New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch joined a large gathering at police headquarters on Friday to commemorate the Marine Corps' upcoming 251st birthday, acknowledging the presence of 600 Marines within the NYPD.
"When a New Yorker calls 911 … they'll be getting help from someone who has already learned how to act when lives depend on it," Tisch stated to the assembled crowd at One Police Plaza, referring to the Marines now serving as police officers. She added, "By the time you put on an NYPD uniform, this country already owed you a debt of gratitude. And you chose to keep serving. As your commissioner, I'm grateful you chose to do it here."
The annual event, hosted by the NYPD Marine Corps Association, serves to honor the armed force and maintain connections between the Marines and both active and retired city police officers. Among the attendees were Marine veterans from World War II.
This year's keynote speaker was retired Sergeant Major Brad Kasal, a recipient of the Naval Cross for his actions in saving Marines during the second battle of Fallujah in Iraq in 2004. Kasal sustained multiple injuries during the firefight.
In his address, Kasal drew parallels between the ethos of Marines and NYPD officers, referencing the 2021 US evacuation from Kabul. "They did that because that's what Marines do," he said of service members who risked their lives. "And I'd argue it's what NYPD officers do. They put themselves in harm's way because that's their job: to serve and protect, for something greater than ourselves."
Kasal also reflected on the motivations behind military enlistment and service, suggesting that individuals serve for "goodness, purpose." He touched upon the emotional toll of service, acknowledging high suicide rates within military communities and encouraging attendees to seek help if they are struggling.
The celebration also included the presentation of awards by the NYPD Marine Corps Association to current NYPD members, recognizing their service and commitment. These included the SGT JOHN COUGHLIN EAGLE, GLOBE & ANCHOR AWARD, SGT. MICHAEL CURTIN SEMPER FIDELIS AWARD, POLICE OFFICER VINCENT DANZ LEATHERNECK AWARD, DETECTIVE LOUIS MILLER JR. LEADERSHIP AWARD, and the PATROLMEN GREGORY FOSTER & ROCCO LAURIE UNCOMMON VALOR AWARD, among others.