NYPD Honors Marine Corps 251st Birthday

Retired Sgt. Major Brad Kasal was the keynote speaker at the annual tribute hosted by the NYPD Marine Corps Association.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Awards

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NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch celebrated the Marine Corps' 251st birthday at One Police Plaza in Manhattan. The NYPD Marine Corps Association also presented awards to current NYPD members, including seven award categories honoring fallen brethren.

Why it matters

Approximately 600 Marines serve on the NYPD, and the annual gathering maintains ties between the armed force and city police. The event gives the city's Marine officers a formal occasion to recognize service and sacrifice.

The NYPD employs approximately 600 Marines, and seven award categories were presented to current members at the event. Retired Sgt. Major Brad Kasal, who received the Naval Cross in 2004 for actions at Fallujah, was the keynote speaker and guest of honor.

The players

Jessica Tisch

NYPD Commissioner who celebrated the Marine Corps birthday at One Police Plaza.

Brad Kasal

Retired Marine Sgt. Major and Naval Cross recipient who served as keynote speaker.

NYPD Marine Corps Association

Organization that hosts the annual gathering to honor the Marine Corps and maintain ties with city police.

The details

The annual gathering was hosted by the NYPD Marine Corps Association at One Police Plaza and was attended by World War II-era Marine veterans. Kasal was recognized for saving several Marines after being struck by a grenade and shot repeatedly during the second battle of Fallujah.

2004: Kasal is awarded the Naval Cross for actions at Fallujah.
2021: US forces evacuate Kabul, including the Abbey Gate bombing.
November 6, 2026: The NYPD Marine Corps tribute is held at One Police Plaza.
November 10, 2026: The Marine Corps marks its 251st founding anniversary.

Legal Context

Kasal's 2004 Naval Cross for the second battle of Fallujah remains one of the Marine Corps' most cited valor recognitions from the Iraq War. The 2026 tribute carries that recognition into New York City's police ranks, where Marines continue to serve alongside officers.

New Yorkers who interact with NYPD officers may encounter Marines on the force who serve under the department's uniform. The annual recognition highlights the service of officers who also hold military commissions.

The takeaway

The annual NYPD Marine tribute shows how military service continues into civilian law enforcement careers. Honoring fallen members keeps those sacrifices visible to the officers who serve beside them.