By KERRY BURKE
#JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
A veteran off-duty NYPD detective hanged himself at his mother’s home in Queens Monday afternoon, police said.
Police found Det. Paul Federico, 53, about 12:30 p.m. on 59th St. in Middle Village.
His #suicide is the first of the year involving an active-duty NYPD officer. Last year the department grappled with 10 suicides, prompting leadership to step up its outreach for cops in distress.
Federico, who joined the NYPD in 1990, worked in the Central Park Precinct for more than 20 years, then joined the police commissioner’s liaison office when James O’Neill became commissioner, sources said.
He had recently been placed on modified duty, meaning he was stripped of his shield and gun, though it wasn’t immediately clear why, sources said. Once source said he was in a “funk” recently.
“He was very dedicated to the job and to the department. He will be sorely missed.” Detectives’ Endowment Association President Paul DiGiacomo said Monday.
Federico was instrumental in helping NYPD Auxiliary Officer Michael Dorian get benefits from the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund after Dorian learned he had stage 4 skin cancer.
Dorian, a volunteer at the time who rushed to Ground Zero, couldn’t prove he was south of Canal Street, until Federico – who bonded with Dorian after he joined the NYPD auxiliary – helped track down a TV interview he gave to an NBC 4 reporter at Ground Zero.
Federico was also diagnosed with Sept. 11-related cancer, and returned to work after having a kidney removed, sources said. He lived in Long Island, but stayed with his mother on weekends, his neighbors said.
“He seemed so happy. We never suspected anything like this,” said a next-door neighbor, who didn’t give his name.
#Police shut down the block as they investigated Monday. A half-dozen people gathered in front of his mother’s house, embracing and crying.
The detective did not leave behind a note, sources said.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
