OUR MISSION
At Runestone Ranch, our mission is to establish a proactive, peer-driven community that empowers first responders and their families to navigate the demands of their roles before challenges escalate. We are dedicated to creating a culture that champions resilience, prevents burnout, and strengthens connections through a blend of education and regulation techniques—ensuring that when critical moments arise, support is already in place.
MEET OUR FOUNDERS
Having endured their own traumatic experiences while serving as police officers and encountering a notable lack of accessible support resources, Brian Buss and Anthony Pantoja discovered profound healing and normalcy in being alongside fellow first responders with similar backgrounds and having similar experiences while on the job. This feeling of being part of a community after the trauma led them to found Runestone Ranch, motivated by the critical gap they noticed during their time in law enforcement: a dire need for dedicated support environments for first responders facing both personal and workplace-induced traumas. They firmly believe that those who dedicate themselves to the safety and security of our communities merit a sanctuary designed with their unique challenges in mind.
Brian and Anthony recognize that first responders are often viewed as unbreakable, yet their own experiences reveal a contrasting reality. At Runestone Ranch, they aim to shift this perception, creating not just a retreat, but a movement toward acknowledging and healing the hidden wounds that first responders carry. The ranch, currently in development, represents a hopeful promise of healing and restoration for those who have selflessly served our communities.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Our philosophy is rooted in shared experiences and creating a sense of community that ensures first responders and their families are prepared to face challenges before they escalate. By creating connections and providing practical tools, we aim to ensure that when the unexpected happens, you already have support in place.
We recognize the unique impact of peer support, where connecting with others who have walked similar paths builds understanding, connection, and strength. Led by certified Advanced Peer Specialists with firsthand experience, our programs create a space for mutual encouragement, shared growth, and support without judgment.
Our focus goes beyond managing the stresses of the job, but transcends into life as a spouse, parent, friend, and community member. Through education and regulation techniques, we prioritize sustainable, non-pharmaceutical methods for long-term well-being.
Runestone Ranch is dedicated to empowering first responders to address stress, burnout, and trauma while rediscovering balance and purpose in every area of life. Here, you’ll find understanding, actionable support, and a community that truly has your back.
OUR LOCATION
Located in Livermore, California, our 102-acre ranch offers a peaceful retreat in the rolling hills of the Bay Area, just outside San Francisco. Surrounded by open skies and animals roaming the property, we are currently undergoing a transformative construction phase to create arched cabin lodging, educational facilities, and a repurposed targeted open range. This evolving space is designed to help first responders step away from the high-stress demands of their profession, providing an environment for reflection, growth, and support that lasts long after you leave.
For more pictures & information about future plans/amenities, features of the property, and our campaign to raise funds for cabins, visit the link below.