Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Rev. A.R. Bernard sworn in as NYPD chief chaplains

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, less than a month into his retirement as archbishop of New York, has been sworn in as co-chief chaplain of the NYPD alongside the Rev. A.R. Bernard, the leader of one of Brooklyn's largest churches.

The swearing-in happened on Wednesday morning at a festive event, with a crowd of friends, police officials and other clergy members in attendance. 

Dolan and Bernard are taking over as co-chief chaplains to more than 34,000 police officers after the death last year at age 89 of Rabbi Alvin Kass, who served in the top spot for 23 years.

After being sworn in, Dolan, 76, who served 17 years as archbishop, said his new job was a task he "cherished deeply."

"Now I have two badges, the shield of the NYPD and the cross of Christ," Dolan said to a round of applause.

Bernard, 72, the founding pastor and chairman of the Christian Cultural Center, a congregation which has grown to over 37,000 members nationwide, said he saw his job as being about helping officers to have moral clarity. 

"Serving the New York City Police Department is more than an honor, it is a calling," he said.

Both Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch attended the ceremony, as did other public officials, among them City Council Speaker Julie Menin. Mamdani said that by supporting officers, Dolan and Bernard would be effectively acting as "two cops on the beat."

Tisch said that department was humbled to have Dolan and Bernard as co-chief chaplains. In coming up with the idea of having co-chaplains, Tisch spoke of the Jewish concept of "Tzedek" which she said relates to a person of righteousness, and said that both men exemplify it.

Dolan and Bernard will be among a group of 10 chaplains of all major faiths who administer to police. The NYPD has had a chaplaincy since 1906. As co-chief chaplains, Dolan and Bernard are expected to preside at major promotion and awards ceremonies, as well as memorial services throughout the year. They will also be available for counseling of officers and their families in times of hardship and loss.

By Anthony M. DeStefano

tony.destefano@newsday.comtonynewsday

Anthony M. DeStefano has been a reporter for Newsday since 1986 and covers law enforcement, criminal justice and legal affairs from its New York City offices.