NYPD Police Self Support Group: Respect, Honor, Resiliency

On Saturday, December 14, 2024, I attended the NYPD Police Self Support Group’s Annual Holiday Party.

The festive event, attended by over 150 people, including members of the group and their families, was held at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston, Queens.

This group holds a special place in my memories. Shortly after my appointment by the NYPD as their Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker, it was the first organization I spoke to.

The experience of that day was truly inspirational as these individuals represent the profound ideals of respect, honor, and resiliency.

I remain hopeful of future encounters with them, and spotlighting their admirable character in my writings and presentations, as they are a model of courage for America.

A review of my first encounter with the PSSG follows.  It is a modified version of my article published by the National Association of Chiefs of Police in their Chief of Police magazine.

The NYPD Peer Self Support Group

My remarks on Thursday, November 14, 2024 were titled The NYPD: Leading Through a National Crisis © and I addressed the following:

*The challenging times for law enforcement throughout America, with alarming levels of stress, wounded morale, senseless acts of violence, and suicide.

*The NYPD is not immune to these challenges. Each of us must be catalysts of change to ignite a culture of respect, affirmation, and gratitude.

*The necessity of principled leadership, morale enhancement, emotional resilience, and suicide prevention.

*The paramount mandate of inspiring ethical protectors; personified by character, empathy, and compassion for others.

*A laser-focused goal of inspiring a culture that values the physical, spiritual, and mental well-being of every member of the NYPD.

The Wounded Healer

My remarks continued with my commentary on the wisdom from the 1979 book titled The Wounded Healer © by Henri Nouwen.  

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."

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.

Related Bove Published Works from the NACOP:

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

About Vincent

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

He was appointed the Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker by the NYPD in 2024; 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

“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

Photos:

1. NYPD Transit Police K9 Officers Detective Michael Conti (photo left) and Police Officer Patrick McCartan (photo rt) with their canine Belgian Malinois (collage photo left) and PSSG Treasurer John Carroll with Vincent J. Bove, Dec. 14, 2024. The dog is explosive detection certified. (RALLC)

2. FOP illustration (Credit FOP)

3. The Wounded Healer, Vincent J. Bove PowerPoint presentation, Nov. 14, 2024 to the PSSG.

4. Headshot, Vincent J. Bove, NYPD Police Headquarters Press Room to the NYPD American Legion Fraternal Organization, December 10, 2024. (RALLC)