NYPD delivers touching tribute to Marines for 251st anniversary

· New York Post

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch joined throngs of people at police headquarters Friday to celebrate the Marine Corps’ upcoming 251st birthday, noting 600 Marines are among the city’s Finest.

“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 told the standing-room-only crowd at One Police Plaza in Manhattan, referring to the Marines on the force.

New York City top cop Jessica Tisch presents retired Sgt. Maj. Brad Kasal with a framed retirement shadowbox Friday. Facebook/NYC Police Benevolent Association's Post

“By the time you put on an NYPD uniform, this country already owed you a debt of gratitude,” she told them. “And you chose to keep serving. As your commissioner, I’m grateful you chose to do it here.”

Attendees at the gathering — an annual fete hosted by the NYPD Marine Corps Association to honor the armed force and maintain ties between it and retired and active-duty city cops — included Marine vets from World War II.

A hero cuts a cake during the Marine Corps 251st birthday event at NYPD headquarters in Manhattan on Friday. Facebook/NYC Police Benevolent Association's Post

This year’s keynote speaker and guest of honor was retired Sgt. Major Brad Kasal, who was awarded the Naval Cross in 2004 for his extraordinary bravery in saving the lives of several Marines despite being struck by a grenade and repeatedly shot in a firefight during the second battle of Fallujiah in Iraq.

Kasal commented on the similarities between the Marines and the NYPD in his heartfelt speech, referencing the 2021 US evacuation from Kabul, Afghanistan, as well as the bombing at Abbey Gate there, where 13 US service members were killed.

Actress Halle Berry stands with Kasal at a Fox News studio in Manhattan in 2006. Steven Hirsch

“They did that because that’s what Marines do,” he said of the deadly evacuation that the soldiers risking their lives to save others. “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.”

Another Marine hero shows off his badge. Facebook/NYC Police Benevolent Association's Post

The retired sergeant also spoke of the motivation that drives people to enlist.

“Why, when we work long hours, have to be away from family, have to put ourselves in harm’s way or risk taking a life — why do we do this?” he asked.

“Well, somebody has to, and if somebody does, we do it for goodness, purpose,” he said.

They may be the relatively few, but they are proud. Facebook/NYC Police Benevolent Association's Post

Kasal also spoke of the emotional toll military service can take on an individual, referencing high suicide rates in military communities and encouraging people to reach out if they need help.

‘If there’s ever anyone here who has a bad day, who is struggling, it’s OK to ask for help,” he told the audience. “Because the reality is we all are going to need it at some point in life, every day.”

The NYPD honors Marines in its ranks. Facebook/NYC Police Benevolent Association's Post

The NYPD Marine Corps Association was not only celebrating the upcoming Nov. 10 anniversary of the Corps founding but also recognizing its current members of the NYPD with awards dedicated to their fallen brethren:

  • SGT JOHN COUGHLIN EAGLE, GLOBE & ANCHOR AWARD: Capt. Cesar Gomez, for his gallantry, valor and exemplary display of true service to the city of New York and to the United States Marine Corps.
  • SGT. MICHAEL CURTIN SEMPER FIDELIS AWARD: Police Officer Grady O’Hallera, for his gallantry, valor and exemplary display of true service to the city of New York and to the United States Marine Corps.
  • POLICE OFFICER VINCENT DANZ LEATHERNECK AWARD: Probationary Police Officer Anthony Varga, with great appreciation for your commitment and service to the city of New York and to the United States Marine Corps
  • DETECTIVE LOUIS MILLER JR. LEADERSHIP AWARD: Police Officer Gloria Kim, with great appreciation for your commitment and service to the city of New York and to the United States Marine Corps.
  • PATROLMEN GREGORY FOSTER & ROCCO LAURIE UNCOMMON VALOR AWARD: Lieutenant Mark Dumelle, for his gallantry, valor, and exemplary display of true service to the city of New York and to the United States Marine Corps.
  • PATROLMEN GREGORY FOSTER & ROCCO LAURIE UNCOMMON VALOR AWARD: Lt. Adam Dumelle, for his gallantry, valor, and exemplary display of true service to the city of New York and to the United States Marine Corps.
  • POLICE OFFICER ED MAHONEY TEUFEL HUNDEN LEGACY AWARD: Lt. Robert Siegniou, with great appreciation for your commitment and service to the city of New York and to the United States Marine Corps.