New York, NY – Thomas Shevlin is the President of the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association. He has brought much to that role – the depth of his experiences, and then the bold steps he took that brought so much help and relief to so many.
He cares deeply about Officers’ safety in diverse ways. He vehemently opposes current laws that put police officers at greater risk every day. But perhaps the most important development that has arisen from all his years in the force was what he saw, and how he took action, something valuable and all too rare in these times.
LaborPress was privileged to hear from this man who has made a real difference.
LP: Since the 1920’s, when the Nassau PBA was formed, there have been records of fallen heroes. Today, the tragedies continue: some have died from COVID-19, from illnesses contracted during work performed at the WTC site, from crimes against them, accidents while on duty, among many other ways we have lost our protectors. Are there any particular goals the union has in terms of influencing legislation in their favor to reduce harm? What legislation is currently detrimental to Police Officers, in your view?
TS: Officers’ safety is the most important responsibility that I have as a union leader. I will always fight for safe working conditions and the best equipment my members deserve. Bail Reform and losing 50A has set us back many years in policing. We are calling for physical assaults on police officers to be an automatic remand. With the combination of Bail Reform and Clean Slate, criminals have more rights than police officers. This MUST CHANGE!!
LP: What would you most desire to achieve at this time as far as the betterment of Officers’ working conditions?
TS: I would like to bring respect and support back to our brave men and women in Blue.
LP: How many members are there currently in the Nassau PBA?
TS: Over 5,000.
LP: Your inspiration to become a police officer came from your father when you were very young, who was an NYPD Homicide Detective. Did he ever share with you some of the specifics of his job, when you were older? If so, how did that affect you and your desire to follow in his footsteps?
TS: Growing up I was very proud that my dad was a police officer. When I was a little older, I realized that being a Homicide Detective was not just prestigious and interesting but most importantly brought justice and closure to the victims’ families.
LP: You also served as an undercover cop for the Organized Crime Control Bureau with the NYPD. Can you share a bit about what that was like, and how you sustained your own inner strength in such a difficult and dangerous position?
TS: At the time, I did not view it as dangerous as I do now, looking back. In order to become a Detective in the NYPD it was required to be an undercover police officer for 18 months. At that time, I would do whatever was required to fulfil my dream of becoming a Detective like my dad.
LP: How did your first election to the union come about?
TS: While counseling many members and their families from the department I continuously heard the lack of support from the job and union. I knew I was helping police officers in my role but felt I could do so much more. The members felt they were not being heard and voted down a contract. I used my counseling skills and went around and listened to what was important to the members. I am honored and grateful to have the members’ trust in this very important role.
LP: Dealing with your own mental health issues, and having the courage to speak out about that, is extremely commendable and something most people would never do. What prompted your decision to do so?
TS: I had a co-worker die by suicide and that led me to leave the 3rd precinct and join the employee assistant office to become a counselor.
LP: How were you able to go back to school, what specifically did you study to further your knowledge in the mental health field, so needed by police?
TS: The department sent me to Molloy College to become a certified alcohol and substance abuse counselor. I also went to training to become a certified peer support counselor and was certified in suicide intervention and prevention.
LP: You also brought public notice to the same types of issues which a wide swath of officers also experienced. What results have you seen, in terms of the healing of those who are suffering trauma or other types of harm as a result of their work in the field?
TS: I am living proof that recovering and healing is possible. Also, I am proof that one can thrive not just survive.
LP: What made you want to help others to the degree that you have?
TS: When I went through my own struggles personally and professionally, I realized there was a huge void and lack of resources for police officers’ mental health. I used my own personal story to help others and turn a negative to a positive.
