NYPD 19th Precinct Roll Call Remarks: The Wounded Protector

Privileged to share remarks at the NYPD 19th Precinct Manhattan roll-call on Feb. 26, 2025.

The focus was to thank those who protect NYC communities for their service, and to inspire the concept of the wounded protector.

The event was made possible thanks to the leadership of NYPD Lieutenant Alex Advic.

Lieutenant Advic and I first met while I was conducting an ethical leadership, morale, and resiliency presentation at the NYPD academy for newly promoted lieutenants.

Also made a visit next-door and shared remarks to firefighters from FDNY Engine Company 38.

The visits perfectly compliments an unprecedented collaborative initiative I developed for the NYPD and FDNY.

The initiative assists New York City police officers and firefighters, and was made possible thanks to the leadership of both their commissioners.

19th Precinct Overview

"The 19th Precinct command serves the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The precinct is one of the most densely populated residential areas in Manhattan. The southern part of the precinct has a large commercial area and features Madison, Lexington, and 3rd Avenues, which are well known for their shopping."

The signs of our times illuminate compelling challenges with the mental health of those who protect and serve our communities.

These challenges exist not only with the NYPD, but law enforcement nationwide.

Based on my appointment as the NYPD Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker last year,  I am fully dedicated to addressing the concerns.  

As an expression of my resolve, my previous post, is shared as follows:

America’s Law Enforcement Suicide Crisis: Issues and Response

The post was based on my December 24, 2024 email to key NYPD officials.

It is my hope that by spotlighting concerns again, a wholehearted perseverance will continue. 

Leadership, vigilance, and collaboration, my slogan for over 20 years, are the pillars for addressing the mental health issues, and all crisis management issues.  

May we work together with a full force resolve to protect those who protect us.

Continue the Clarion Call

Mental health demands moral courage.  

It also irrefutably requires continual reminders of the fundamentals of crisis management.  These include good planning, communication, procedures, protocols, guidelines, policies, and continuous follow through with updates.

We must have unwavering commitment to helping our protectors. And we must also assist not only active sworn officers, but all (including civilian personnel) who serve, and have served law enforcement agencies.

The ongoing unity of effort with my law enforcement and first responder colleagues must continue. 

All who serve our communities, and all dedicated to supporting them, deserve our respect, admiration, and support.

Below is the concept of the Wounded Healer, inspired by Henri Nouwen.

I have modified his insight into the Wounded Protector for my work with law enforcement and first responders. It is memorialized in my article for the National Association of Chiefs of Police.

During roll call with the 19th Precinct, I crystallized this concept. 

I also encouraged the officers to be aware of the Northwell contact number for support for themselves, and for their colleagues.

"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?” 

      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. 

He is the 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 15 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:

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

PHOTO: Collage of 19th Precinct Roll Call Remarks, Feb. 26, 2025. (RALLC)

NYPD / FDNY Operation Resiliency

Ethical Leadership, Morale, Emotional Resiliency,

Suicide Prevention

Presentations / Remarks 2024 – 2025

Memorialized in The Sentinel

*Published by The National Association of Chiefs of Police

·              The NYPD Initiative: Principled Leadership, Morale, Resilience©

·              The NYPD Commissioner: A Time for Ethical Leadership ©

·              The NYPD: Leading Through a National Crisis © *

·              NYPD Employee Assistance Unit: Leading Through a National Crisis © *

·              NYPD Sergeants: Leading Through a National Crisis ©

·              NYPD Lieutenants and Captains: Leading Through a National Crisis ©

·              NYPD American Legion Post 460: My Standard Will Remain Perfection © (Remarks)

·              NYPD Police Self Support Group: Respect, Honor, Resiliency ©

·              NYPD and FDNY Chaplains: Purpose, Service, Respect © (remarks)

·              America’s Law Enforcement Suicide Crisis: Issues and Response ©

·              NYPD Police Academy: Empowering Lieutenants to Prevent Suicide©

·              NYPD / FDNY: Operation Resiliency – Rescue Co 1 ©

·              NYPD / FDNY: Operation Resiliency – Squad Co 18 ©

·              FDNY Peer Support: The Heart of Operation Resiliency ©

·              The NYPD Guardians Association: Leadership, Honor, Respect © (Remarks)

·              Policewomen’s Endowment Association: Ethical Leadership, Morale, Resiliency © (Remarks)

·              The NYPD Candidate Assessment Division: Ethical Leadership, Morale, Influence©

·              NYPD / FDNY / MTAPD Leading Through a National Crisis: Empowering Leaders to Prevent Suicide© (Presentation)

·              NYPD 19^th Precinct Roll Call: The Wounded Protector © (Remarks)

·              FDNY Engine Co. 38: The Wounded Protector © (Remarks)

Knights of Columbus: Fourth Degree Exemplification

On Saturday, February 22, 2025, I was privileged to be exemplified as a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

The event, attended by nearly 2,000 Knights and their families, was held at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.

The ceremony took place on a memorable day, the 125^th Anniversary of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus.  

It was also the Inaugural Presentation of the Revised Exemplification of Patriotism.

While living in Marrero, Louisiana as a theology teacher, I first became a Knight forty-five years ago, on Dec. 31, 1980.  

At that time, it was the early years of my service as a Salesian of Saint John Bosco which took place from 1975 - 1985. 

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS CORE PRINCIPLES

“Charity – Our Catholic faith teaches us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Members of the Knights of Columbus show love for their neighbors by conducting food drives and donating the food to local soup kitchens and food pantries, by volunteering at Special Olympics, and by supporting, both spiritually and materially, mothers who choose life for their babies. 

RALLC

"Knights recognize that our mission, and our faith in God, compels us to action. There is no better way to experience love and compassion than by helping those in need, a call we answer every day.

“Unity – None of us is as good as all of us. Members of the Knights of Columbus all know that –together – we can accomplish far more than any of us could individually. So, we stick together…we support one another. 

"That doesn’t mean that we always agree or that there is never a difference of opinion. It does mean that – as a Knight of Columbus – you can count on the support and encouragement of your brother Knights as you work to make life better in your parish and community.

“Fraternity – The Venerable Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, in large part, to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died – often prematurely. 

"The Order’s top-rated insurance program continues to do this today, as do individual Knights, who last year gave more than 10 million hours of their time to assist sick and/or disabled members and their families. In the Knights of Columbus, we watch out for and take care of one another.

“Patriotism – Members of the Knights of Columbus, be they Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Filipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens. 

"We are proud of our devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both. Whether it’s in public or private, the Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations and are amongst the greatest citizens.”  

 

Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus

"Fourth Degree members of the Knights of Columbus are the men who have chosen to embrace the Order’s fourth principle of patriotism. They lead efforts to reach out to veterans and active military and to embody the fact that one can be a faithful Catholic and also be a faithful citizen.

RALLC

"When the Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882, three principles united its members: charity, unity and fraternity. 

"At that time people feared that members of the Catholic faith owed their entire allegiance to the Church and could not be trusted as citizens of their country. Patriotism was added to the Order’s principles in 1900, based on the idea that Knights are loyal to both God and country.

"Members who wish to live out patriotism together can join ‘the Fourth Degree.’ Members of this degree have the special honor of holding the title ‘Sir Knight,’ participating in color and honor guards and organizing programs that promote Catholic citizenship. 

"They also become part of a Fourth Degree Assembly in their area. There are more than 3,500 Fourth Degree assemblies around the world." 

Pledge of the Fourth Degree

I swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States.

I pledge myself, as a Catholic citizen and a Knight of Columbus,

fully to enlighten myself upon my duties as a citizen

and conscientiously perform them entirely in the interest of my country,

regardless of personal consequences.

I pledge myself to do all in my power to preserve the integrity

and purity of the ballot and to promote respect for law and order.

I promise to practice my religion consistently and faithfully

and to so conduct myself in public affairs and the exercise of public virtue

as to reflect nothing but credit upon our Holy Church,

to the end that she may flourish, and our Country prosper

to the greater honor and glory of God.

Program, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, New York, NY Feb. 22, 2025

RALLC

Photos:

1. Vincent J Bove conferred a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Feb. 22, 2025, St. John Baptist de la salle shrine. (RALLC)

2. Congregation, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Feb. 22, 2025. (RALLC)

3. St. Patrick's Cathedral, Feb. 22, 2025. (RALLC)

4. Vincent J. Bove, Certificate of Recognition as 4th Degree Knight of Columbus.

5. St. Patrick's Cathedral, Main Doors, Feb. 22, 2025. (RALLC)

Safeguarding NYPD Protectors: Time for Action

“Earlier this morning…an NYPD ESU detective was shot in an apartment building in the Vladeck houses confines of the 7th precinct…

“I am pleased to report he is in good spirits and all indications are that he will make a full recovery. But let me be extremely clear, this could have ended very differently…

“So, the real question here is this, why was this individual out of jail and in a position to shoot our officers? How is the system set up to allow one person to commit multiple violent offenses while out on parole with no consequences. I ask our elected officials up in Albany, our DAs and our judges, what are you doing here? We should never have had to be at that door this morning. We should never have had a cop shot today.”

 NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, February 18, 2025

“Releasing them [career criminals] is the indisputable proof of the failure of the Bail Reform Law of New York.

“This incident demands moral outrage by law enforcement and the public, and immediate action to change the law to mandate consequences for criminality.

“Protecting our communities is a shared responsibility. The police and the community must be one and inseparable.

“We must be fully dedicated without compromise to protecting one another.

“Problems ignite whenever our unity of effort is compromised and we do not stand united against depravity.”

 Vincent J. Bove for the National Association of Chiefs of Police, March 5, 2024

Read Article: 21stCentury Policing: Issues and Response

The NYPD Candidate Assessment Division: Ethical Leadership, Morale, Influence

On February 13, 2025, it was my privilege to conduct a keynote for 225 members of the NYPD Candidate Assessment Division (CAD) at their Manhattan facility.

This division is critical to the future of the NYPD and New York City because it processes candidates to become police officers.

Recently, CAD processed a remarkable 1,000 new cadets who will ultimately serve as protectors of the city.

The New York Dominican Officers Organization (NYDO), one of the forty-one fraternal associations of the department, praised the remarkable accomplishment of the CAD.

In a February 8, 2025 Instagram post, the NYDO noted:

EXCELLENCE IN RECRUITMENT

“The dedication, expertise, and tireless efforts of the CAD have been instrumental in successfully hiring over 1,000 qualified candidates for the title of police officer. This milestone is a testament to the professionalism, thoroughness, and commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of our communities.

“Under the leadership of Chief John Benoit [Chief of Personnel] and Inspector Terrell Anderson [CAD Leader], the division has played a crucial role in identifying individuals who embody the values and principles that our force upholds. Their collective hard work and attention to detail have resulted in a selection process that ensures the best candidates are chosen to serve and protect.

“This achievement not only reflects the division’s efficiency but also their unwavering commitment to shaping the future of law enforcement. We recognize the importance of every individual who contributed to this process, from the interview panels to the background investigators, and thank them for their dedication.

“As we move forward, we remain committed to building a police force that is diverse, skilled, and ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

“Together, we will continue ‘to foster an environment of excellence that serves the public with integrity and professionalism.’”

NYPD Inspector Terrell Anderson

The unique event was possible thanks to the visionary leadership of Inspector Terrell Anderson, and his admirable dedication to his personnel.

Inspector Anderson and I first met during my remarks for the NYPD Guardians, one of the NYPD fraternal associations.

The Guardians event was made possible through the leadership of Lieutenant Patrick T. Gordon, President of the NYPD Guardians Association.

The event was a continuation of my programs throughout the NYPD since my appointment as their Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker.

Although I shared remarks at the January 21, 2025 event, Inspector Anderson was the featured speaker. 

He shared a poignant and inspiring message that night to over 100 attendees, and his dedication to his profession was inspirational.

The NYPD is the largest police departments in the United States, with approximately 36,000 officers and 19,000 civilian employees.

It was established in 1845, and today, is responsible for policing an 8.5-million-person city, by performing public safety, law enforcement, traffic management, counterterror, and emergency response roles…

The NYPD is divided into major bureaus for enforcement, investigations, and administration. It has 78 patrol precincts with patrol officers and detectives covering the entire city. 

The department also has 12 transit districts to police the subway system and its nearly six-million daily riders.  It has nine police service areas (PSAs) to patrol the city's public housing developments, which are home to more than 400,000 residents.

Additionally, uniformed civilians serve as traffic safety agents on the city's busy streets and highways, and as school safety agents, protecting public schools and the over-a-million students who attend them. [1]

Ethical Leadership, Morale, Influence

Inspector Anderson requested that I not only address suicide prevention, but also highlight leadership, morale, and the importance of positive influence.

We both agreed that these topics were imperative.  These issues impact day-to-day interactions with NYPD colleagues, and also to candidates considering the NYPD vocation.

My keynote included the following topics as essential for American Law Enforcement:

·       American Law Enforcement: Issues and Response

·       The NYPD: Leading Through a National Crisis

·       The Wounded Protector: Using Our Wounds as a Source of Healing for Others

·       Encounter: Using Interactions as Opportunity for Positive Influence

·       Combatting the Mental Health Stigma

·       Respect: The Heart of Law Enforcement

·       Policing in America: Protect, Respect, Community

The keynote also addressed specific leadership, morale, and influence issues including the following:

·       Cultivating Self Esteem and a Culture of Respect

·       Dedication to Professional Growth by investing in Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Health

·       Ongoing Education growth with academic courses, Certifications, Hobbies and Fitness

The importance of a positive state-of-mind was presented, and the power of positive communication as expressed in this quote:

Today will never come again. Be a blessing to others. Be friendly, and express kindness.

Encourage someone. Take time to care. Be aware that your words have the power to heal and use them wisely.

Additional tips were shared to build moral including the following:

·       Respect Each Person’s Dignity                                               

·       Create a Culture of Trust

·       Maintain Person-to-Person Respectful Encounters

·       Anticipate the Needs of Colleagues, and the Candidates

·       Be Aware of How Others Perceive You /  Make Efforts to Improve

Inspiration from Abraham Lincoln

Since I often share leadership insights from the life of Abraham Lincoln in presentations and articles, I shared these with the attendees:

·       Lincoln’s credibility was his character, and this virtue was his most powerful means of persuasion.

·       The 16^th president was able to humbly accept criticism without overreacting, lashing back, or escalating a problem

·       Lincoln was unwavering in his mission, which he understood as saving the union.

Thomas Jefferson

I also shared a photo of me standing alone before Jefferson’s statue inside his Washington D.C. Memorial.  It was taken in 1957 by my mother.

I told the attendees that the moment, even as a young child, profoundly influenced me to love America.

Then, I shared this reflection on the powerful influence of Jefferson on America:

 “Leadership must have the moral courage t inflame the sentiments of a country.  Jefferson had this courage although aware that his writing would be treason, and punishable by hanging.”

DR. CONRAD BAARS: THE HEALING POWER OF AFFIRMATION

For 45 years I have been a practitioner of the famous psychiatrist Dr. Conrad Baars.

I shared a summary of his teachings with the CAD:

“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 tonight the wounded protector, inspires healing of the body, mind, spirit, and emotions.”   

Vincent J Bove

Never Will I Falter

Inspired by the honor guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in
Washington D.C., I asked attendees to apply this ethical creed of those who guard the tomb:

“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.”

Final Reflections

The NYPD Candidate Assessment Division’s position to positively influence the department, and people of New York City is undeniable.

The remarkable accomplishment of processing 1,000 new cadets for the police academy deserves admiration.

As they process future NYPD officers, let us honor their dedication to ethical leadership, morale, and the power of positive influence.

Note Well: This article was published for a national audience as a special edition of Reawakening America LLC in collaboration with the National Association of Chiefs of Police. 

It was released on March 1, 2025.

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.

He 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 15 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 demand 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:

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:

Headshot: NYPD Inspector Terrill Andersen with his division captains, photo left of Vincent J. Bove in suit, CAD keynote, Feb. 13, 2025, Reawakening America (RALLC)

1. NYPD officers taking oath, Madison Square Garden (MSG), Oct. 31, 2024. (Credit NYPD)

2. NYPD Cadets taking oath, Jan. 29, 2025. (Credit NYPD)

3. NYPD officers and guests, MSG, Oct. 31, 2024. (Credit NYPD)

4. NYPD Cadets, Jan. 29, 2025. (Credit NYPD)

5. Vincent J. Bove in 1957, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Washington D.C. (RALLC / Marie Bove)

6. Changing of the Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Washington D.C.  (Credit Society of the Honor Guard Tomb of the Unknown Soldier)

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[1] https://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/about/about-nypd/about-nypd-landing.page (paraphrased for brevity)