Tommy Shelvin

Thomas “Tommy” Shevlin is the President of the Nassau County PBA, the largest law enforcement union in Nassau County. Tommy has become a recognizable figure in organized labor and is respected by his peers, members, elected officials, and the public alike.

Tommy was inspired to become a police officer by his father, also Thomas, a NYPD Homicide Detective. In 1998, Tommy followed in his father’s footsteps and took the sacred oath to become a NYPD officer. He worked in the NYPD on patrol and undercover until November 1, 2005, when he was appointed by the Nassau County Police Department. Tommy worked in the 3rd precinct on patrol for 12 years. While in the third, Tommy was also elected as a PBA delegate.

The 3rd Pct, one of the larger precincts in Nassau County. While assigned there, Tommy witnessed tragedies including members dying due to 9/11 illness, a police officer who was shot and tragically two officers, who took their own life. In addition, Tommy has had a fair share of personal and job-related issues and knows the importance of getting help. He followed his passion for mental health and went to Molloy College to become a counselor. Tommy requested and was reassigned to the Employee Assistance Office where he worked as a counselor to help his brothers and sisters in blue.

As a counselor in EAO, Tommy volunteered to share his personal journey in department-wide trainings. By being open about his struggles, he modeled that it is okay not to be okay. Tommy’s goal is to break the stigma, which has prevented first responders from getting help. He has dedicated his time and passion to helping cops and their families. Tommy feels “Nothing is more rewarding than helping a cop and getting a thank you letter from his or her family.”

In 2019, while working in the NCPD Employee Assistance Office, Tommy also co-founded NYLEAP, The New York Law Enforcement Assistance Program, with NYS Officer Jim Banish. Tommy and Jim, concerned for the suicide rate of first responders and the lack of appropriate mental health programs, began searching for resources. They evaluated this program, which was being used by other states, and determined it would be a great fit for New York First Responders. They brought it to New York, and this peer-led, clinician-assisted program continues across the state to this day, helping first responders with trauma.

After counseling and helping cops and their families for over 4 years, Tommy considered ways he could assist officers in a more global way. Tommy’s love for his brothers and sisters in blue led him to run for Nassau County PBA President.

On January 1, 2021, Tommy started his four-year term as the Nassau County PBA President. Being a union leader has its challenges. While performing his daily duties as president, Tommy maintains his passion for mental health and helping cops and their families. Tommy has taken the voice and concerns of his members to the next level. He is now working with local and state-elected officials on police officer policy, including safety, officer’s rights, peer support, and additional health concerns. When asked if he is enjoying his job, Tommy smiled and said, “what job could be better than working for my cops?”.