Flowood, Mississippi, became a crucible for American policing transformation on May 29, 2025.
It was my profound honor to address over 500 dedicated law enforcement professionals from across the state at the Mississippi Public Safety Summit.
My charge was clear: to deliver a message on Transforming American Policing: Ethical Leadership, Morale, and Emotional Resiliency – a message forged over four decades of unwavering commitment to community, and 25 years dedicated to empowering America’s law enforcement protectors.
This summons to Mississippi was more than an address; it was an extension of a lifelong mission, recently amplified by my privileged appointment as the NYPD Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker.
It was a convergence of dedication, experience, and an urgent call to action.
The event was underscored by a vital collaboration of Reawakening America LLC with The Columbia Lighthouse Project and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
In a unity of effort, we equipped attendees with customized laminated cards – tangible tools to identify risk and, crucially, prevent suicide within their ranks.
GRATITUDE: THE BEDROCK OF PARTNERSHIP
Before charting the path forward, profound gratitude is extended to the visionary government leaders of the State of Mississippi.
Their trust in me to address Mississippi’s finest during these demanding times is a responsibility I held with the utmost humility and determination.
To every law enforcement officer and first responder in Mississippi, and throughout America: your daily sacrifice, your unyielding dedication to protect and serve, is the very shield of our communities.
You have my deepest respect and unwavering support.
A special commendation is unequivocally deserved by Jenna Bass, Special Projects Representative for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
Jenna was the quintessential professional orchestrating every detail of my invitation. This was coupled with the extraordinary hospitality extended to my wife and I, transforming a professional engagement into a deeply personal and memorable experience.
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE: A LEGACY OF EMPOWERMENT
For 16 years, my engagements with law enforcement have been chronicled by The National Association of Chiefs of Police (NACOP).
This is not merely a record; it is a living resource – a beacon for law enforcement, government leaders, and communities.
The NACOP champions the non-negotiable power of principled leadership, vigilance, and collaboration with the imperative to work in unison to empower, encourage, and ignite character.
This endeavor is intrinsically linked to my driving goal: to assist law enforcement agencies in becoming national paragons of 21st Century Policing.
This is a mission consistently articulated in my articles for the NACOP.
HONORING SACRIFICE: THE SOUL OF OUR NATION AND OUR PROFESSION
During my address, I felt compelled to share the hallowed experiences my wife and I encountered at the World War II American military cemeteries in Italy in 2023.
We stood on that sacred ground not as tourists, but as pilgrims, honoring those who paid the ultimate price for freedom.
This profound respect for our military, this reverence for lives laid down in service to liberty, is not merely a sentiment – it is an indisputable pillar for the reawakening of our nation and a cornerstone of the Nine Principles of American Policing.
This solemn honor extends equally to our fallen law enforcement heroes, who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our communities.
From Bove journal, reflecting on the Florence American WWII Cemetery:
“On these sacred grounds lie 4,393 Americans… a large sculptured figure titled ‘The Spirit of Peace’ watches over tablets bearing 1,409 names, missing in action. 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.”
And from the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery:
“Here in Nettuno is the sacred burial ground of 7,858 Americans… 3,095 more names, missing in action, lost or buried at sea, are engraved in stone within the chapel. These visitations were enriching spiritual experiences, forever engraved into our souls.”
These experiences are not just memories; they are fuel. They ignite our resolve to serve with the same unwavering commitment.
FROM GLOBAL INSIGHTS TO URGENT ACTION: A CALL UNHEEDED IS A CRISIS INVITED
My journey, spanning time in Italy, and then China continued with the return to America. There, my suicide prevention work with law enforcement in California culminated in a pivotal moment.
Upon returning to New Jersey after nine months of travel, a call from former NYPD Commissioner Thomas G. Donlon set in motion an unprecedented initiative. It was built on the unshakeable pillars of ethical leadership, morale, emotional resiliency, and suicide prevention.
This led to my development of the first of its kind initiative for the NYPD, and after rigorous vetting, to my appointment as the NYPD Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker.
The urgency of this mission was seared into my conscience while in California on November 7, 2023. There was due to a headline that pierced the soul:
“Four current and former L.A. Sheriff’s Department employees died by suicide in a 24-hour span.”
Sheriff Robert Luna’s anguished plea for his personnel to check on one another echoed the silent crisis gripping too many departments. “We are stunned,” he stated, “it has sent shock waves of emotions throughout the department.”
Compelled to act, I made one phone call.
ONE PHONE CALL: THE CATALYST FOR CHANGE
As every officer knows, sometimes moving mountains begins with a single, decisive act.
I called the U.S. Marshal of the SDNY, Ralph Sozio. He, in turn, made one call to the right person – the NYPD liaison in California, Detective John Lunt.
That one call ignited a chain reaction, culminating in a presentation to representatives from 18 law enforcement agencies across California.
Let this be a stark reminder: crisis demands communication.
Pick up the phone. Make the call with confidence, resolve, and unyielding commitment.
One call can transform, and indeed save, lives. This imperative spurred my article for the NACOP: “Police Suicides: Awareness, Compassion, Action.”
OPERATION RESILIENCY: A LIFELINE FOR OUR PROTECTORS
Eight months ago, this conviction birthed NYPD /FDNY Operation Resiliency: Ethical Leadership, Morale, Emotional Resiliency, Suicide Prevention.
This initiative has seen me assist, advise and train peer support at NYPD and FDNY academies, the MTAPD, NYPD promotion classes for captains, lieutenants, and sergeants, NYPD fraternal organizations, numerous Police Self Support Group presentations and events, firehouses, roll calls, the NYPD Finest Baseball Club, and suicide prevention training.
At times, I have had the honor to work in partnership with the renowned Dr. Stephen Wacshal of ConQueR Suicide to address suicide prevention. This was a head-on collaboration of his psychological insights with my humanistic approach.
Regarding these initiatives; every encounter, every interaction, every follow-up chat, reinforces the critical need for this work.
THE WOUNDED HEALER, THE ETHICAL PROTECTOR, THE WOUNDED PROTECTOR: EMBRACING OUR SHARED HUMANITY
In Mississippi, as with many of my engagements, I shared the transformative wisdom of Henri Nouwen’s “The Wounded Healer.”
“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.”
“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?’ but ‘How can we put our woundedness in the service of others?’”
For law enforcement, this readily translates to The Ethical Protector. This concept is developed by my colleague Jack E. Hoban with Bruce J. Gourlie.
I challenged attendees to also embrace their identity even a step further, as The Wounded Protector.
Each officer possesses a unique moral compass, a DNA hardwired to shield the innocent, the vulnerable, the helpless.
This intrinsic drive means that wherever a Wounded Protector stands, safety, protection, and security will prevail.
THE WOUNDED PROTECTOR: A SANCTUARY FOR THE BROKENHEARTED
Consider the young woman who approached me, her soul crying out: “I feel so broken inside… invisible… if only someone would just acknowledge me, ask if I am OK.”
The brokenhearted are among us – in our families, communities, and within our departments.
We must respond with eyes and hearts wide open, with unwavering compassion and empathy.
Consider Clare, an 86-year-old woman, whom I am privileged to administer the Holy Eucharist to at a community senior residence home. Clare shared the lifelong shadow cast by her father’s suicide – NYPD Detective James Francis Carberry, lost in 1938.
Clare was ten, the first to find him. Her plea, relayed through me, is a sacred trust:
“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.”
THE HEALING POWER OF AFFIRMATION: IGNITING HOPE
For 45 years, I have championed the teachings of psychiatrist Dr. Conrad Baars. His core message:
Affirmation is a catalyst that ignites hope into the human soul. It recognizes, appreciates, and encourages.
As I often state, “The challenges of life can deprive individuals of unconditional love and appreciation.
Yet, the affirmative person, the wounded healer, and most especially, the wounded protector, inspires healing of the body, mind, spirit, and emotions.”
A SACRED DUTY: THE SENTINEL’S CREED
Inspired by the honor guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, I urged the attendees to adopt the spirit of the Sentinel’s Creed:
“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 this creed resonate in your noble, necessary, and admirable work. Know that you are appreciated and admired.
FINAL REFLECTION: THE LIBERATION MONUMENT – OUR ENDURING SYMBOL
Near Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty stands Nathan Rapaport’s Liberation Monument – an American soldier carrying a concentration camp survivor.
This powerful image, a testament to compassion, character, and courage, is one I frequently share. It is my fervent hope to inspire law enforcement to connect with America’s legacy of heroism and to uphold that standard in their own privileged service.
Ethical leadership is the bedrock.
Our public servants are a national treasure. Our collective, unwavering commitment to support them will forge America’s rightful destiny as a beacon of moral leadership for the world.
NOTE WELL: A LIFESAVING COLLABORATION
My recent collaboration with the Columbia Lighthouse Project (CLP) has been pivotal.
Utilizing their emotional resiliency and suicide prevention app, and distributing their awareness cards at the Mississippi Summit and to NYPD personnel, has already borne fruit.
The NYPD Health and Wellness section, recognizing the immense value of partnering with CLP, will make the CLP app available department-wide.
This vital technology, as documented in my “Principles of American Policing” (NACOP Cover Story, Summer 2015), is essential.
Principle Number Five states:
“Police deserve the latest and most effective technology to protect themselves and the public.”
This collaboration is that principle in action, safeguarding the health and welfare of law enforcement and communities across America.
ADDENDUM: A RECAP OF THE UNPRECEDENTED NYPD OPERATION RESILIENCY INITIATIVES
The following initiatives, integral to my recent work as NYPD Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker, represent concrete actions reinforcing the principles of ethical leadership and unwavering resilience, forming a crucial foundation for the national clarion call from Mississippi:
THE NYPD UNBREAKABLE LINEUP: NEW YORK FINEST BASEBALL CLUB AND THE POWER OF PERSEVERANCE: This was no mere pep talk; it was an ignition of spirit.
We transformed a baseball field into a crucible of encouragement, driving home the unyielding power of appreciation, faith, and mutual respect to the NYPD’s own New York Finest Baseball Club, fortifying their resilience and brotherhood.
Thank you, NYPD ESU Member Dennis O’Sullivan and NYPD Finest Baseball Club Manager. Your two decades of unwavering service to the NYPD, stationed with ESU in the Bronx, and an equal span as a cornerstone of the NYPD Finest Baseball Team is inspirational. Also, thanks NYPD Sergeant Dave Basquez. As a true champion of collaboration and alumni of the team, my privilege of serving the team was made possible thanks to you.
AN UNTIMELY FAREWELL: IN SACRED MEMORY OF NYPD FINEST BASEBALL CLUB DET. DAVID RODRIGUEZ: Confronting profound tragedy head-on, the NYPD Finest Baseball Club and I honored the memory of their teammate, Det. Rodriguez, and shared a prayer galvanizing unwavering support for his grieving family.
This solemn time for prayer underscored the unbreakable bonds of the NYPD family, and the enduring spirit that rises even from the depths of sorrow, reminding us of the human cost and the strength found in unity.
The NYPD Police Self Support Group: To Survive and to Serve: Steadfast, ongoing respect, engagement and unwavering support to the heroes of the Police Self Support Group—officers battling serious line-of-duty injuries or life-threatening illnesses.
This initiative is a testament to their commitment: to honor their sacrifice by ensuring they, too, ‘Survive and Serve’ with dignity and relentless support. A special note of appreciation to the President of the Group Sergeant Arvid Flores, and for NYPD Detective Kathy Burke retd, whom has assisted me with the history of the PSSG.
Thank you Peter Pallos, your dedication to your law enforcement is outstanding, and it has been my privilege to work with you.
“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 NYPD Transit District 1 – Ethical Leadership, Courage, Resiliency: The message was brought directly to the front lines, delivering impactful remarks on Ethical Leadership, Courage, and Resiliency to two evening roll calls at NYPD Transit District 1.
This reinforced core principles in a high-pressure, high-visibility environment, crucial for officers policing the city’s infrastructure beneath the sidewalks, and its lifelines.
Thank you, Lieutenant Fernando Lopez for coordinating my visit to your district. Commanding Officer / Captain Marion M. Cuevas, thank you for sharing your leadership insights after my presentation, and your invitation to speak to your personnel.
The NYPD 32 in Harlem: – Courage, Legacy, Resiliency: The historic NYPD 32nd Precinct, engaging personnel from roll call and specialized units was my focus.
The charge was clear: to instill and amplify courage, honor their rich legacy, and bolster their resiliency in a community deserving dedication and understanding.
Upon entering the precinct, one encounters those who died in the line of duty on the tribute wall.
It is a profoundly mesmerizing, mystical, and solemn experience to look into the eyes of NYPD officers who offered the ultimate sacrifice protecting the people of the community over the past century.
These individuals, whom represent the most profound sacrifice, represent the best of all of us and must never be forgotten.
Notably present on the wall are NYPD Officers Jason Rivera and Wilbert Mora.
The sacrifices of these two great officers were noted in my article titled Safeguarding America’s Protectors: A Community Responsibility for the National Association of Chiefs of Police.
An excerpt from the article is as follows:
“As I spoke to the Bergen County Police Chiefs association, we were in the heart-wrenching shadows of the funerals of two NYPD officers that numerous chiefs in the audience attended.
“NYPD officers Wilbert Mora and Jason Rivera were both shot and killed in Harlem on Friday, Jan. 21, 2022.
“The two officers were killed while responding to a call about an argument between a woman and her adult son. The son killed both officers at point-blank range, before being shot dead by another responding officer.”
A special note of admiration for NYPD Police Officer Ellen Usher of the 32 Precinct whose leadership made the 32nd precinct event possible.
Officer Usher and I first met during the NYPD Don Bosco Retreat on April 9, 2025. As a speaker, I was privileged to introduce NYPD personnel to the educational pedagogy of the preventive system.
Remarkably, Officer Usher has served the community of the 32nd precinct for 33 consecutive years.
The 32 has been her home since her first days as an NYPD officer. The community is a better place because of her inspiring dedication to protect and serve.
Officer Usher personifies the best of policing, and is truly a model of 21st Century Policing.
The NYPD Transit District 4 – Ethical Leadership, Vigilance, Resiliency: Across five distinct roll calls at the bustling NYPD Transit District 4 in Union Square; a consistent, forceful directive on ethical leadership, unwavering vigilance, and profound resiliency, equipping officers to meet the relentless demands of policing a major transit artery was my focus.
A special thanks to NYPD Lieutenant John Froehlich for making this initiative possible. His leadership style with his personnel emphasized respect and was duly noted.
The NYPD 121st Precinct – Leadership, Vigilance, Patriotism: The NYPD 121st Precinct on Staten Island received a compelling message of leadership, vigilance, and patriotism, engaging personnel from executive command to street-level units, ensuring these values resonated throughout this diverse borough command.
NYPD Sgt. Danny Commender and NYPD Detective Charina D’Aiuto through a collaborative effort made this initiative on the island possible.
A special note of gratitude to Assistant Chief / Commanding Officer Melissa A. Eger of Patrol Bureau Staten Island, and Inspector Glorisel Lee, Commanding Officer of the 121st Precinct.
Deputy Chief Terence Hurson, Executive Officer of the Patrol Borough Staten Island, thank you for inviting me to address attendees at your special event preparation.
The NYPD 44 Precinct – Leadership, Vigilance, Community: We stood with the nearly 300 members of the Bronx’s largest command, the legendary NYPD 44th Precinct, impressing upon them the non-negotiable imperatives of powerful leadership, constant vigilance, and selfless service to their community in one of NYC’s most demanding environments.
Thank you, Inspector / Commanding Officer Joe Pulgarin, for the honor to speak to your personnel.
Captain Vladimir Garcia, my appreciation for giving me a tour of the precinct, and introducing me to the various units.
The NYPD PSA 2 in Brooklyn -Leadership, Honor, Vigilance: The indispensable tenets of leadership, honor, and vigilance for the dedicated officers of NYPD Police Service Area 2, who safeguard 42 housing developments was championed.
This was a direct call to fortify community trust and safety in these vital residential areas through principled action.
NYPD PSA 2 Commanding Officer / Captain Joseph Leone, your words to roll call were truly inspirational and deserving of praise.
The NYPD 75th Precinct in Brooklyn – Leadership, Respect, Honor: An uncompromising message of leadership, profound respect, and unwavering honor to the men and women of the incomparable NYPD 75th Precinct, steeling their resolve and dedication in one of the city’s most dynamic and challenging operational landscapes was delivered.
Thank you, Inspector / Commanding Officer Mark A. Vazquez for the privilege of addressing your personnel.
Also, thank you Sergeant Lenny Insalaco for coordinating this event. Lieutenant Barbara Fischer, Commanding Officer of the Detective Squad, thank you for your leadership and privilege to speak to your detectives.
The NYPD Columbia Association – Ethical Leadership, Patriotism, Collaboration: Before 175 members of The NYPD Columbia Association, a galvanizing presentation on the sacrifices of America in Italy during World War II— and a clarion call for a holistic policing revolution.
This demanded unwavering Ethical Conduct, the emotional fortitude of “Wounded Healers/Protectors,” fervent patriotism, and decisive collaboration, positioning the NYPD to lead a national reawakening of protectors as a model for 21st Century Policing.
Thank you to the President of the Columbia Association, Lieutenant Commander Detective Anthony Burgio for your invitation. Your professionalism and hospitality were greatly appreciated.
These engagements were not passive observances but active interventions, designed to forge a future where ethical leadership, morale, and unwavering resilience are the unshakeable bedrock of American policing.
Safeguarding America’s Protectors: A Community Responsibility
NYPD Operation Resiliency
Ethical Leadership, Morale, Emotional Resiliency, Suicide Prevention
Keynotes / Presentations / Remarks 2024 – 2025
All Published by Reawakening America LLC in The Sentinel
*Published by The National Association of Chiefs of Police
- The NYPD Initiative: Principled Leadership, Morale, Resilience (Remarks NYPD Commissioners Office) ©
- The NYPD Commissioner: A Time for Ethical Leadership (Remarks / NYPD Commissioner’s Office) ©
- The NYPD: Leading Through a National Crisis / Police Self Support Group (Presentation, NYPD Medical Division, Queens, NYC) © *
- NYPD Employee Assistance Unit: Leading Through a National Crisis (Presentation, NYPD Police Academy) © *
- NYPD Sergeants: Leading Through a National Crisis (Presentation, NYPD Police Academy) ©
- NYPD Lieutenants and Captains: Leading Through a National Crisis (Presentation, NYPD Police Academy) ©
- NYPD American Legion Post 460: My Standard Will Remain Perfection (Remarks NYPD Headquarters) ©
- NYPD Police Self Support Group: Respect, Honor, Resiliency (Authored for The Sentinel on PSSG event at Immaculate Conception Seminary) ©
- NYPD and FDNY Chaplains: Purpose, Service, Respect © (remarks NYPD Health & Wellness planning session)
- America’s Law Enforcement Suicide Crisis: Issues and Response (authored for The Sentinel) ©
- NYPD Police Academy: Empowering Lieutenants to Prevent Suicide (Presentation) ©
- NYPD / FDNY: Operation Resiliency – Rescue Co 1 (Remarks, Rescue Co 1) ©
- NYPD / FDNY: Operation Resiliency – Squad Co 18 (Remarks, Squad 18) ©
- FDNY Peer Support: The Heart of Operation Resiliency – (Keynote, FDNY Academy) ©
- The NYPD Guardians Association: Leadership, Honor, Respect (Remarks NYPD Former Police Academy) ©
- Policewomen’s Endowment Association: Ethical Leadership, Morale, Resiliency © (Remarks)
- NYPD 19th Precinct Roll Call: The Wounded Protector (Remarks, Precinct 19) ©
- FDNY Engine Co 38: The Wounded Protector (Remarks, Engine Co 38) ©
- Leading Through a National Crisis: Empowering Law Enforcement / ConQueR Suicide * (Presentation) ©
- The NYPD Candidate Assessment Division: Ethical Leadership, Morale, Influence* (Keynote, NYPD former Police Academy) ©
- The NYPD Columbia Association: Ethical Leadership, Patriotism, Collaboration (keynote Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Brooklyn) ©
- Leading Through a National Crisis: Empowering MTAPD Peer Support Professionals (Presentation at MTAPD Grand Central Terminal) ©
- The NYPD 75th Precinct: Leadership, Morale, Honor © (Remarks – Detective Squad / Roll Calls)
- The NYPD Encounters Don Bosco (Presentation and Prayer – NYPD Annual Retreat, Marian Shrine of Don Bosco) ©
- The NYPD PSA 2: Leadership, Honor, Vigilance (Remarks – roll call, Domestic Violence and Administrative Units, Special Operations, Integrity Control & the Field Intelligence Office, Brooklyn) ©
- The NYPD 44th Precinct: Leadership, Vigilance, Community (Remarks – roll calls, Domestic Violence Unit, Special Operations, Detective Squad, Community Relations, Integrity Control, Bronx NYC) ©
- The NYPD Police Self Support Group: Character, Courage, Community (Presentation – NYPD Medical Division, Queens) ©
- NYPD Memoriam: Officer Cecil Frank Sledge and Officer Anthony Dwyer (Knights of Columbus Keynote, Long Island, NYC) ©
- The NYPD 121st Precinct: Leadership, Vigilance, Patriotism (Remarks – roll call and Patrol Borough Staten Island Officials) ©
- The NYPD Transit District 4: Ethical Leadership, Vigilance, Resiliency (Remarks – five roll calls, Union Square Park) ©
- The NYPD 32 in Harlem: Courage, Legacy, Resiliency (Remarks – Roll Call, Domestic Violence Unit, Detective Squad) ©
- The NYPD Transit District 1: Leadership, Vigilance, Courage (Remarks – roll calls, 59th Street/Columbus Circle) ©
- The NYPD Police Self Support Group: To Survive and to Serve” – attendance annual dinner, authored article for The Sentinel ©
- A Clarion Call from Mississippi: Forging the Future of American Policing Through Ethical Leadership and Unwavering Resilience (Presentation) ©
- The NYPD Unbreakable Lineup: New York Finest Baseball Club and the Power of Perseverance (NYPD Finest Baseball Club – Pregame Remarks / Prayer) ©
