The NYPD: Leading Through a National Crisis ©
My remarks were made possible due to the leadership of Police Commissioner Thomas G. Donlon.
The event was coordinated by the NYPD
Chief Supervising Surgeon Eli J. Kleinman, M.D., M.P.H.
I am deeply grateful to Commissioner Donlon for making the event possible, and to Dr. Kleinman for his kind introduction, hospitality, and professionalism.
The NYPD Police Self-Support Group
The attendees were members of the NYPD Police Self Support Group (PSSG) and were profoundly inspirational.
Each introduced themselves prior to my presentation, sharing experiences of their personal line-of-duty injuries.
Their stories ignited a sense of respect, honor, and gratitude within my soul for their sacrifices.
These individuals represent the finest of all of us, and their experiences are a powerhouse of wisdom for every member of the NYPD, and for law enforcement nationwide.
Presentation
The Wounded Healer
The commentary included the following excerpts (some of which are paraphrased):
· “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?”
· “To
enter into solidarity with a suffering person does not mean that we have to
talk with that person about our own suffering. We must be sympathetic listeners as speaking about our own pain is seldom helpful for someone who is in
pain.”
· “A
wounded healer is someone who can listen [and empathize] to a person in pain
without having to speak about his or her own wounds.”
· “When
we have experienced pain, we can listen with great attentiveness and
compassion to another in pain without spotlighting our own wounds.”
· “Mostly, it is better not to direct a suffering person’s attention to ourselves. We have to trust that our own damaged wounds will allow us to listen to others with our whole being. The empathetic listening leads to healing."
“On November 14, The Police Self Support Group had the
honor of meeting Vincent J. Bove who represented the Police Commissioner.
“It was truly impressive and uplifting to have someone
speak to us, and chat individually before and after his presentation, who
supports our program and methodology.
“Vincent’s presentation focused on the wounded healer, and
he encouraged us to use our experiences to help others to heal.
“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 PSSG Training Coordinator, 23 years with the group.
Mental Health Resources for NYPD Members
Confidential Chats
Before and after my presentation, I was humbled to have numerous one-on-one confidential encounters with attendees. It was enlightening experience listening to their stories and concerns, and an opportunity to express my respect, encouragement, and appreciation.
It was additionally humbling to have them invite me to
numerous upcoming NYPD events.
These men and woman of the NYPD are treasures. I assured
them that I will continually do everything
in my power to assist them.
One of these encounters was with a remarkable woman, whose story I am now privileged to share.
NYPD Detective First Grade Kathy Burke retd.
Five days later, fascinated by Kathy's experience, and realizing
her story needs to be shared, we had a more comprehensive conversation.
Kathy was sworn in as an NYPD Policewoman in 1968, when only 1% of the NYPD was female. She joined the academy in June of that year, and was one of only ten female recruits in a class of 950.
She was initially assigned primarily to searching female
corpses in all stages of decomposition.
An additional responsibility was to strip search female arrestees for contraband,
and to secure personal property.
In 1971, Kathy was promoted to Detective 3rd grade while in undercover, and masked during her promotion ceremony to protect her undercover role.
She was the third woman in the history of the department to have been awarded the New York City Police Department Medal of Honor.
Kathy has been a leader in the Police Self Support Group (PSSG) for 39 years, and currently its Vice President. She became a hypnotist in 1978, and then certified as a forensic and investigative hypnotist in 1982.
She is co-author of the book Detective along with Neal Hirschfeld, which was a cathartic experience for her, but also a tool to inspire others to lives of service.
The Police Self Support
Group gives purpose to whatever trauma one has experienced. The group empowers
you to help others, and by doing so you also bring healing to yourself.”
NYPD Detective Kathy
Burke, PSHG Vice President
A Lighthouse for Healing
Kathy told me on how on a hot August day in 1971, while conducting
a drug investigation, she was robbed, beat-up, stabbed, and had a gun put to her
head and fired.
She only survived only by the grace of God, because the gun
misfired.
There was a limited understanding of PTSD in the 1970’s. Yet during this time, NYPD Lt. William Ballner, who had lost a partner in a shooting when he was a detective make a profound influence on Kathy. He gave Kathy the support, encouragement, and debriefing assistance necessary for healing.
Decades later, these discerning lessons continue as Kathy has been a
lighthouse of healing for countless individuals who have experienced
catastrophic incidents.
“You Do Not Have to Die”
In 1984, FBI Special Agent Jim Reese shared eye-opening wisdom that had a lasting impact on Kathy.
Jim stated that “if you ever get shot, you do not have to
die.”
Shortly thereafter, Kathy was in an incident where she and her partner, Police Officer Anthony Vendetti, 34-years-old, were shot. Since that incident over forty years ago, Kathy still has shrapnel in her lung. Aside from being shot, as she lay wounded on the ground, one of the three shooters kicked her mercilessly, fracturing two ribs.
Tragically, her partners wound was fatal, and as Kathy lay
there, she remembered the inspiring words of Reese, “if you ever get shot, you
do not have to die.”
Kathy realized she must survive – she must get up, get to a
phone (cellphones were non-existent) and tell her story.
Police Self Support Group
In 1986, Kathy was invited to a NYPD (PSSG) for
officers catastrophically ill, or in line-of-duty incidents, and spent years
assisting her police family.
Fast-Forward to 1995, when during the fourth trial of her
shooting, there was dismissal of the trial, and acquittal of the shooter.
Kathy was horrified by the injustice, and at the attitude of
one of the juror’s whom she met afterwards. The contemptuous juror derisively stated “cops get
paid to die” to Kathy.
Additionally, just weeks after the trial concluded, Kathy
was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer.
The diagnosis led to a hysterectomy and eight months of chemotherapy.
Tragedy Leads to Recovery
Dr. Symonds was a trauma specialist who influenced Kathy’s
healing. He sent her to help traumatized cops heal through listening, compassion,
and encouragement.
On December 2, 1994, NYPD Officer Raymond R. Cannon, Jr.,
26-years-old, was shot and killed whilehe and his partner responded to a call
to investigate a suspicious person at a bicycle shop. [1]
Shortly afterwards, the wisdom from Dr. Symonds ignited a
profound epiphany in Kathy’s life.
As requested by Dr. Symonds, Kathy visited Officer Cannon’s
surviving partner who was starving himself to death due to survivor’s
guilt. Kathy listened to his
heartbreaking story, and then showed him her wounds. Both started to cry, and at
that moment his life was reclaimed and his road to recovery commenced.
This was a defining experience for Kathy. It illustrated that
her wounds now had a clarity of purpose. The encounter inspired Kathy to start a group within the PSSG in 1995, learn hypnosis
for counseling, train wounded colleagues to recapture their lives, and inspire
healing for individuals of numerous addictions, phobias, and catastrophic
experiences.
Angels Amongst Us
Currently, the NYPD PSSG is comprised of about 200 members. There are about 50 members who have had, or currently
experiencing serious illnesses. The
remaining 150 members have experienced line-of-duty incidents including
shootings, stabbings, vehicular accidents, and assaults.
There are angels amongst us who do the work of heaven as wounded healers. These healers bring hope, comfort, and healing through their righteousness. Kathy Burke is one of these angels, and in meeting her one can truly experience heavenly kindness, grace, and altruism.
Note Well: A Tribute to NYPD Commissioner Thomas G. Donlon
NYPD Commissioner Thomas G. Donlon’s visionary leadership is the catalyst behind this unprecedented initiative. He has already initiated expanding the initiative through an unparalleled partnership with the FDNY Commissioner which began with a conference call with the three of us.
Next on the agenda, a first of its kind police-fire department unity of effort. This will take place at police precincts and fire houses. The initiative will have my unwavering for the NYPD and FDNY; inspiring ethical leadership, building morale, emotional resilience, and suicide prevention.
21st Century Policing: Issues and Response
21st Century American Policing Demands Ethical Leadership
America’s Law Enforcement Sacrifices Demand Eternal Gratitude
Igniting 21st Century Ethical Policing: Understanding the Profession
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.
He has been appointed the Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker by the NYPD; addressing issues of ethical leadership, building morale, emotional resiliency, and suicide prevention.
Bove has been an author for the National Association of Chiefs of Police for 15 years, with over 60 published works, and an unprecedented 18 cover stories for their magazine.
He served the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association for 20 consecutive years as liaison and chairperson on policing leadership, violence prevention, and public safety issues.
Bove developed 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 FBI, the United States Military Academy, law enforcement, educators, security professionals, and students nationwide. www.vincentbove.com
Photos:
2. The Fraternal Order of Police report illustration.
3. PowerPoint slide on The Wounded Healer from Vincent J. Bove presentation for the PSSG on Nov. 14, 2024.
4. Peter Pallos 1987 New York City Corrections Department Academy Graduation headshot. (Courtesy Peter Pallos)
5. NYPD Detective 1st Grade Kathy Burke retd. on right with NYPD Sgt. Thomas Fox at the FOP Police Memorial, Washington D.C., May 15, 1992. In time Kathy and Thomas would become husband and wife. (Photo with permission Kathy Burke archives)
6. NYPD Officer Raymond R. Cannon (Courtesy NYPD)
7. Members of the PSSG, March 2024 meeting, at the NYPD Medical Division in Corona, NY. (Photo with permission Kathy Burke archives)
8. Headshot, Dec. 10, 2024, remarks for NYPD America Legion Post 460. (Courtesy NYPD America Legion Post 460)
Note Well:
The National Fraternal Order of Police reports that as of midnight on Oct. 31 there have been 301 officers shot in the line of duty so far in 2024.
Out of the 301 officers who have been shot, 43 were killed by gunfire, a 7% increase from the same period in 2023 and a 21% decrease from the same period in 2022.
This article was modified and published in the Dec.10, 2024 edition of The Chief of Police, a publication of the National Association of Chiefs of Police.
Contact: vincent@vincentbove.com
Labels: Events, Law Enforcement, Leadership, Mental Health, NYPD, Policing
posted by Vincent J. Bove, CPP at 8:07 PM
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