NYPD & FDNY officials discuss leadership
Two members of the Monsignor Farrell Class of 1989, FDNY Staten Island Brough Commander Brian Gorman (left) and NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta, spoke to members of the Leadership Institute on November 5.
Alumni in NYPD, FDNY discuss service above self in Leadership Institute talk
On Nov. 5, Monsignor Farrell High welcomed back NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta, '89, and FDNY Staten Island Brough Commander Brian Gorman, '89. The event, hosted by the Leadership Institute and taking place in the Learning Commons, saw Gulotta and Gorman share their inspiring stories in a talk about leadership and perseverance.
After graduating from Farrell, Gulotta had no interest in becoming a police officer. Gulotta was encouraged by his father, who was a sergeant in the police department, to take the police test at 17.
Gullotta admitted that what eventually made him consider the path was the memories of listening to his father’s police radio when he was young.
"I think that's probably what was sparked the bug in me," Gulotta said. "Hearing the excitement, hearing the radio, hearing the cops backing each other up, running from job to job."
Monsignor Farrell High School President & CEO Lou Tobacco (right), '90, introduces Brian Gorman (left), '89, and Joseph Gulotta, '89.
Gorman, meanwhile, initially worked on Wall Street before turning to the FDNY -- the same profession his dad worked. Since then, there has been no turning back.
"When they switched over, I've never been happier," Gorman said.
The two discussed how their times at Farrell helped shape their careers in their perspective departments. Gulotta noted in particular that the bonds he shared with peers at Farrell translated into the kinds of relationships he shares with his fellow officers.
"It stems back to my time here, stems back to the bonds and friendships, that you would do anything for your fellow brother, and that now translates into the police department," Gulotta said.
Joseph Gulotta, '89 (right), and Brian Gorman, '89, discussed what makes an effective leader and the importance of serving others.
As leaders, they spoke about how in dangerous situations, split decisions and critical thinking was crucial to becoming a trusted leader.
When talking about dangerous situations, Gulotta connected it to his time at Farrell.
"My time at Farrell taught me we're faithful to the end no matter what," Gulotta said. "And we're not gonna leave anyone behind."
Arguably the biggest takeaway from the discussion was Gorman's remarks on earning respect as a leader. He stated that it was what happens in the smaller moments that makes how people look at you during the bigger emergencies.
"How you read when there is no emergency is gonna be, when there is the emergency, who's gonna follow or listen to you, where they won’t question your judgement," Gorman said. "You handle things a certain way, and you earn their respect."
Monsignor Farrell thanks Mr. Gulotta and Mr. Gorman for their words of wisdom and their life in the service to others.
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