Meet Danny Staton, Fortem’s Regional Director

Strong teams are built by people who lead from the front, and at Fortem, Danny Staton plays a big role in driving that work forward.

Danny has been part of Fortem Australia for five years, first joining as a Relationship Manager before stepping into his current role as Regional Director. During this time, he has played a key role in expanding support services for first responders and their families across the country.

When asked what his role involves, Danny’s answer is simple, and not entirely inaccurate, ‘everything!’ From leading the Community Engagement Team across Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT and South Australia, to building partnerships and ensuring programs are delivered effectively, his role spans strategy, operations, and frontline engagement.

Danny’s journey to Fortem started long before he joined the organisation. He always knew he wanted to be a police officer, beginning his career with West Midlands Police in the UK after a short period working as a fitness coach. A few years later, he moved to Australia, where he spent 11 years policing in Queensland.

In June 2021, Danny transitioned out of policing and joined Fortem Australia, continuing his commitment to supporting the first responder community in a different, but equally meaningful way. His firsthand experience brings authenticity and understanding to everything he does.

More recently, Danny became an Australian citizen, marking an important milestone in his journey and connection to the community he now calls home.

We quizzed Danny Staton on a few things outside of work, and his answers were consistent with how he approaches everything.

When it comes to switching off, he keeps things simple. Hiking is his go-to, preferably somewhere with a view at the top. ‘It justifies the struggle on the way up,’ he says.

That same straightforward approach carries into how he works with others. The best advice he’s received is to ‘listen first and speak second,’ something that helped him in policing and continues to shape how he communicates and leads today.

Football is another constant, whether he’s playing, watching, or coaching his son’s soccer team, it’s a familiar and easy way to switch off.

Looking ahead, Danny is drawn to experiences that offer a different perspective. Norway or Iceland are high on his list, with the Northern Lights a long-standing goal. ‘It’s something I’ve always wanted to experience, just being somewhere completely different and seeing something you can’t really describe until you’re there.’

Thanks for everything you do, Danny. Fortem is incredibly fortunate to have you as part of the team.