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Tony brings 20 years of Arizona law enforcement experience to the Compassion Alliance board, having retired from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. His distinguished career included extensive work in investigative units, particularly in homicide, cold cases, and deputy-involved shootings. Tony’s time in law enforcement exposed him to the mental health struggles first responders face, which became the driving force behind Compassion Alliance.
Compassion Alliance was born out of Tony’s personal journey. After retiring, Tony sought help on his own and realized the need for a safe, supportive place for first responders to turn to before it’s too late. With his wife Melody, he’s committed to strengthening first responders’ careers and marriages—crediting their 26-year marriage to her unwavering support.
Tony’s goal is to ensure that the work of Compassion Alliance continues long into the future, providing vital support to first responders and their families for generations to come. His message is clear, “It’s ok to not be ok
Dr. Melody Medawar Rodarte is a physician specializing in Internal Medicine, with a heart for serving first responders. Since beginning her medical career in 2005, she has witnessed firsthand the unique health challenges they face, both from her practice and through her husband, Tony, a retired law enforcement officer. Melody believes first responders need medical teams that understand the physical and mental stresses of their work.
Compassion Alliance was founded in part due to her husband’s experience, and Melody is committed to ensuring others receive the support they need. She envisions a future where first responders are cared for holistically—mentally, physically, and within their families.
Melody’s medical expertise allows her to bring a unique perspective to the board, advocating for early interventions that can prevent long-term harm. Her goal is to provide first responders and their families with the tools and care they need to thrive in their careers and beyond.
Jeff brings decades of experience in the construction industry to the Compassion Alliance board. Growing up working in his father’s lumber yard in Iowa, Jeff moved to Arizona in 1983 and entered the truss industry, eventually founding and running his own truss plant for 39 years before selling the business in 2022. Jeff’s passion for problem-solving and business efficiency made him a successful entrepreneur, skills he now contributes to Compassion Alliance.
Jeff’s deep respect for veterans and law enforcement inspired him to join the board, seeing Compassion Alliance as the perfect way to give back. His goal is to help TCA become the “go to” resource for first responders facing personal challenges, ensuring they receive the support and care they need.
With a background in critical thinking and operations, Jeff is committed to improving TCA’s efficiency and helping it grow to serve even more first responders in the future.
John is a career law enforcement officer with decades of experience, most notably in homicide investigation. He served as a supervisor in the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office’s Homicide Unit and was a key figure in the Arizona Child Abduction Response Team, where he even served as the state coordinator. After retiring early from Maricopa County, John moved to Florida and continues his law enforcement career as a Robbery Homicide Investigator in Escambia County.
John’s passion for helping first responders led him to join Compassion Alliance at its inception. Having worked alongside Tony in law enforcement, he was inspired to help shape an organization that would offer discreet, meaningful support to first responders. John’s firsthand knowledge of their struggles fuels his commitment to the cause.
His goal is to make Compassion Alliance a household name in the first responder community, ensuring help is always available for those brave enough to ask.
Unfortunately, some experience depression, sadness, and loneliness. The Compassion Alliances exists to provide hope and we could not do it without your support.
From the start, we knew our mission was a challenging one. At the Compassion Alliance, we want to faithfully serve those who need hope, and may not know where to turn. We strive to be present in the most painful circumstances in someone’s personal and professional life. We lean into the uncomfortable of each of these situations to allow those who are struggling to know that they have a voice and access to resources.
Your support of our mission is making a difference. If you feel so inclined, please use the enclosed self-addressed stamped envelope to make your tax-free donation. The Compassion Alliance is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. You will receive a receipt for your contribution along with a special gift from our board of directors.
With a grateful heart for all that you do and with many with thanks.
Tony Rodarte
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (ret.)
Law Enforcement Consultant & Trainer