The NYPD Encounters Don Bosco
Vincent J. Bove was privileged to speak to NYPD
members, retirees, and Catholic priest chaplains at their annual retreat at Don
Bosco Retreat House in West Haverstraw, New York.
The retreat took place at the Marian Shrine of the Salesians of Don Bosco in West Haverstraw, New York, and his presentation was titled The NYPD Encounters Don Bosco.
Here is a summary of the summary of his April 8, 2025 presentation as the NYPD Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker.
A Motorcycle Ride Changes a Life
Bove spoke about a motorcycle ride he took exactly 50 years ago.
He drove onto the Marian Shrine property, without ever hearing of the site, or of Don Bosco.
While riding
through the section of the mysteries of the rosary with larger then life marble statues, Bove unexpectedly met Father
Adam Connolly, and moments later Father John Masiello.
Father Masiello gave Bove a book that profoundly changed the
trajectory of his life.
It was April 1975, and while finishing studies at John Jay College, Bove received The Early Apostolate of Saint John Bosco.
The book, a treasure to this day in Bove’s personal library, led him to work as a lifeguard at Don Bosco Camp during summer camp, right there on the Marian Shrine property. The pool was just a hundred yards away from the presentation.
Bove discussed his years living the spirit of Don Bosco
and ministering to youth in Harlem, New Orleans, Newton NJ, New Rochelle NY,
and as a missionary in the Bahamas.
His ministry included work as a high school theology teacher, coach, counselor, chaplain, author, and even as a confidant for players of the New York Yankees.
The Yankee ministry took place after the tragic death of their captain, Thurman Munson in a plane crash.
It led to Bove authoring his first book, And On the Eighth Day God Created the Yankees.
The book was made possible thanks to the leadership of New York Yankee Shortstop Bucky Dent. Bove is close friends with Dent through today, forty-six years after meeting him in 1979.
Visit to Italy
Bove also recounted a trip to Italy where he visited World
War II cemeteries and Don Bosco's motherhouse in Turin with his wife.
The visit in Italy included visits to sacred grounds of two
World War II American cemeteries.
Honoring American Sacrifices - As memorialized in The Chief of Police
"Before continuing, I am compelled to share experiences my wife and I had visiting both World War II American military cemeteries in Italy.
"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.
"Reflections of these visits are memorialized in the journal I maintained during our travels and are as follows:
June 21, 2023: Florence American WWII Cemetery
“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.
“In my next article for The Chief of Police I will memorialize this experience. Honoring American military sacrifices is critical for law enforcement and all privileged to call America their home. It will be my responsibility to honor this principle.”
VISITING THE HOME OF DON BOSCO
While in Italy, Bove also shared reflections of staying in monasteries
throughout the country and his visit with Lily to Turin, Italy to
experience Don Bosco.
This visit to Turin included a visit the Mary Help of
Christians Basilica, which Don Bosco built to honor the Blessed Mother. On the property is also the
room where Don Bosco worked and died.
China, California and Back to New Jersey
Bove also shared experiences in China, and his ministry to
law enforcement in California, where he worked on suicide prevention.
When he returned home to New Jersey after 9 months of travel
to Italy, China, and California Bove mentioned a call from Commissioner Thomas G. Donlon.
Soon after this call, Bove’s initiative built on the pillars of ethical leadership, morale, emotional resiliency, and suicide prevention began. Bove was appointed the NYPD Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker after an extensive vetting process with many department representatives.
In Bove’s role, he conducts presentations, visits roll calls, and visits FDNY fire
houses. He has also conducted training at the police academy, fraternal associations and the candidate assessment division. His goal is to transform the NYPD into a national model of 21st century American policing.
Bove also emphasized the importance of supporting law
enforcement through prayer, and the preventive system of Don Bosco to transform
American schools.
Gratitude
Before continuing, a moment to express gratitude for the professionalism to the following individuals whom made my presentation possible.
· NYPD Detective Charina D'Aiuto, Retd.
· Monsignor Robert J. Romano, NYPD Assistant Chief Chaplain
· Father Joseph Franco, NYPD Chaplain
· Sergeant Ryan Doherty, MTAPD Retd.
· Brother Charles Theiner, SDB special guest visit - a Salesian of Don Bosco, and friend of Vincent J. Bove for 45 years, and in honor of his 93rd birthday.
The following additional insights were covered during the presentation, and shared with numerous one-on-one chats before and after my remarks.
THE SENTINEL
As with other significant law enforcement activities over 25 years, they are memorialized in The Sentinel.
This provides a resource for law enforcement nationwide.
The documentation respects the importance of collaboration, and my dedication to empower, encourage, and inspire American law enforcement.
It also serves my goal of spotlighting the NYPD as a national model of 21st Century Policing as published in my numerous articles for the National Association of Chiefs of Police.
Additional issues are noted as imperative to the goals of the NYPD and American Policing.
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
As reason dictates, 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 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
Six months ago, 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, NYPD promotion classes, fraternal organizations such as tonight, firehouses, and many follow up chats and communications.
The work began thanks to the leadership of former Commissioner Thomas G. Donlon.
It followed with the invitation of NYPD Chief Supervising Surgeon Doctor Eli Kleinman to speak to the Police Self Support Group.
Since my presentation, I have been in contact with numerous members of the group on a daily basis.
As you know, the Police Self Support Group, the line of duty personnel, are uniquely special individuals of the NYPD.
May we always support them and hold them in our prayers.
THE WOUNDED HEALER
The Police Self Support Group inspired me to share thoughts on The Wounded Healer by Henri Nouwen during my presentation, and afterwards at other events.
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?”
Today, beside sharing 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 NYPD profession has a completely different moral compass – we are protectors.
Our DNA irrefutably has a laser focus - protecting the innocent, the vulnerable, the helpless 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.
This concept has been transformed by me into the Wounded Protector.
THE WOUNDED PROTECTOR: DEDICATED TO THE BROKENHEARTED
A quick thought - after one of my high school 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.”
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 tell you - 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
FINAL 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.”
Continue your mission as it is honorable and necessary for our communities, and each of you are appreciated and admired.
NOTE WELL: 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. These public servants are a national treasure.
We must be fully dedicated and committed to assisting one another.
This will lead to America's rightful destiny as a beacon of moral leadership for the world.
NYPD April 9, 2025 Retreat Survey Remarks
· Excellent
presentation, please keep spreading your good words. I was motivated to study
more on the Wounded Healer, a 100% presentation!
· An
inspiring presentation, please continue to help the NYPD and provide inspiration
to help morale during times of great pressure.
· A
very personal presentation on difficult subjects that demand attention, and many are not able to address them so clearly. Agencies are doing the bare minimum to
protect themselves on these important issues, and much more needs to be done.
· A
very emotional presentation by Vincent who spoke as someone who truly cares. I
love thinking about myself as the wounded protector, never thought of it this
way.
· There
are two great speakers during my many years with NYPD retreats, Detective Steve
McDonald and Vincent Bove. The wounded protector is the best description of law
enforcement that I have ever heard. Vincent, you are a treasure to all of us.
· Great
book on Don Bosco and a great saint. The presentation was inspirational and
very helpful.
· Your
presentation was excellent. It should be replicated at every roll call in every
NYPD command. Before this retreat I had never heard of Don Bosco, this word
must be spread.
Life of Don Bosco Snapshot
Don Bosco was an Italian Catholic priest, educator, and
writer, known for his dedication to the betterment of disadvantaged youth,
particularly street children and juvenile delinquents, through his Salesian
Preventive System.
He founded the Society of St. Francis de Sales (Salesians)
and is now a saint, canonized in 1934, with his feast day on January 31.
Early Life and Influences:
· Born
on August 16, 1815, in Becchi, a hamlet near Castelnuovo d'Asti, in northern
Italy.
· His
parents were poor farmers, and his father died when he was only two-years-old.
· He
was raised by his mother, Margarita, who taught him the importance of faith and
hard work.
· At
the age of nine, he had a mystical dream that profoundly influenced his future,
leading him to dedicate his life to helping young people.
· He
was ordained a priest in 1841.
Work with Youth:
· Inspired
by his dream, Don Bosco began working with poor and neglected boys in Turin, where he
saw the effects of industrialization and urbanization.
· He developed the Salesian Preventive System, which emphasized love and reason rather than punishment in education and discipline.
· He
founded the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales, a place where young people could
find education, religious instruction, and recreation.
· He
established a large establishment in Turin with a grammar school, a technical
school, and a church, all built through his efforts.
· He
also became a popular and eloquent preacher, known for using magic tricks to
engage the youth.
· He
founded the Society of St. Francis de Sales (Salesians) in 1859, with the
purpose of carrying on his charitable work.
Legacy and Canonization:
· Don
Bosco died on January 31, 1888.
· He
was beatified on June 2, 1929, and canonized on April 1, 1934, by Pope Pius XI.
· He
is known as "Father and Teacher of Youth".
· He
is the patron saint of youth, apprentices, editors and publishers, magicians, and juvenile delinquents.
· The Salesians continue his work, helping young people around the world.
ABOUT VINCENT J BOVE
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 has been 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
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
NYPD / FDNY Operation Resiliency
Ethical Leadership, Morale, Emotional Resiliency, Suicide Prevention
Presentation / 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 / Police Self Support Group (presentation) © *
· 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)
· NYPD 19th Precinct Roll Call: The Wounded Protector (remarks) ©
· FDNY Engine Company 38: The Wounded Protector (remarks) ©
· Leading Through a National Crisis: Empowering Law Enforcement / ConQueR Suicide© * (presentation)
· The NYPD Candidate Assessment Division: Ethical Leadership, Morale, Influence©* (keynote)
· The NYPD Columbia Association: Ethical Leadership, Patriotism, Collaboration© (keynote)
· Leading Through a National Crisis: Empowering MTAPD Peer Support Professionals © (presentation)
· The NYPD 75th Precinct: Leadership, Morale, Honor © (Remarks – Detective Squad and Roll Calls
PHOTOS:
1. The NYPD Retreat, April 9, 2025, Marian Shrine of Don Bosco. (Reawakening America LLC) (RALLC))
2. NYPD Retreat Group Photo, May 24, 1935, Archbishop Malloy Retreat House, Jamaica, NY. (NYPD Retreat archives)
2. Florence American Cemetery, Impruneta, Italy, June 21, 2023, Vincent and Lily Bove. (Reawakening America LLC (RALLC)
3. Florence American Cemetery, Impruneta, Italy June 21, 2023 and Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, Nettuno, Italy, July 1, 2023 collage. (RALLC).
4. Illustration Credit: Sgt. Zachary Saenz, Edinburg Police Department.
5. Bove NYPD / FDNY Initiative. (RALLC)
6. The Columbia Lighthouse Project Identify Risk Prevent Suicide.
7. The NACOP article titled The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Vincent J. Bove. (NACOP)
8. The Liberation Monument, Jersey City, NJ. (RALLC)
9. Vincent and Lily Bove visit home of Don Bosco, Turin Italy, June 15, 2023. (RALLC)
10. NYPD Retreat April 9, 2025, Marian Shrine of Don Bosco. Members of the Retreat with Vincent J. Bove (RALLC)
Labels: Collaborative Policing, Events, Faith Based, Law Enforcement, Leadership, Mental Health, NYPD, Policing, Presentations
posted by Vincent J. Bove, CPP at 12:46 PM
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