A book about my life and career was a natural thing to do after leaving the public sector as the thirty-seventh and forty-first commissioner of the New York City Police Department. But putting my many experiences into a book and making some larger sense of it all was far more difficult than I expected it to be.
I’ve had a great journey: more than four decades with the NYPD, wartime service in Vietnam, various high-ranking federal positions, an amazing adventure in Haiti, and certainly no shortage of stories to tell. I had a loving childhood and a remarkable education at some of the country’s most revered institutions of learning. I have been blessed with an excellent marriage and a very supportive family. How could I possibly pack all that into a book?
Pulling it all together in a readable form was a monumental task, and I depended greatly on the talent and expertise of Ellis Henican. His patience, guidance, great sense of humor, and understanding were incredible. He is a true professional and, I hope, a friend for life.
My publisher, Hachette Books, was helpful in many ways. Publisher Mauro DiPreta and senior editor Paul Whitlatch, along with Michelle Aielli, Betsy Hulsebosch, Christopher Lin, and Lauren Hummel, moved the project along with insight and efficiency and helped me meet all the deadlines. Ellis’s crew—Peter McGuigan, James Gregorio, Larry Kramer, Janis Spidle, and Roberta Teer—were immensely helpful.
But thinking back, as a story of one’s life demands, I want to acknowledge my family: my mother, Elizabeth, and my father, James; my brothers Leonard and Donald; my sister, Mary; and my late brother, Kenneth. I was always surrounded by love, good humor, good music, and a keen understanding of the importance of hard work.
Since Veronica and I started dating so young, the Clarke family had a tremendous impact on me. Believe it or not, I had my first really good Italian meal at the Clarke table. Veronica’s mother, Helen, and her father, John, loved the beach at Island Park, and that’s where Veronica and I met. I worked as a lifeguard with her late brother, Jim, and sister Ellen. After 9/11 her brother Martin’s New York apartment was a perfect place for me to crash. Theresa, her younger sister, has always been the first to call with support and good wishes no matter the event.
The Marine Corps had an enormous effect on my life. Virtually everything I know about leadership I learned in the Corps.
The NYPD, America’s largest and the world’s best police department, provided me with a career more exciting and fulfilling than anything I could have imagined. Being named commissioner by David Dinkins and by Michael Bloomberg are two of my proudest days. I am indebted to both mayors for their confidence and faith in me.
I am also grateful to President Clinton and Treasury Secretary Bob Rubin for appointing me as undersecretary for Treasury and U.S. Customs commissioner.
The multitalented Paul Browne, who worked by my side at the NYPD, in the federal government, and in the private sector has been a steadfast and loyal friend. Mike Farrell and I have worked together often over the last thirty years. His counsel and knowledge of the world and government have been tremendously helpful.
When New York and America needed them most, David Cohen and Frank Labuti stepped up, joined the NYPD, and helped to meet the new threats of terrorism. All New Yorkers owe them thanks. Later, Michael Sheehan, Richard Falkenrath, and Richard Dadario also joined the department and helped to turn our counterterror commitment into tireless reality. Jim Waters and Tom Galati, uniformed members of the department, were major contributors in this effort.
Steve Hammerman, Andy Schaefer, Doug Maynard, Katherine Lemire, and Jessica Tisch provided world-class legal advice to the NYPD and to me in a very demanding environment. Charles Campisi was an ideal chief of internal affairs, a man of solid judgment and unquestioned integrity.
As police commissioner, a security unit is a must. A team of dedicated police professionals under the leadership of Brian Burke made certain that things went as smoothly as possible.
Bob Barnett has been my legal advisor since I left the police department and has helped greatly in navigating the private sector.
Anne Reingold of HL Group has become my go-to person in all manner of things. I am grateful for her help, her guidance, and especially her friendship. And Valerie Salembier provided outstanding leadership for the New York City Police Foundation during my time as police commissioner.
My sons, Jim and Greg, have been extremely helpful and supportive with this project, as they always are. Their extraordinary recall clarified many dates and details. Their input has been invaluable. I am very proud of both my sons. They are my best friends.
Veronica has been my wife for more than fifty-one years. During that time she managed to become a registered nurse, join the Coast Guard Reserve, and have a successful, twenty-year career as an award-winning sales representative of a Fortune 500 corporation. Despite all that, my sons and I always came first for her. She has been incredible. She is smart. She is funny. And I learn something new from her every day. Without Veronica’s help, support, and endless love, my life simply would have no meaning.
Together with her the journey continues.