The NYPD Police Self Support Group: Character, Courage, Community
The event occurred at the NYPD Medical Division Corona, Queens facility.
My presentation was titled The NYPD Police Self Support Group: Character, Courage, Community.
My first presentation to the group was on November 14, 2024, which I memorialized in an article for the National Association of Chiefs of Police. The article was titled The NYPD: Leading Through a National Crisis.
Excerpt: The NYPD:
Leading Through a National Crisis
“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.”
The documentation respects the importance of collaboration; and my dedication to empower, encourage, and inspire law enforcement.
It also serves my goal of assisting the NYPD to be recognized as a national model of 21st Century Policing.
These efforts are published in my numerous articles for the National Association of Chiefs of Police.
This dedication is illustrated since my privileged appointment as the NYPD Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker six months ago.
“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, Training Coordinator (PSSG), 24 years with the group.
The following are some topics addressed during my presentation to the PSSG.
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.
“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, PSSG Vice President
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.
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.
GRATITUDE
PSSG President /
Sergeant Arvid Flores, NYPD Detective Squad / Criminal Intelligence for his
leadership with the group, and his invitation for me to serve as guest speaker.
PSSG Past President /
NYPD John Asam retd. for his friendship, and a special note of congratulations
for his recent retirement from NYPD after decades of loyal service.
NYPD Detective First
Grade Kathy Burke retd., an inspirational trailblazer in the department’s
history. 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.
NYPD Chief Joseph Fox
retd., my friend for over 25 years who was also a guest speaker. As always,
his persona, kindness, and character is an inspiration.
Monsignor Robert J. Romano,
Assistant Chief Chaplain of the NYPD for his invocation at today’s event,
and his spiritual guidance to group members. Additionally, a note of praise for his recent
leadership at the NYPD Don Bosco Retreat, and his admirable dedication to all members
of the department.
Peter Pallos, PSSG Peer
Support and Suicide Awareness Training Coordinator. Peter’s collaboration with me over the last six
months has led to numerous emotional resiliency initiatives benefiting the NYPD
and MTAPD.
NYPD Supervising Chief
Surgeon Eli J. Kleinman, M.D., M.P.H. for his dedication to the PSSG, and overseeing,
assessing, and implementing all medical activities undertaken by the
department.
Dr. Lokesh K. Reddy,
NYPD lead psychiatrist, for his admirable service to the department, and his kind
words of appreciation for my NYPD efforts before today’s PSSG event.
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.”
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.”
Let us continue our mission as it is honorable and necessary for our communities, and always remember that each of you is 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. Our public servants are a national treasure.
We must be fully dedicated and committed to assisting each of them, and one another.
This will lead to America's rightful destiny as a beacon of moral leadership for the world.
NOTE WELL: It has been my privilege to collaborate with the Columbia Lighthouse Project (CLP)
over the last two months, and to use their emotional resiliency and suicide prevention app on my phone.
During this time, I have also 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.
In 2024, Bove 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 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
PHOTOS:
1. PSSG March 2024 Meeting Members, NYPD Medical Division Meeting Credit: NYPD PSSG
2. Illustration Credit: Sgt. Zachary Saenz, Edinburg Police Department.
3. Vincent J. Bove remarks to NYPD 44th 6pm roll call. Apr. 22, 2025. (RALLC)
4. The Columbia Lighthouse Project in collaboration with Reawakening America LLC.
5. Finest Care supported by Northwell Direct info flyer. (Credit Finest Care Northwell Direct)
6. The NACOP article titled The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Vincent J. Bove. (NACOP)
7. The Liberation Monument, Jersey City, NJ. (RALLC)
8. 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.
9. Vincent J. Bove headshot (RALLC)
Labels: Collaborative Policing, Events, Law Enforcement, Leadership, Mental Health, NYPD, Policing, Presentations
posted by Vincent J. Bove, CPP at 11:12 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home