Eugene J. Keogh Award for Distinguished Public Service
Rabbi Alvin Kass
Chief Chaplin, NYPD
STEINHARDT '76
Rabbi Alvin Kass Bio
Chief Chaplain Rabbi Dr. Alvin Kass was appointed to the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in 1966, making him the most tenured chaplain in the NYPD. For 57 years, Chief Chaplain Kass’ counsel and spiritual guidance have been invaluable to officers of all ranks and to the communities they serve. A renowned educator, respected lecturer, published author, trusted media personality, and prominent community leader, Chief Chaplain Kass has dedicated his life to public service.
Chief Chaplain Rabbi Dr. Alvin Kass was appointed to the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in 1966, making him the most tenured chaplain in the NYPD. For 57 years, Chief Chaplain Kass’ counsel and spiritual guidance have been invaluable to officers of all ranks and to the communities they serve. Throughout his tenure, Chief Chaplain Kass has performed several acts of life-saving work. In 1977, he talked a suicidal man off of a ledge at the World Trade Center, and, in 1981, he convinced an armed gunman to release a female hostage from a midtown office building.
Chief Chaplain Kass began his rabbinic career as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force, enlisting in 1962 and serving for two years. After his military service, he went on to lead the congregation of the Astoria Center of Israel in Astoria, Queens, until 1978. He then was called to duty at the East Midwood Jewish Center in Brooklyn, where he served as its spiritual leader for 36 years, and is now Rabbi Emeritus.
A renowned educator and lecturer, Chief Chaplain Kass has taught at such educational institutions as Columbia University, Long Island University, and the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Chief Chaplain Kass earned a BA and MA from Columbia University, a BHL, MHL, and his rabbinical ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary, and a PhD from New York University. He was the salutatorian of his undergraduate class at Columbia, graduating summa cum laude, and was also a National Woodrow Wilson Fellow.
Chief Chaplain Kass, a past president of the New York Board of Rabbis, is also a published author whose work has appeared in a diverse array of public and private publications. He has hosted numerous radio programs, appeared on many television news programs, is affiliated with several professional organizations, and participates in an abundance of community activities.
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Nominations
In addition to the annual call for nominations, nominations are accepted on a rolling basis.