Special Edition Dedicated to American Law Enforcement
As the appointed NYPD Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker, my work involves presentations throughout the department.
It also involves remarks at precinct roll calls and fraternal organizations to advise, assist and train personnel.
One of my presentations occurred at the NYPD Medical Services Division facility in Queens, New York on January 31, 2025.
It was titled Leading Through a National Crisis: Empowering Law Enforcement.
The presentation spotlighted ethical leadership, morale, emotional resiliency, and suicide prevention.
A select group of professionals from the local and national level attended. These included NYPD Medical Service Division psychologists, peer support, clinical outreach, registered nursing, therapists, and the NYPD Police Self Support Group.
Dr. Stephen Wakschal
Dr. Wakschal was the lead instructor for this recent event, and his extraordinary credentials deserve recognition.
He is a New York State Psychologist with over 40 years’ experience in the field of suicidology, trauma, and law enforcement.
Dr. Wakschal is also a New York State Trooper PBA Surgeon, and a certified grief counselor specialist.
He is also the Clinical Lead for the Northwell Health Finest Program, an exceptional and confidential mental health service for uniformed NYPD officers.
Dr. Wakschal, representing ConQuer Suicide at the event, delivered a powerful presentation titled A Suicide Awareness and Intervention Program for Law Enforcement Professionals.
His enlightening program addressed the following:
- The need to shift focus from departmental interventions to individual responsibility
- Exploration of statistical risk factors associated with professional law enforcement
- Consideration of genetic, anthropological, developmental, and environmental factors that contributors to the “Six Pillars of Police Suicide”
- Debunking common myths of suicide
- Encouraging participants to express their experiences with suicide
- Examination of risk factors that increase suicidality
- Highlighting both the common and more subtle suicide early indicators or warning signs or suicide
- Discussion of observational failures that result in suicide
- Teaching how to use active listening skills to connect with the person at risk
- Vulnerabilities
- Instruction of how to ask the person at risk directly about suicide
- Review of Response options
- Opportunities to practice newly acquired knowledge and skills
Dr. Wakschal’s insights were crystal clear; ongoing credentialed and quality training is pivotal for addressing mental health concerns and saving lives.
PETER PALLOS
It is also important to note the exemplary dedication of Peter Pallos, as through him I was introduced to Dr. Wakschal.
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 commendation for his selfless 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.
“Law enforcement officers are highly trained and provided the tools necessary to effectively keep their communities safe from crime and violence.
“It is critically important that those tools include the proactive and ongoing delivery of mental health and wellness assistance.
“These services protect them from both the acute and cumulative stresses associated with our profession.” Keith M. Corlett, New York State Police Superintendent, (ret.)
EMPOWERING LAW ENFORCEMENT
All of my presentations are memorialized in my online digest titled The Sentinel. They are also often published by the National Association of Chiefs of Police.
This documentation serves as a resource not only for the NYPD, but first responders nationwide.
The January 31, 2025 presentation was dedicated to the memory of NYPD Officer Colin Rossiter, FDNY EMT John S. Mondello, and NYPD Detective James Francis Carberry; all of whom died by suicide.
“Vincent, thank you for all your hard work to educate the NYPD on suicide awareness and prevention.
“My dear friend Trudy has shared it perfectly, ‘Colin’s legacy goes on, he had a purpose that will live beyond his years…something good has come out of all of this.”
Annemarie Rossiter, Mother of NYPD Officer Colin Rossiter
My presentation, via PowerPoint, included the following:
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” Los Angeles Times
These suicide deaths prompted a plea from their sheriff urging deputies to check on the well-being of others.
“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.”
Sheriff Robert Luna, Los Angeles Sheriff
Since I would be in California for at least another 2 months, I was compelled to act.
ONE PHONE CALL
As law enforcement knows, moving a mountain can begin with just one phone call. So, I called the U.S. Marshall of the Southern District of New York.
In turn, U.S. Marshall Ralph Sozio made one phone call as well, to the NYPD liaison in California.
The NYPD liaison set up an initiative for my presentation to representatives from 18 law enforcement agencies from throughout California. The presentation took place on January 10, 2024 as hosted by the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center.
This process serves as a lesson of responding to a crisis. We begin 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.
“Your saving lives of those who save lives.”
Chief Louis Ghione, North Arlington Police Department, retd.
Police Suicides: Awareness, Compassion, Action
Subsequently, this California initiative was followed with my article for the National Association of Chiefs of Police titled, Police Suicides: Awareness, Compassion, Action.
Although privileged to reach a national audience, heartening feedback was a text from Annemarie Rossiter, the mother of NYPD Officer Colin Rossiter. Colin died by suicide on March 2, 2023, and was featured in the article.
Annemarie periodically does an Internet search on her son.
She came across my article which honored Colin, and all first responders who died by suicide, and expressed gratitude for honoring her son.
Annemarie, in that one gracious text message, began a chain of events that has continued with ongoing sharing of uplifting and inspirational remarks.
Her kindness is a reminder that our words, meant to uplift and support others, and our actions, are profoundly meaningful.
My presentation continued to the Jan. 31 attendees. I encouraged the audience by sharing the following:
“You are essential to society; assisting those who protect the vulnerable, marginalized, innocent, crestfallen, and the elderly – the city survives because of you.
“Our communities survive because of the value of your profession, and the noble work you do.”
“As you support the protectors, remain vigilant in protecting yourselves and one another.”
OPERATION RESILIENCY
In September 2024, I developed an unprecedented initiative titled NYPD /FDNY Operation Resiliency: Ethical Leadership, Morale, Emotional Resiliency, Suicide Prevention.
Since then, I have been privileged to conduct presentations for these agencies.
Presentations have included training for peer support personnel at both the NYPD and FDNY academies, NYPD promotion classes for captains, lieutenants, and sergeants, NYPD fraternal organizations, FDNY firehouses, the NYPD Police Self Support Group, and the NYPD Candidate Assessment Division.
The work began thanks to the leadership of former NYPD Commissioner Thomas G. Donlon. It followed with the invitation of NYPD Chief Supervising Surgeon Doctor Eli Kleinman M.D., M.P. H. to speak to the Police Self Support Group on November 14, 2024.
“I pray that they listen and learn.
“Your talks Vincent, are not just another class they must attend, but rather a step to survival.
“It’s not about just looking to prevent suicide among cops, but about prevention of suicide for themselves as well.”
NYPD Detective Kathy Burke retd., Police Self Support Group Vice President
Since that first presentation four months ago, I have been in contact with numerous members of the group on a daily basis.
The Police Self Support Group, whom are line of duty personnel, are uniquely special individuals of the NYPD. It is my honor to support them and continually hold them in prayer.
THE WOUNDED HEALER
The Police Self Support Group inspired me to share thoughts on The Wounded Healer by Henri Nouwen.
A few thoughts of this attitude-altering concept were also shared today, including the following:
- “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?”
In my opinion, the Wounded Healer is easily transitioned to my concept of the Wounded Protector.
This concept is applicable to law enforcement, first responders, and all who assist them.
My presentation continued with empowering my audience with another interdependent concept; The Ethical Protector, as authored by my colleague Jack Hoban.
THE ETHICAL PROTECTOR
The Ethical Protector reminds us that all dedicated to safeguarding others have a completely different moral compass – protectors.
The DNA of protectors has an irrefutable laser focus – protecting the innocent, the vulnerable, and the defenseless members of society.
This ethical protector moral compass is fine-tuned since as protectors; wherever we are, people are safe because of our presence.
THE ETHICAL PROTECTOR: DEDICATED TO THE BROKENHEARTED
During this presentation, I also shared a vignette of someone who approached me after a previous keynote. The person shared the following:
“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, and within the NYPD.
We must respond with compassion, concern, and empathy. Our eyes, and our hearts must be wide open to those who need encouragement, kindness, and guidance.
NYPD Detective Carberry: 1938 Death by Suicide
During one of my visits to senior residence homes, (where I am privileged to visit about 40 senior citizens (at times on their death beds) to administer Holy Communion), Clare, an 86-year-old woman told me a heart wrenching 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 passing.
This experience remained with Claire throughout her life.
She asked me to share that she did not have the knowledge as a child to see, the signs, and to tell the protectors whom I assist the following:
“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 courage – 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.
In my opinion, his vast collection of books, which I often share with audiences, 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, many of whom have been emotionally deprived.
“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 tonight the wounded protector, inspires healing of the body, mind, spirit, and emotions.”
Vincent J. Bove
Never Will I Falter
Inspired by the honor guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C., I asked attendees to apply these words from creed of those who guard the tomb.
This sacred tomb holds our heroes “Known but to God” as engraved on the tomb.
The message from their creed applies to each of us and is as follows:
“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.”
The attendees were implored to continue their honorable and sacrosanct mission.
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, New Jersey.
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 compassion, character, and courage.
A photo of this magnificent monument is shared at all my presentations.
It was my sincere hope that it inspires audiences to appreciate the selfless Americans of history. And also, to uphold their legacy through their privileged profession as law enforcement professionals and first responders.
Our public servants are a national treasure. We must be fully dedicated and committed to assisting them.
Our collaboration will lead to America’s rightful destiny as a beacon of moral leadership for the world.
FINAL REFLECTION: HEALTH AND WELLNESS CONCERNS
The signs of our times illuminate compelling challenges with the mental health of those who protect and serve.
These challenges exist not only with the NYPD, but law enforcement and first responders nationwide.
As the NYPD Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker, I am fully dedicated to addressing the concerns.
As an expression of my resolve, I addressed high ranking NYPD officials in a December 24, 2024 email to ignite communication and action.
It is my hope that by spotlighting these concerns from that communication again, a reawakening will take place, not only with the NYPD and FDNY, but with protectors nationwide.
- Are there protocols, procedures, policies, or guidelines in place that are set in motion upon a department death by suicide?
- Is there a policy in place where a statement is released from the highest level of the NYPD as a response to a tragedy?
- Is there chaplain, and executive level visits to next of kin, and ongoing follow up?
- Are grief counselors assigned to the location where the individual worked, and to the families on an ongoing basis?
- Are individuals connected with the incident required to attend the NYPD Critical Incident Stress Management Program for debriefings?
- Does NYPD News, and other department mechanisms utilize their production and social media outlets to spotlight mental health, morale, resiliency, and suicide prevention?
- Is there the highest level of collaboration not only with NYPD fraternal organizations, but with all the unions?
- Is there an immediate formal written communication to key individuals involved with health and wellness concerns – including the police commissioner and senior executives; advising them of incidents, and implementation of procedures, policy, guidelines, and protocols?
- Are there not only required training conferences for all members of the Peer Support Group, but also a state-of-the art certification program with continuous renewal requirements?
- Does the NYPD have a fraternal organization for victims’ families, with retreat style experiences and events to support their concerns?
- Is there training, and or certifications for all involved with the recruitment process on mental health and suicide warning signs?
- Are there guidelines for enhanced vigilance after an incident because of “copy-cat” concerns?
- Are the many favorable Employee Assistance programs, and the Finest Care Northwell Direct program as effective as possible. Since these provide antidotes to the crisis, what more can be done to maximize efficacy?
- Aside from Northwell Direct, and the confidentiality involved, is there a mechanism for individuals to anonymously share other concerns that impact morale, resiliency, and mental health?
- Are we working in partnership with other city agencies to productively safeguard other first responders?
- How often are there conferences to address issues of ethical leadership, morale, resiliency, and suicide prevention? Are these events marketed to address critical issues not only for current personnel, but for retirees, and open to military veterans?
- After my remarks to the NYPD American Legion Post 460 Fraternal Organization, I was advised by a board member that there are over 3,400 NYPD personnel who have served in the armed forces. Is there a program that specifically addresses their mental health concerns due not only to their current law enforcement status, but their military background?
Leadership, vigilance, and collaboration, my slogan for 25 years, are pillars for addressing mental health, and all crisis management issues.
May we work together with a full force resolve to assist our protectors.
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 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 demand 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
Related Bove Published Works by the National Association of Chiefs of Police:
The NYPD: Leading Through a National Crisis © https://www.copmag.org/the-nypd-leading-through-a-national-crisis/
NYPD Employee Assistance Unit: Leading Through a National Crisis © https://www.copmag.org/nypd-employee-assistance-unit-leading-through-a-national-crisis/
21st Century Policing: Issues and Response https://www.copmag.org/21st-century-policing-issues-and-response/
21st Century American Policing Demands Ethical Leadership https://www.copmag.org/reawakening-the-nation-2/
Police Suicides: Awareness, Compassion, Action
Police Suicides: Awareness, Compassion, Action
Safeguarding America’s Protectors: A Community Responsibility
Safeguarding America’s Protectors: A Community Responsibility
America’s Law Enforcement Sacrifices Demand Eternal Gratitude
America’s Law Enforcement Sacrifices Demand Eternal Gratitude
Igniting 21st Century Ethical Policing: Understanding the Profession
Understanding the Profession
In particular, it is imperative to express my admiration for all first responders protecting our communities, and all who assist them.
NYPD / FDNY Operation Resiliency
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 Initiaitive: Principled Leadership, Morale, Resilience©
- The NYPD Commissioner: A Time for Ethical Leadership ©
- The NYPD: Leading Through a National Crisis © *
- 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)
- Leading Through a National Crisis: Empowering First Responders to Prevent Suicide ©
- The NYPD Candidate Assessment Division: Ethical Leadership, Morale, Influence © (keynote)
BOVE JANUARY 31, 2025 PRESENTATION: ATTENDEES REMARKS / SURVEYS
- Fantastic, a score of 100%
- The presenter was very personable and credible.
- Very helpful to help destigmatize mental health. A great program for community members as well.
- Today’s presentation was very helpful and informative, encouraging us to be better listeners to people’s struggles
- Thank you for your concern for society through your work. You reminded us that kindness is necessary to help others.
- Very Inspirational.
- Excellent, thank you for your positive energy, and the ability to reach people on a very personal level. Your background has spiritual importance and helps us to connect.
- Enjoyed the concept of the wounded healer, and the wounded protector.
- The presentation was empowering and insightful. It reminded us of personal power and the importance of recognizing problems, and intervention to make a difference.
