About Us

FOUNDED BY PUBLIC SERVICE

Sean O'Keefe

Founder & CEO

7.5 Years of Law Enforcement

Daniel Barzykowski

Founder & COO

30 Years of Law Enforcement

Jacob Latona

Founder & CTO

Civilian

Hero Link was born from the field—from the real-world gaps we saw every day as first responders. We created this to protect our own, because when everything is on the line, quick access to the right information can mean the difference between life and death. But the need we saw was bigger than just us—so we opened Hero Link to everyone. This isn’t just a product—it’s a promise to help you make it home. - Hero Link Founders

OUR COMMITMENT

Our mission extends beyond providing innovative safety and connectivity solutions — we are deeply committed to giving back to those who serve and protect. That’s why a percentage of every device sold is donated to support public service professionals, military personnel, and veterans. These contributions directly fund programs focused on improving mental health, emotional wellness, and access to vital support resources. By choosing Hero Link®, you’re not just investing in safety — you’re actively contributing to a greater cause and helping uplift the heroes who give so much to our communities.

General Population

Public Service

OUR MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Joseph Ravid, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.

Dr. Ravid, Hero Link’s Medical Director, brings real-world experience as a former NYC Paramedic, DHS Civil Surgeon, and SWAT Tactical Physician. His leadership ensures our technology meets the real needs of first responders—so customers can count on fast, accurate access to critical medical information when every second counts.

OUR HISTORY

2023
MARCH 12TH, 2023

Hero Link® Was Founded

After attending a focus group on suicide prevention and mental health for first responders and military personnel, Sean O'Keefe—a former law enforcement deputy—went out to dinner with his wife to celebrate their anniversary. During their conversation, Sean shared an idea with his wife, a registered nurse, about creating a wearable device that could quickly connect individuals to mental health resources. The concept quickly evolved into something more comprehensive, incorporating medical data to better support those in crisis. Recognizing the need from their own experience, Sean teamed up with his best friends, Daniel Barzykowski—an active law enforcement deputy—and Jacob Latona. Together, they brought the vision to life—and Hero Link® was born.

APRIL 17TH, 2023

First Hero Link® Device

The first Hero Link® device—a simple yet powerful band—marked the beginning of a mission to bridge the gap between help and those who need it most. This early version featured a sleek black band with the white Hero Link® logo boldly displayed across the front. It was designed with a straightforward exterior clasp and came in a limited size range, offering fewer options for larger or smaller wrists. Though minimal in design, this original model laid the foundation for what would become a life-saving tool, driven by purpose and built with care.

AUGUST 31ST, 2023

Our Viral Launch

The launch of the Hero Link® brand was an overwhelming success. Just days after releasing our first product, we went viral—capturing the attention of thousands of first responders, military members, healthcare workers, and public service across the country. Orders quickly poured in from over 40 states, a powerful testament to the urgent need for a solution like Hero Link®. More than just a wearable, it was immediately recognized as a life-saving tool—offering fast, discreet access to critical mental health and medical resources. The response confirmed what we already believed: Hero Link® was here for a reason, and it was making a difference from day one.

2024
JANUARY 10TH, 2024

We Attend Our First Show

Attending our first public service tradeshow was a major milestone for Hero Link and an unforgettable experience for our team. It gave us the opportunity to meet face-to-face with the very heroes we created this device for—first responders, law enforcement, firefighters, military personnel, and healthcare professionals. As we shared our mission and demonstrated how Hero Link® works, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Countless individuals expressed deep appreciation for the simplicity, purpose, and life-saving potential behind the device. Seeing their reactions and hearing their support firsthand only strengthened our commitment to making sure no one in public service ever feels alone in a time of crisis.

MARCH 12TH, 2024

Our First Agency Donation

One year after our inception, Hero Link® had the honor of visiting the Blount County Sheriff's Office in Tennessee to make a heartfelt donation of Hero Link® devices. This visit came in the wake of a tragic incident where two of their deputies were shot in the line of duty. As a company founded by public service professionals, this moment hit especially close to home. It marked the beginning of our ongoing commitment to give back to the brave men and women who risk their lives every day. That donation was the first of many, as Hero Link® continues to support departments across the country through direct contributions, ensuring those who protect us are never without the resources they may need—on and off duty.

MARCH 28TH, 2024

We Film Our First Commercial

Filming our first Hero Link® commercial was a defining moment for our brand—a chance to bring our mission to life on screen and share it with the world. We carefully crafted every scene to reflect the heart behind Hero Link®: real people, and real purpose. From showcasing the functionality of the device to highlighting the heroes who inspired its creation, the production was filled with emotion, pride, and passion. It wasn’t just a commercial—it was a visual statement of who we are and why we do what we do. The final product captured the spirit of Hero Link® and set the tone for everything that followed.

WATCH NOW
APRIL 16TH, 2024

Hero Link® Arrives at FDIC

Hero Link® had the incredible opportunity to attend FDIC (Fire Department International Conference), one of the largest and most respected public service tradeshows in the country, drawing over 30,000 attendees from around the world. Surrounded by fire service professionals, industry leaders, and innovators, we proudly showcased the Hero Link® device and shared our mission to support the mental and physical well-being of first responders. The response was truly inspiring—countless firefighters and public safety personnel stopped by to learn more, share their stories, and express their appreciation for the work we’re doing. FDIC was more than just a tradeshow for us—it was a powerful reminder of why Hero Link® exists and the lives it has the potential to impact every day.

SEPTEMBER 18TH, 2024

New Devices & Advisors

Hero Link® proudly expanded its product line with the launch of our new “Thin Line” devices—honoring the unique roles of law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, dispatchers, and military service members with distinct, meaningful color options. We also introduced our OD Green edition, paying tribute to the brave men and women of our armed forces, and rolled out a brand-new product: the Hero Link® Wallet Card, offering the same life-saving access to resources in a sleek, compact form. Alongside these product launches, we officially introduced the Hero Link Advisor Program—an inspiring network of dedicated men and women, all current or former public service professionals, now serving as ambassadors across the country. These advisors are actively training, educating, and sharing Hero Link’s mission with their peers, ensuring no one in public service is ever without support when they need it most.

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OCTOBER 17TH, 2024

Hero Link® Hits The News

Being featured in WINK News and several other media outlets across different states was a proud and humbling milestone for Hero Link®. These stories helped shine a spotlight on the urgent need for mental health support in public service and the innovative approach we’ve taken to address it. From local tabloids to regional news segments, the coverage amplified our mission and connected us with thousands of first responders, military members, and healthcare professionals nationwide. Each feature not only validated the impact of Hero Link® but also opened new doors for awareness, partnerships, and most importantly—life-saving conversations.

WATCH NOW
NOVEMBER 18TH, 2024

Hero Link® + Survival Armor®

Hero Link® is proud to announce a strategic partnership with national body armor leader, Survival Armor®—a collaboration that brought true innovation to the body armor industry. Together, we developed an RFID-protected shoulder strap attachment designed to securely house the Hero Link® Wallet Card. This discreet and durable addition allows first responders and law enforcement professionals to carry life-saving information directly on their gear, ready to be extracted instantly in the event of an emergency. By integrating Hero Link® into essential protective equipment, this partnership reinforces our shared commitment to safety, accessibility, and preparedness when every second counts.

2025
APRIL 4TH, 2025

Hero Link® Goes Retail

Hero Link® officially began its journey into retail and distribution channels, marking a major step forward in expanding our reach to public service communities nationwide. By partnering with trusted retailers and suppliers, we made it easier than ever for departments, agencies, and individual first responders to access our life-saving products. From local uniform shops to national distributors, Hero Link devices and Wallet Cards are now more widely available to those who need them most. This expansion has opened new doors for collaboration, bulk purchasing, and agency integration—allowing us to better serve law enforcement, fire, EMS, dispatch, military, and healthcare professionals across the country.

APPLY NOW
AUGUST 31ST, 2025

General Public Launch

After countless requests and months of preparation, Hero Link proudly announced the long-awaited and highly anticipated launch of our products to the general public. What began as a mission to support public service expanded to include everyone—because access to life-saving resources shouldn’t be limited to a uniform. From geriatric individuals and those with special needs to everyday families seeking peace of mind, Hero Link became available to serve anyone who might face a medical or mental health crisis. Alongside this launch, we also introduced a new line of solid-colored bands, offering more personalization and accessibility for users of all backgrounds. This expansion marked a major milestone in our journey, making it possible for all people—regardless of age, ability, or background—to carry a direct connection to help, hope, and safety wherever they went.

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