The NYPD 75th Precinct in Brooklyn: Leadership, Respect, Honor
The 75th Precinct serves the easternmost portion of Brooklyn
and envelopes East New York and Cypress Hills.
The impression of the honorable men and women of this
precinct, who exhibited leadership, dedication, and honor 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 the 75th.
The respect, leadership, and courtesy deserve recognition,
and serve as a model of 21st century policing:
· Commanding
Officer of the Precinct, Inspector Mark A. Vazquez
· Commander
of the Detective Squad, Lieutenant Barbera Fischer
· Lieutenant
Robert Alimena
· Sergeant
Lenny Insalaco
· Community
Affairs Officer Sharisse Sexton
Visitation Activities
During the visit to the 75th, I was privileged to
address two roll calls, and the Detective Squad. I also had the opportunity to have many encounters
with rank and file to offer words of encouragement, thanks, and respect.
The hospitality of Commanding Officer Inspector Mark A. Vazquez,
through our lengthy conversation (with Lieutenant Alimena and Sergeant Insalaco) about
policing, community, and leadership is deserving of recognition.
The same applies to Lieutenant Barbara Fischer, the Commanding Officer of the Detective Squad for the privilege of speaking with her and her squad.
This leadership is a model of police-community collaboration
which is imperative for law enforcement leadership.
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 75th, 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 the NYPD as a national
model of 21st Century Policing as published in my numerous articles for the National Association of Chiefs of Police.
This dedication remains with my efforts to spotlight the
NYPD since my privileged appointment as their Honorary Law Enforcement
Motivational Speaker.
The following are some topics addressed by me with the 75th.
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
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
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, 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 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.
ABOUT VINCENT
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 75th Precinct, April 4, 2025. (Reawakening America LLC) (RALLC))
2. Illustration Credit: Sgt. Zachary Saenz, Edinburg Police Department.
3. Bove NYPD / FDNY Initiative. (RALLC)
4. The NACOP article titled The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Vincent J. Bove. (NACOP)
5. The Liberation Monument, Jersey City, NJ. (RALLC)
6. NYPD 75th Precinct, Commanding Officer Inspector Mark A. Vazquez office, April 4, 2025. Lieutenant Robert Alimena, Sergeant Lenny Insalaco, Vincent J. Bove, Commanding Officer Inspector Mark A. Vazquez (left to right) (RALLC)
Labels: Law Enforcement, Leadership, Mental Health, NYPD, Policing, Presentations
posted by Vincent J. Bove, CPP at 3:38 PM
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