THE SENTINEL: The NYPD 44 Precinct: Leadership, Vigilance, Community

It was my distinct privilege to serve the legendary NYPD 44th precinct on April 22, 2025.

The 44th Precinct, comprised of nearly 300 personnel, is the biggest in the Bronx. It serves 1.97 square miles of the southwest portion of the Bronx: The precinct is home to the Grand Concourse, Bronx Terminal Market, and the world renowned Yankee Stadium.

The impression of the honorable men and women of this precinct, who exhibited leadership, vigilance, and selfless service to community will remain an inspiration.

Gratitude

Before continuing, I would like to take a moment to express gratitude for the professionalism of the following individuals at NYPD 44.

The respect, leadership, and courtesy they exemplify deserve recognition, and serve as a model of 21^st century policing:

· Commanding Officer / Deputy Inspector Joe Pulgarin - his remarks during roll call today were a true illustration of respect, dedication, commitment to the personnel entrusted to his admirable leadership. Also, observing his interactions with his personnel, CO Pulgarin demonstrated his approachability, concern, and appreciation for their efforts, truly imperative hallmarks of an NYPD Commanding Officer.

· Captain Vladimir Garcia for his hospitality with introducing me to numerous units and personnel throughout the 44, and sharing insights that reflected his complete dedication to protecting the community.

Visitation Activities

During my 44 visit, I was privileged to address two evening roll calls; and the Domestic Violence Unit, Detective Squad, Special Operations, Integrity Control, and Community Relations.

I also had the opportunity to have many encounters with rank and file to offer words of encouragement, thanks, and respect.

The Sentinel

As with all of my significant law enforcement activities over the last 25 years, they are memorialized in The Sentinel.

This provides a resource for the 44, the NYPD, and law enforcement nationwide.

The documentation respects the importance of collaboration, and my dedication to empower, encourage, and inspire law enforcement.

It also serves my goal of spotlighting and assisting the NYPD to be recognized as a national model of 21^st Century Policing. These efforts are published in my numerous articles for the National Association of Chiefs of Police.

This dedication will remain since my privileged appointment as the NYPD Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker six months ago.

The following are some topics addressed during my visit to the 44.

Additional issues are noted as an imperative resource to compliment 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

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

Seven 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 and the MTAPD, NYPD promotion classes, fraternal organizations, firehouses, roll calls, suicide prevention training sessions with Dr. Stephen Wacshal of ConQueR Suicide, an NYPD Spiritual Retreat, and many follow up chats and communications.

The work began thanks to the leadership of former Commissioner Thomas G. Donlon. I am grateful for his continual dedication to this imperative initiative, and his daily communications of appreciation and valuable suggestions.

It followed with the invitation of NYPD Chief Supervising Surgeon Doctor Eli Kleinman to speak to the Police Self Support Group.

Since that presentation, I have been in contact with numerous members of the group on a daily basis.

The Police Self Support Group, line of duty personnel, are uniquely special individuals of the NYPD.

May we always support them, hold them in our prayers, and fully utilize their insights and experience to enrich the members of the NYPD.

THE WOUNDED HEALER

The Police Self Support Group inspired me to share thoughts on The Wounded Healer by Henri Nouwen during my presentation to them, 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.

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 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.

NOTE WELL: It was a profound experience walking the NYPD 44th Precinct community before my presentations and appreciate the diversity, size, and complexity of the neighborhood.

Additionally, it was meaningful to walk past Yankee Stadium and recall my years as confidant to members of two World Championship teams.

During that time (1978 - 1982) I authored my first book on this work.

Parenthetically, just this morning one of the players; my great friend Bucky Dent, two-time world champion and World Series MVP contacted me.

Also, it has been my privilege to work with the Columbia Lighthouse Project (CLP) over the last two months.

During this time, I have distributed their suicide awareness and prevention card to NYPD personnel.

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.

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

NYPD Survey Excerpts on Bove Remarks to the 44:

"The Speaker was very moving. He spoke well, and had everyone listening to his every word."

"Everything that Mr. Bove spoke about was straight forward...it is important for NYPD personnel to have reminders on important issues."

"Bove's remarks were encouraging and heartfelt. We need to have our officers comfortable with speaking about concerns and seeking help."

"I thought the speaker was very motivational, and he should come more often...we need to enhance morale to increase the effectiveness of the NYPD."

"The speaker did a great job with making us feel that we were needed in the community."

"Programs like today can help us address many concerns...hopefully the speaker will visit the 47. I give Bove 100% for his work."

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

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

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. NYPD 44th Precinct Collage, Apr. 22, 2025. Credit: Reawakening America LLC (RALLC)

2. NYPD 44th Precinct, Apr. 22, 2025. (RALLC)

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

4. Vincent J. Bove remarks to NYPD 44th 6pm roll call. Apr. 22, 2025. (RALLC)

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

6. Finest Care supported by Northwell Direct info flyer. (Credit Finest Care Northwell Direct)

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

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

9. 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.

10. NYPD 44th Commanding Officer / Deputy Inspector Joe Pulgarin (photo left) and NYPD 44th Captain Vladimir Garcia (photo right) with Vincent J. Bove (center), CO office, Apr. 22, 2025. (RALLC)

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 Encounters Don Bosco (Presentation – NYPD Annual Retreat)

· The NYPD PSA 2: Leadership, Honor, Vigilance (Remarks to roll call, Domestic Violence and Administrative Units, Special Operations, Integrity Control & the Field Intelligence Office.

· The NYPD 44^th Precinct: Leadership, Vigilance, Community (Remarks to roll calls, Domestic Violence Unit, Special Operations, Detective Squad, Community Relations, Integrity Control.

Labels: Collaborative Policing, Community Policing, Events, Law Enforcement, Leadership, Mental Health, NYPD, Policing, Presentations

THE SENTINEL

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

The NYPD 44 Precinct: Leadership, Vigilance, Community

“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

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