A NATIONAL IMPERATIVE: TRANSFORMING 21st CENTURY AMERICAN LAW ENFORCEMENT

The NYPD: FORGING A NATIONAL MODEL OF EXCELLENCE

DURING A NATIONAL CRISIS

VINCENT J. BOVE

2024 - 2025 SERVICE REPORT

Appointment Process and Report  

NYPD Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker

SECTION 1: THE APPOINTMENT & COMMAND-LEVEL VETTING

Beyond his law enforcement service nationwide, Vincent J. Bove holds the singular official designation as the Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker for the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

This unparalleled appointment was earned through a formidable record of 25 YEARS OF LAW ENFORCMENT achievements, including:

REDEFINING STANDARDS: Ethics, Morale, Violence Prevention, Emotional Resiliency and Suicide Prevention - Nationwide presentations and extensive published works to assist law enforcement agencies facing unprecedented challenges.

PROLIFIC AUTHORITY: A commanding body of work: Four seminal books and 330 inspirational articles, including 18 cover stories for the National Association of Chiefs of Police.

This appointment DEMANDED his comprehensive written action plan, and a full dept SCRUTINY and background check by officials throughout the NYPD. This process included the following:

AUTHORIZATION: Exclusive interviews with the NYPD Commissioner, Executive Staff and many department officials with subsequent appointment by the NYPD Commissioner.

RIGOROUS OVERSIGHT: Vetting by the Office of the Mayor of the City of New York, NYPD Chief of Personnel, NYPD Legal Department, and NYPD Medical Services.

MISSION CRITICAL EXECUTION: A foundational presentation delivered by Bove as requested by the NYPD Chief Supervising Surgeon (CSS). An interview with the CSS and the NYPD Lead Psychiatrist as requested by the Commissioner led to this request.

Bove’s presentation at NYPD Medical Services was delivered to the Police Self Support Group. This is an exclusive fraternal group of the NYPD comprised of officers facing life-altering line-of-duty injuries as well as critical illnesses. 

The presentation was the deciding factor for clearance and authorization by the CSS for Bove to assist, counsel, and train personnel throughout the department.

In this pivotal, department-wide capacity, Mr. Bove EXECUTES CRITICAL, TRANSFORMATIVE INITIATIVES designed to ensure the operational, ethical integrity and emotional resiliency of the department.

“I pray that they listen and learn. Your talks Vincent, are not just another class they must attend, but rather a step to survival.

“It’s not about just looking to prevent suicide among cops, but about prevention of suicide for themselves as well.”

NYPD Detective Kathy Burke retd., Police Self Support Group Vice President

SECTION 2: THE CORE MISSION: IGNITING RESILIENCE AND REFORM

Mr. Bove's service—an intensive fusion of strategic advising, counseling, and specialized training—is LASER-FOCUSED on these imperative and interdependent pillars for a police department to be effective:

•   UNWAVERING ETHICAL LEADERSHIP

•   AFFIRMATION AND RESPECT TO BUILD MORALE

•   OPERATIONAL AND EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE

•   SUICIDE INTERVENTION & PREVENTION

Forging the foundation of 21st Century Policing, this critical service delivers ethical guidance, encourages morale, and inspires psychological fortitude essential for the NYPD to thrive and serve as a national model for agencies throughout America.

Bove’s mission-critical presentations have been developed for EVERY SINGLE LEVEL of NYPD personnel, from the highest-ranking executive staff to officers on patrol.

He has effectively delivered presentations across EVERY BOROUGH of New York City.

SECTION 3: EXTENDING THE LIFELINE: CRITICAL FORCE MULTIPLIER

The scope of his influence has further extended to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), where Bove has provided, as approved by their Commissioner, VITAL, AFFIRMING and LIFE-SAVING REMARKS at fire stations.

Bove has also conducted specialized ethical leadership, morale, resiliency, and trauma focused training for their CRITICAL PEER SUPPORT PERSONNEL at their FDNY EMS Academy.

Impacting Critical Services Through Collaboration

Regarding Vincent’s work as documented in his article titled A Clarion Call for the NYPD: Ethical Leadership, Morale, Resiliency, the Clinical Lead Psychologist for Northwell Direct noted: “This is how you change police culture. Boots on the ground, tireless efforts that don’t follow a M-F (9-5) schedule, no psycho-babble, and no hidden agenda.”

Bove directly supports critical mental health services for the NYPD through his exclusive, high-level collaboration with the clinical lead psychologist of Northwell Direct, the body entrusted with providing essential mental health services.

This partnership has generated numerous high-impact presentations by Bove and the Northwell Direct psychologist for the NYPD and the MTA Police Department.

Simultaneously, Bove has been crucial to a key initiative orchestrated by Northwell Direct: a collaborative venture with The Columbia Lighthouse Project.

In this capacity, Bove works with leaders of the project. He is equipped with state-of-the-art custom laminated cards for risk identification and suicide prevention.  These powerful tools have been distributed to thousands of law enforcement, significantly expanding a crisis prevention capacity.

“I sincerely appreciate the articles you have contributed since becoming the NYPD Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker…your work serves as a vital example of the leadership, resilience, and ethical guidance needed in law enforcement during these challenging times.”

National Association of Chiefs of Police Publication Editor, The Chief of Police Magazine

SPECIFIC NYPD AND FDNY VENUES & TOPICS (A Record of Service)

The initiative is defined by its deep reach into the lives of first responders, covering critical topics through the following specific engagements:

Key Initiatives & Audiences

NYPD Leadership & Resilience Initiatives

• Principled Leadership, Morale & Resilience — Launch with NYPD Commissioner and Executive Staff, Headquarters

• A Time for Ethical Leadership — NYPD Commissioner’s Office, Manhattan

• Leading Through a National Crisis — NYPD Police Self-Support Group Medical Division (Queens) — Presentation on Crisis Leadership

• Employee Assistance Unit — “Leading Through a National Crisis” NYPD Academy — National Crisis, Assistance & Resiliency Training

• NYPD Sergeants — Leadership in Times of National Crisis Promotion Classes / Police Academy — Ethical Leadership in Crisis

• NYPD Lieutenants & Captains — Leading Through a National Crisis / Police Academy

• NYPD American Legion Post 460 — Remarks on Service & Honor NYPD Headquarters — “My Standard Will Remain Perfection”

Resiliency, Honor & Support

• Police Self-Support Group — Respect, Honor, Resiliency Annual Holiday Event (Queens) — Support & Resiliency

• NYPD & FDNY Chaplains — Purpose, Service, Respect Joint Planning Session (Manhattan) — NYPD–FDNY Health & Wellness

Suicide Prevention & Mental Health

• America’s Law Enforcement Suicide Crisis — Issues & Response

• Empowering Lieutenants to Prevent Suicide — NYPD Initiative NYPD Academy — Ethical Leadership & Suicide Prevention

• NYPD/FDNY Operation Resiliency: Rescue Co. 1 — Remarks, Manhattan

• Operation Resiliency: Squad Co. 18 — Remarks, Manhattan

• FDNY/EMS Peer Support — “The Heart of Operation Resiliency” FDNY EMS Academy

• Medical Division (Queens) — ConQueR Suicide: Empowering Law Enforcement

Leadership Across Precincts & Units

• NYPD Guardians Association (Manhattan) — Leadership Remarks

• Policewomen’s Endowment Association (Bronx) — Ethical Leadership, Morale & Resiliency

• 19th Precinct Roll Call (Manhattan) — “The Wounded Protector”

• FDNY Engine Co. 38 (Manhattan) — Remarks on Resiliency

• Candidate Assessment Division (Manhattan) — Ethical Leadership & Morale Remarks

• Columbia Association (Brooklyn) — Ethical Leadership, Patriotism & Collaboration Remarks

• MTAPD Peer Support Professionals (Manhattan) — Crisis Leadership Training

• 75th Precinct (Brooklyn) — Leadership, Morale & Honor (Remarks: Roll Calls & Detective Squads)

• NYPD Encounter: Don Bosco Retreat — Stony Point, NY Presentation

• PSA 2 (Brooklyn) — Leadership, Honor & Vigilance Roll Call Remarks

• 44th Precinct (Bronx) — Leadership, Vigilance & Community Remarks: Roll Calls

• Police Self-Support Group — Character, Courage & Community Presentation 

• NYPD Memoriam — Honoring Officers Cecil Frank Sledge & Anthony Dwyer Presentation 

• 121st Precinct (Staten Island) — Leadership, Vigilance & Patriotism Remarks: Roll Calls and Borough Special Event Planning Remarks 

• Transit District 4 (Manhattan) — Ethical Leadership, Vigilance & Resiliency Remarks

• Transit District 1 (Manhattan) — Ethical Leadership, Vigilance & Resiliency Remarks

• NYPD in Harlem — Courage, Legacy & Resiliency Remarks: Roll Call

• NYPD Finest Baseball Team (Paterson, NJ) — Pre-game Resiliency Remarks

National & Regional Engagement

• A Clarion Call from Mississippi — Forging the Future of American Policing; Mississippi Dept. of Public Safety Summit Presentation 

• Morris County Police Chiefs Association — Ethical Leadership & Resilience Remarks

*Additional notable engagements include attendance at the NYPD Asian Jade Society annual dinner, and the NYPD Police Self Support Group annual dinner, and countless communications via face-to-face, emails, phone calls, and texts.

Bove with TD 4 Officer May 7, 2025

“Today, [Apr. 29, 2025] we had the privilege of having Vincent Bove as a special guest this afternoon.

Mr. Bove, your words were encouraging, inspiring, and motivating.  Thank you for your leadership and visiting us here at the 121 Precinct, it was a pleasure to meet you.”  

NYPD 121 Precinct / Staten Island

Broader Law Enforcement Outreach

Presentations as noted above included the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, the Morris County Police Chiefs Association, and the MTA Police.

●       Details of NYPD Operation Resiliency initiative, which also included FDNY venues, were also shared during encounters with the Swiss Guards (June 29 and July 3, 2025) at the Vatican.

There were also numerous encounters with the Carabinieri (the national military police force of Italy during June, 2025), and at their request, remarks on leadership to an Italian army unit providing special event protection with them at the Palermo Cathedral in Sicily on June 22, 2025.

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AUTHORITY & NATIONAL PUBLICATION

“We are confident that our program can serve as a national model on police helping one another. We are hopeful that with individuals like Vincent in our corner, and others who support the NYPD, we will be more effective in our dedication to assist our police family, and our communities.” 

Peter Pallos, NYPD Police Self Support Group Executive Board Secretary, 25 years with the group.

Vincent J. Bove is a MAJOR NATIONAL VOICE on these topics, having AUTHORED BOOKS, EXTENSIVE PUBLISHED ARTICLES, and REPORTS for the National Association of Chiefs of Police and The Sentinel.

The articles, featured EXCLUSIVELY in these national publications, underscore their paramount significance for 21^st Century American Law Enforcement.

His forceful and critically important published articles for a national publication (NACOP) and for The Sentinel include:

●       THE NYPD CANDIDATE ASSESSMENT DIVISION – ETHICAL LEADERSHIP, MORALE, INFLUENCE 

●      NYPD EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE UNIT: LEADING THROUGH A NATIONAL CRISIS 

●      THE NYPD: LEADING THROUGH A NATIONAL CRISIS / SPECIAL EDITION DEDICATED to AMERICAN LAW ENFORCEMENT 

●      FORGING THE FUTURE OF AMERICAN POLICING: A SPECIAL REPORT: A CLARION CALL FOR AMERICAN POLICING: ETHICAL LEADERSHIP, MORALE, RESILIENCY 

●      America’s Law Enforcement Sacrifices Demand Eternal Gratitude 

●    Police Suicides: Awareness, Compassion, Action 

●    21st Century Policing: Issues and Response

●    21st Century American Policing Demands Ethical Leadership 

●   Safeguarding America’s Protectors: A Community Responsibility 

●     Igniting 21st Century Ethical Policing: Understanding the Profession 

●     In Memoriam: America’s Fallen Police Officers 

●    THE NYPD UNBREAKABLE LINEUP: NEW YORK FINEST BASEBALL CLUB AND THE POWER OF PERSEVERANCE 

●     The NYPD Encounters Don Bosco 

●     The NYPD Police Self Support Group: Character, Courage, Community 

●     The NYPD 44 Precinct: Leadership, Vigilance, Community 

●     The NYPD 75th Precinct in Brooklyn: Leadership, Respect, Honor 

●     The NYPD Columbia Association: Ethical Leadership, Patriotism, Collaboration 

●     NYPD 19th Precinct Roll Call Remarks: The Wounded Protector 

●     The NYPD 121st Precinct: Leadership, Vigilance, Patriotism 

●     The NYPD 32 in Harlem: Courage, Legacy, Resiliency 

●     The NYPD TD 4: Ethical Leadership, Vigilance, Resiliency 

●     The NYPD TD 1: Ethical Leadership, Courage, Resiliency 

●     NYPD In Memoriam: Officer Cecil Frank Sledge and Officer Anthony Dwyer 

●     The Morris County Police Chiefs Association:21st Century Policing 

●     A Clarion Call for the NYPD: Ethical Leadership, Morale, Resiliency 

●     The NYPD PSA 2 in Brooklyn: Leadership, Honor, Vigilance 

●     The Lincoln Standard: A Clarion Call for America's Crisis of Character 

●     21st Century Policing: Ethics, Resiliency, Community Engagement 

●     America’s National Crisis: Empowering Law Enforcement Ethical Leadership, Morale, Emotional Resiliency - AI Summary 

ABOUT VINCENT

Vincent J. Bove stands as a nationally acclaimed authority and transformative voice in ethical leadership, violence prevention, building law enforcement morale, ethical resiliency, and suicide prevention.

A sought-after national speaker, prolific author, and trusted confidant, Bove’s profound insights and actionable strategies have shaped critical discourse and fortified institutions across America.

A Prolific and Award-Winning Author:

Bove’s intellectual contributions are vast, with over 330 published articles and four influential books addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges in ethical leadership, violence prevention, public safety, and resiliency. Bove has an additional 500 works posted in his online newsletter titled The Sentinel.

His fourth book, Reawakening America ©, earned distinction as a finalist for an ASIS International Book of the Year award, underscoring its national significance.

The seminal Listen to Their Cries © was notably sponsored by West Point for all attendees from colleges nationwide at his National Conference on Ethics in America (NCEA) presentation, a testament to its critical message.

Bove’s work has been esteemed by countless law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, and community leaders.

Esteemed by America’s Premier Law Enforcement Agencies:

Recognized for his unwavering commitment, Vincent was appointed Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker by the NYPD. He is a pivotal force in championing principled leadership, bolstering morale, fostering emotional resilience, and spearheading suicide prevention initiatives at department events and roll calls.

“Your saving lives of those who save lives.”  Chief Louis Ghione, North Arlington Police Department, retd.

His FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award underscores his profound impact. Bove has served as a recurrent keynote speaker at prestigious FBI venues, delivering powerful addresses on leadership in times of crisis, corruption, and national transformation to their audiences at Princeton University, Fort Dix, Fort Monmouth, and FBI Field Offices.

Spearheading National Safety and Leadership Initiatives:

Bove’s influence extends to safeguarding major urban centers. He developed and delivered the critical keynote series, Leadership Principles: Crisis Planning, Community Partnerships, Violence Prevention ©, to fortify New York City.

These high-stakes sessions convened leaders from the NYPD, FDNY, FBI, corporate security directors, and property managers at iconic venues including:

• The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
• The New York Stock Exchange
• Rockefeller University
• The Union Club of New York
• Columbia University and Fordham University

Innovator in Modern Policing and Community Safety:

A testament to his proactive approach, Bove developed the groundbreaking program 21st Century Policing: America’s Ethical Protector©.

This certification program, launched through a major conference in partnership with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (BCPO), Bergen County Police Chiefs Association (BCPCA), and Bergen County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), saw Bove direct the event and deliver its galvanizing keynote to a cross-section of local, county, and state police agencies.

His long-standing commitment to community safety is further evidenced by his 20-year service as liaison on violence prevention for the BCPCA.

The widespread adoption of Listen To Their Cries© at events like The Southern New Jersey Prosecutors Safe Schools Conference (a collaboration of seven prosecutors representing 300 police departments and schools) and by the Bergen County Education Association (BCEA) for 279 schools, highlights his reach and effectiveness.

A Leading Voice and Advocate:

As a prominent author for the National Association of Chiefs of Police, Bove has penned 18 cover stories, numerous special reports, and sixty-five articles, shaping national law enforcement dialogue for 16 years. 

His compassion and authority led him to serve as a spokesperson and author a report for a coalition of victim families from the Virginia Tech tragedy, amplifying their voices on a national stage.

Bove’s expertise is also sought by America’s military. He has delivered numerous impactful presentations at West Point and a U.S. Air Force leadership keynote at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix.  He has authored numerous published works honoring all branches of America’s armed forces.

Beyond his law enforcement and military advocacy, Bove has served as a trusted confidant to New York Yankees players from two world-champion teams.  This included a collaboration with twenty-eight Yankee players on his first book, a collection of personal letters to fans.

Endorsed at the Highest Levels:

The U.S. Senate itself has recognized Vincent J. Bove’s exceptional standing:

“Vincent J. Bove is considered one of the foremost national experts on school and workplace violence prevention, specializing in facility protection, evacuations, terrorism prevention and leadership training.” – U.S. Senate

Photos

1.Bove remarks to NYPD Transit District 4 roll call, Manhattan, May 5, 2025. (NYPD Lt. John Froehlich for Reawakening America LLC (RALLC)

2.NYPD Operation Resiliency collage. (RALLC)

3.FDNY firefighters with Bove, Jan. 8. 2025 (RALLC)

4.The Columbia Lighthouse Project customized suicide prevention card. Designed in collaboration with RALLC for Bove presentation at the Mississippi Public Safety Summit, May 29, 2025. (RALLC)

5.Bove and members of the Swiss Guard, The Vatican, July 3, 2025. (RALLC)

6. Bove with NYPD 75 Precinct, Apr. 4, 2025, Photo Courtesy of NYPD 75 for (RALLC)

7. National Association of Chiefs of Police, 18 Bove Cover Stories.

The Morris County Police Chiefs Association: 21st Century Policing

On Wednesday June 18, 2025, I was the privileged guest of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association (MCPCA).

During my visit to their meeting at the Morris County Public Safety Academy in Morristown, NJ I shared remarks titled 21st Century Policing: Ethical Leadership, Morale, Emotional Resiliency, Suicide Prevention.

The remarks complemented my work over the last 25 years for law enforcement, and my recent eight months assisting the NYPD on these critical policing issues.

In my opinion, ethical leadership, morale, emotional resiliency, and suicide prevention are critical to American policing, and interdependent on one another.

Gratitude

Chief Jon Delaney, President of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association, and Chief of the Dover NJ Police Department. 

My sincere appreciation to Chief Delaney for the invitation to speak to the association, and for his professionalism, hospitality, and leadership in Morris County.

Chief Jeffrey Almer, Past President of the Morris County Police Chief Association, and Chief of the Washington Township Police Department.

It has been my pleasure to be in contact over the past year with Chief Almer on various policing issues, and his leadership was instrumental with my invitation today.

The Morris County Police Chiefs Association is an organization dedicated to promoting and improving public safety matters within Morris County, New Jersey. It acts as a unifying body for police chiefs in the county and is involved in various initiatives related to law enforcement.

Mission: To secure and improve unity of action in all public safety matters and advance the science and art of police services.

THE SENTINEL

As with many of my law enforcement activities, they are memorialized in The Sentinel and by the National Association of Chiefs of Police.

This provides a resource for law enforcement, government leaders, and communities.

The documentation respects the importance of education; and the need to empower, encourage, and inspire character.

It also serves my goal of assisting law enforcement agencies to be recognized as a national model of 21st Century Policing.

These efforts throughout the country have continued since my appointment as the NYPD Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker eight months ago.

Here is an expanded version of my brief remarks today, with additional issues critical to policing to serve not only the MCPCA, but all law enforcement.

Honoring American Sacrifices - As memorialized in The Chief of Police

During my remarks, I took time to share experiences my wife and I had visiting both World War II American military cemeteries in Italy two years ago.

We visited these sacred grounds to honor Americans who offered the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

Respecting our military, and reverence for those who lost their lives in service of our freedom, is an indisputable principle for the reawakening of our nation. 

It is also one of the nine Principles of American Policing.

This respect is complemented by honoring the fallen law enforcement professionals who have lost their lives protecting and serving our communities.

Reflections of the World War II American Military Cemetery visits are memorialized in the journal I maintained during our travels and are as follows:

“In the afternoon, we traveled from Florence, Italy to the Florence American WWII Cemetery, 7 ½ miles south in Impruneta to honor American hero’s from World War II.

“On these sacred grounds lie 4,393 Americans.

“There is also a large sculptured figure on site titled ‘The Spirit of Peace’ and tablets of 1,409 have their names engraved upon it as missing in action.

“While walking these hallowed grounds, we felt mystically connected to these sacred souls, a deeper appreciation of America, and profoundly aware of the price of freedom.”

July 1, 2023: Sicily-Rome American Cemetery

“Today we traveled 1.5 hours by train from Rome to the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery in the town
of Nettuno.

“We then walked 25 minutes from the station to the cemetery, morally obligated as Americans to visit both resting places for our World War II heroes.

“These visitations were enriching spiritual experiences forever engraved into our souls.

“Here in Nettuno is the sacred burial ground of 7,858 Americans. Also, in the on-site chapel an additional 3,095 names are engraved into stone. These are the missing in action, lost at sea, or buried at sea.

China, California, New Jersey

During today's visit I also shared experiences in China, and serving law enforcement in California to work on suicide prevention.

When I returned home to New Jersey after 9 months of travel to Italy, China, and California, I received a call from former NYPD Commissioner Thomas G. Donlon.

Soon after this call, my initiative, built on the pillars of ethical leadership, morale, emotional resiliency, and suicide prevention began. 

I was appointed the NYPD Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker after an extensive vetting process with many department representatives.

ETHICAL LEADERSHIP, MORALE, RESILIENCY, SUICIDE PREVENTION

While in California on November 7, 2023, there was a sobering headline that pierced my soul:

“Four current and former L.A. Sheriff’s Department employees died by suicide in a 24-hour span”

The suicide deaths, four within 24 hours, prompted a plea from Sheriff Robert Luna urging deputies to check on the well-being of their colleagues and friends.

“We are stunned to learn of these deaths, and it has sent shock waves of emotions throughout the department as we try and cope with the loss of not just one, but four beloved active and retired members of our department family,” Luna said in an emailed statement Tuesday. “During difficult times like these it’s important for personnel regardless of rank or position to check on the well-being of other colleagues and friends.”

Since I would be in California for at least another 2 months, I was compelled to act.

ONE PHONE CALL

Sometimes, as law enforcement knows, moving a mountain can begin with just one phone call, and so I called the U.S. Marshall of the SDNY.

In turn, Marshall Ralph Sozio made one phone call, to the right person, the NYPD liaison in California, and the chain of events to address the crisis began.

The NYPD liaison, Detective John Lunt, set up an initiative for my presentation to representatives from 18 law enforcement agencies from throughout California.

Before continuing, a simple reminder of how to respond to a crisis. We begin communication in a profoundly simple but meaningful way – pick up the phone, and make the call with confidence, resolve, and commitment.

Just one phone call can set into motion a chain of events that can transform lives.

Police Suicides: Awareness, Compassion, Action

Subsequently, this California initiative was followed with an article for my column for the National Association of Chiefs of Police.

The article was titled, Police Suicides: Awareness, Compassion, Action.

OPERATION RESILIENCY: BACKGROUND

In 2023, I developed the initiative titled NYPD /FDNY Operation Resiliency: Ethical Leadership, Morale, Emotional Resiliency, Suicide Prevention.

Since then, I have been privileged to conduct presentations including peer support at both the NYPD and FDNY academies for the MTAPD, NYPD promotion classes, NYPD fraternal organizations, firehouses, and roll calls.

Also, I conducted suicide prevention training sessions with Dr. Stephen Wacshal of ConQueR Suicide, an NYPD Spiritual Retreat, and many follow up chats and communications with personnel of these agencies.

THE WOUNDED HEALER

One insight I believe is important to the MCPCA, and law enforcement nationwide is The Wounded Healer by Henri Nouwen.

A few thoughts of this concept:

• “When our wounds cease to be a source of shame, and become a source of healing, we have become wounded healers.”

• “Nobody escapes being wounded. We are all wounded people, whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually.”

• “Our service will not be perceived as authentic, unless it comes from a heart wounded by the suffering we encounter in others.”

• “The main question is not ‘How can we hide our wounds? so we don’t have to be embarrassed, but   How can we put our woundedness in the service of others?”

Besides thoughts on The Wounded Healer, easily transitioned to The Wounded Protector for all law enforcement, I would also like you to be empowered with another thought - The Ethical Protector.

THE ETHICAL PROTECTOR

The Ethical Protector: each of us dedicated to the noble law enforcement profession has a unique moral compass – ethical protectors.

The law enforcement DNA irrefutably has a laser focus - protecting innocent, vulnerable, helpless, and marginalized members of society.

This ethical protector moral compass is so fine-tuned, that we understand that as protectors, that wherever we are, people are safe because of our presence.

THE ETHICAL PROTECTOR: DEDICATED TO THE BROKENHEARTED

A quick thought - after one of my presentations, I was approached by a young woman who asked for my advice.

She asked, “what do I do. I feel so broken inside, a place no one can see, hopeless and most importantly invisible to others. Sometimes I feel that my soul is crying, and if only someone would just acknowledge me, ask me if I am OK – what I would do for someone to invite me to just sit with them and listen to me.”

The brokenhearted are in our families, communities, workplaces, within the NYPD – we must respond with compassion, concern, and empathy. We must have our eyes, and our hearts wide open.

Recently, during one of my volunteer visits to senior residence homes, (where I am privileged to visit about 40 seniors, at times on their death beds, to administer the Eucharist) an 86-year-old woman told me another story.

She shared the story of her father, NYPD Detective James Francis Carberry, who died by suicide in 1938.

Clare told me she was a 10-year-old girl, and the first one to find her father after his death by suicide.

The memory of this tragedy has remained with Claire throughout her life.

Clare asked me to share that she did not have the knowledge as a child to see, the signs.

She asked me to share - you have the power through your encounters, observation skills, empathy, compassion, and sixth-sense to respond to the warning signs of brokenness.

Do so with kindness, dignity, and affirmation – you can change, and save lives.

DR. CONRAD BAARS: THE HEALING POWER OF AFFIRMATION

During the last 45 years, I have been a practitioner of the famous psychiatrist Dr. Conrad Baars.

His vast collection of books can be summed up as follows:

Affirmation has a power that can transform lives.  It is a catalyst that ignites hope into the souls of human beings. Affirmation recognizes, appreciates, and encourages the qualities of others.

“The challenges of life can deprive individuals of the basic human need of unconditional love and appreciation. Yet, the affirmative person, the wounded healer, and for us today, the wounded protector, inspires healing of the body, mind, spirit, and emotions.”    Vincent J. Bove

A REFLECTION

Inspired by the honor guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C., I ask you to apply these words from the Sentinel’s creed, from those who guard the tomb.

This sacred place holds our heroes who died in service of America.

The message from their creed applies to each of us; in our noble, necessary, and admirable work to protect society:

“My dedication to this sacred duty is total and wholehearted. In the responsibility bestowed upon me, never will I falter.

“And with dignity and perseverance my standard will remain perfection.”

Let us continue our mission as it is honorable and necessary for our communities, and always remember that each of you is appreciated and admired.

FINAL REFLECTION: THE LIBERATION MONUMENT

Surrounded by the significance of Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and the New York skyline is the Liberation Monument in Liberty View Park, Jersey City, N.J.

Designed by sculptor Nathan Rapaport, this inspirational statue depicts a World War II American soldier carrying a survivor from a concentration camp.

This image moves the soul to reflect on the values of compassion, character, and courage.

A photo of this magnificent monument is often shared with my audiences. 

It is my sincere hope to inspire them to connect with the great Americans of our history, and uphold their legacy through their privileged profession as members of the NYPD.

Leadership is pivotal for our NYPD personnel, and all our first responders. 

Our public servants are a national treasure. We must be fully dedicated and committed to assisting each of them, and one another. 

This will lead to America's rightful destiny as a beacon of moral leadership for the world.

NOTE WELL:  It has been my privilege to collaborate with the Columbia Lighthouse Project (CLP) over the last two months, and to use their emotional resiliency and suicide prevention app on my phone. 

Recently, NYPD Health and Wellness realized the advantage of collaborating with CLP and will have the CLP suicide prevention app available to NYPD personnel. 

This imperative technology as documented in my Principles of American Policing for the NACOP (Cover Story / Summer 2015) is essential to benefit the emotional resiliency of the NYPD, and law enforcement throughout America.

    Principle of America Policing No. Five is as follows:  

      “Police deserve the latest and most effective technology to protect themselves and the public." 

    ABOUT VINCENT

Vincent J. Bove is a national speaker, author, and confidant on issues critical to America with 325 published works.

His most recent of four books are Reawakening America © and Listen to Their Cries.© 

Bove is recipient of the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award, former confidant of players from two world-champion New York Yankee teams, and served as spokesperson for a coalition of Virginia Tech tragedy victim's families. 

In 2024, Bove was appointed Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker by the NYPD.  

In this role he addresses ethical leadership, building morale, emotional resiliency, and suicide prevention at NYPD and FDNY events, roll calls, firehouses, and in published works.

Bove has been an author for the National Association of Chiefs of Police for 16 years. He has over 60 published works, and an unprecedented 18 cover stories for their magazine.

Bove served the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association for 20 consecutive years as liaison and chairperson on policing leadership, violence prevention, and public safety issues.

He conducted Leadership Principles: Crisis Planning, Community Partnerships, Violence Prevention © keynotes to safeguard New York City at sites including:

·       Museums hosted by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

·       Corporations hosted by The New York Stock Exchange

·       Hospitals hosted by Rockefeller University

·       Properties hosted by The Union Club of New York

·       Universities hosted by Columbia University, the New York Athletic Club and Fordham University.

Bove has conducted extensive leadership presentations for the NYPD, FBI, the United States Military Academy, law enforcement, educators, security professionals, and students nationwide. vincentbove.com

“We must all serve as catalysts to protect our workplaces, schools, communities, public spaces, houses of worship, and one another. 

“Public safety demands leadership, vigilance, and collaboration.  

"Security and personal safety demands comprehensive enhancements, on-going training, effective response to warning signs, and building bridges with law enforcement, private security, and every member of the community.”  Vincent J Bove

Related Bove Published Works by the National Association of Chiefs of Police:

America’s National Crisis: Empowering Law Enforcement Ethical Leadership, Morale, Emotional Resiliency

The NYPD: Leading Through a National Crisis ©

NYPD Employee Assistance Unit: Leading Through a National Crisis ©

21st Century Policing: Issues and Response                           

21st Century American Policing Demands Ethical Leadership

Police Suicides: Awareness, Compassion, Action

Safeguarding America’s Protectors: A Community Responsibility

America’s Law Enforcement Sacrifices Demand Eternal Gratitude

Igniting 21st Century Ethical Policing: Understanding the Profession

PHOTOS:

1. Morris County Public Safety Academy, Morristown, NJ. Credit: Reawakening America LLC (RALLC)

2. Florence American Military Cemetery, June 21, 2023. Reawakening America LLC (RALLC)

3. Sicily Rome American Cemetery, July 1, 2023. (RALLC)

4. Illustration Credit: Sgt. Zachary Saenz, Edinburg Police Department.

5. The Columbia Lighthouse Project in collaboration with Reawakening America LLC.

6. The NACOP article titled The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Vincent J. Bove. (NACOP)

7. The Liberation Monument, Jersey City, NJ. (RALLC)

8. Principles of America Policing, Cover Story by Vincent J. Bove for the NACOP, Summer 2015, also published numerous times since 2015 in The Sentinel and NACOP articles.

9. Vincent J. Bove, NYPD TD 4 roll call remarks, May 7, 2025. (RALLC)