on September 25, 2023. Mo handpicked a team of committed first responders and civilians to lay the foundation of this division. The volunteers at BOTG-AB continue to provide unwavering support, answering calls 24/7 during individuals’ darkest hours.
