Dear Fellow Sergeant,

As you know, the recently concluded elections in New York City have resulted in a drastic political shift from the last four years.

A new mayoral administration will bring a new team of deputy mayors and commissioners that will reshape every municipal agency, and especially the NYPD.

It is no secret that that the SBA, along with every single law enforcement union in the city, vigorously and publicly opposed the candidacy of the new mayor-elect for many reasons.

But the citizens of New York, who we proudly serve and protect every day, have spoken.

There will undoubtably be many areas of disagreement between our union and the new administration.

However, just as we have done in the past, our opposition will be heard loud and clear and your voices will be heard.

But strong disagreements and vastly different visions for our agency and our city will not, in any way, prevent us from vigorously pursuing our most important agenda, which is enhancing your salaries and benefits and improving your working conditions.

Your SBA leadership team is not ducking out, we are doubling down on our fight for the issues that matter most to you and your families.

Front and center of this fight is our ongoing pursuit to fix the gross inequities caused by the Tier III pension system.

Our legislative team is already working on a robust legislative agenda in Albany to hit the ground running when the new legislative session begins in January 2026.

We will be marching in lockstep with all the other law enforcement unions lobbying in Albany for the changes to Tier III that are long overdue.

While these are extremely uncertain times in our city, NYPD Sergeants are ready to step up and meet the challenges that lie ahead.

And rest assured, the SBA Board and I will have your backs every step of the way.

Fraternally,

Vincent J. Vallelong
President
Sergeants Benevolent Association

Dear Fellow Sergeant,

This month we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, a nation that was founded on the enduring principles of liberty, justice, and self-governance.

Since 1776, America has stood as a testament to the resilience of a people committed to freedom and the rule of law. Through war, hardship, division, and triumph, our nation has endured because of the courage and sacrifice of ordinary men and women who answered the call to serve something greater than themselves.

Law enforcement officers have always stood among those guardians by protecting communities, upholding the Constitution, and maintaining the fragile but essential order that allows liberty to flourish.

Our profession is rooted in the founding promise that all people deserve safety, dignity, and justice. Every tour of duty, every call answered, and every act of service by police personnel contributes to that legacy. Our work is often unseen and misunderstood, but always essential.

This is why the mayor’s decision to exclude additional funding for the NYPD in its latest budget is inexplicable. The NYPD is already understaffed, and officers of all ranks are burning the candle at both ends with extended tours and mandatory overtime.

Thirty-five Police Officers and Detectives were promoted to Sergeant last month. Twenty Sergeants were promoted to Lieutenant, and 81 Sergeants filed for retirement.

No matter how you juggle the numbers, that equates to a net loss of 66 frontline NYPD supervisors, which is untenable given the additional demands that are already being placed upon us.

The NYPD is used to doing more with less, which is a testament to our dedication and commitment to our profession and the people of our great city. However, we can function in that manner for only so long before there are dire circumstances.

As law enforcement personnel we are the barrier between chaos and calm, the symbol of social order that allows democracy, as well as peace and prosperity, to endure.

We took a solemn oath to protect and serve, regardless of the social and political climate. While our dedication is not contingent upon public approval or recognition, the mayor’s glaring indifference to the needs of the Department is as insulting to us as it is dangerous to the public.

We will never lose sight of why we chose our noble profession. We will continue to serve with pride, commitment, and determination. We will continue to protect the public without fear or favor. This responsibility has never been easy, and during these particularly challenging times it is not always popular.

We serve because we believe in the ideals upon which our nation was founded 250 years ago. We serve because we are part of a long line of men and women who chose duty over self. We serve because, even in the darkest moments, there is light in the courage of those who stand up to protect others.

As the finest frontline supervisors in the world, it is our privilege and pleasure to carry forward the legacy of service, sacrifice, and resilience that defines the SBA, the NYPD, and the United States of America, which is the greatest nation in the world.

Happy birthday, America!

Fraternally,

Vincent J. Vallelong
President
Sergeants Benevolent Association

Dear Fellow Sergeant,

The line of duty death of Police Officer Didarul Islam of the 47 Precinct on the evening of July 28 was a tragedy of epic proportions. The 36-year-old officer was one of four people shot and killed by a deranged gunman who had traveled to New York from Las Vegas with the sole purpose of perpetrating mass murder. A fifth victim was shot and critically wounded.

PO Islam, a native of Bangladesh, was the married father of two children. He and his wife were expecting their third child next month.

He was on assignment with the Paid Detail Unit, earning extra money to help care for his growing family. They were living their version of the American Dream.

As law enforcement personnel, we are used to seeing despair and heartbreak up close but what the Islam family is experiencing is unfathomable.

In addition to PO Islam, three civilians were killed by the gunman. Another victim was shot and critically wounded. While the gunman took his own life, the damage he inflicted on so many families, as well as society as a whole, will reverberate forever.

PO Islam’s lifelong ambition was to be a Police Officer. He worked hard to bring that dream to fruition when he was appointed to the NYPD in December 2021. He was also a devoted husband and father and loving son.

By any standard, PO Islam is a true hero. Not just because the final actions of his interrupted life quite possibly saved many more lives, but because of the way he lived his life.

In the end, he made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of others. We cannot ask for or expect any more than that because there is nothing more noble or gallant than that.

As in all messages to the SBA membership, we urge you to remain steadfastly vigilant in all you do, regardless of where you are working or what type of assignment you are on.

These moments of madness come without warning. This is the world that we now live in. It is our duty to be guardians of public safety. We take that role seriously because we choose it and no one does it with more dedication, commitment, or utmost professionalism than we do.

Thank you for being the finest frontline supervisors in the world, as well as for the privilege of serving as your President.

Fraternally,

Vincent J. Vallelong
President
Sergeants Benevolent Association