Leading Through a National Crisis: Empowering MTAPD Peer Support Professionals
This work took place with my guest presentation for the Metropolitan
Transportation Authority Police Department (MTAPD) at their training facility adjacent
to Grand Central Terminal.
The presentation was titled Leading Through a National
Crisis: Empowering MTAPD Peer Support Professionals. It addressed issues of ethical leadership,
morale, emotional resiliency, and suicide prevention.
A select group of law enforcement peer support professionals
from the MTAPD attended. These individuals represent admirable character as they
are dedicated to assist their MTAPD colleagues.
In Memoriam: MTAPD Detective Sergeant Frank Lore
Today’s presentation was dedicated to the memory of MTAPD
Detective Frank Lore. As posted by the
MTAPBA on February 25, 2025:
“Detective Lore leaves behind his wife, four sons, his
parents, two sisters, and four stepchildren.”
In your kindness, please keep Detective Lore, his loved ones,
and his MTAPD family in your prayers.
Meghan O’Connor, MTAPD PEER Team Coordinator
Officer O’Connor’s dedication to her profession, and
appreciation for her PEER (Providing Enforcers Education & Resources) is
self-evident and worthy of respect.
Her professionalism with coordinating an extraordinary
training event today is deserving of commendation.
MTAPD Executive Leadership
I would also like to express appreciation to Michael Kemper,
Chief Security Officer of the MTAPD and Thomas J. Taffe, the MTAPD Chief of
Operations.
Both were gracious with extending their time with me prior
to today’s event, and deserve gratitude for their kindness.
Dr. Stephen Wakschal
Dr. Wakschal was todays lead instructor..
He is a New York State Psychologist with over 40 years’
experience in the field of suicidology, trauma, and law enforcement.
He is also a New York State Trooper PBA Surgeon, a certified
grief counselor specialist, and the Clinical Lead for the Northwell Health
Finest Program.
Dr. Wakschal, representing ConQuer Suicide © today,
delivered a powerful presentation titled A Suicide Awareness and Intervention
Program for Law Enforcement Professionals.
His state-of-the-art program addressed the following:
· Discusses
the need to shift focus from Departmental interventions to individual
responsibility
· Explores
statistical risk factors associated with professional law enforcement
· Considers genetic,
anthropological, developmental and environmental factors that contributors to
the "Six Pillars of Police Suicide"
· Debunks common myths of
suicide
· Encourages participants to
express their experiences with suicide
· Examines risk factors that
increase suicidality
· Highlights both the common and
more subtle suicide early indicators or warning signs or suicide
· Discusses observational
failures that result in suicide
· Teaches how to use active
listening skills to connect with the person at risk
· Vulnerabilities
· Instructs how to ask the
person at risk directly about suicide
· Offers response options
· Provides
opportunity to practice newly acquired knowledge and skills
Dr. Wakschal's insights made it abundantly clear that this
knowledge was pivotal for addressing mental health concerns.
PETER PALLOS
It is also important to note the exemplary dedication of Peter Pallos, as through him I was introduced to
Peter Pallos is the Director of Training for ConQuer
Suicide. He is also the training
coordinator for the NYPD Police Self Support Group.
Peter deserves recognition for his admirable dedication to assisting others.
I am also grateful for his invitation for me to speak at the
NYPD Police Academy to the NYPD Peer Support personnel on November 29, 2024.
VINCENT J BOVE / PRESENTATION
As with all my presentations, they are memorialized.
This serves as a resource for the entire MTAPD, and for all
first responders.
The presentation was delivered via PowerPoint and as
follows:
ETHICAL LEADERSHIP, MORALE, RESILIENCY, SUICIDE
PREVENTION
“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 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
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 MTAPD – 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
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
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 was shared with the
PEA.
It was 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.
BOVE PRESENTATION: ATTENDEES REMARKS / SURVEYS
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
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. Bove March 28, 2025 PPT dedication slide. Reawakening America LLC (RALLC)
2. Bove with MTAPD Officer Meghan O'Connor. (RALLC)
3. On Track Wellness Info for MTAPD.
4. The Columbia Lighthouse Project information card.
5. Illustration Credit: Sgt. Zachary Saenz, Edinburg Police Department.
6. Bove NYPD / FDNY Initiative illustration. (RALLC)
7. Bove article for The Chief of Police, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. (NACOP)
8. The Liberation Monument, Jersey City, NJ. (RALLC)
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 / 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)
Labels: Collaborative Policing, Education, Events, In Remembrance, Law Enforcement, Leadership, Mental Health, NYPD, Policing, Presentations
posted by Vincent J. Bove, CPP at 9:54 PM
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