Joseph Fox

Going through change? Make it a transition! Subtle, but important difference. Change happens to us. Transition is when we adapt to, and accept the change. A great conversation with our 5Star Life Insurance team in Lincoln Nebraska, a company I am honored to be part of. 5StarLife offers affordable insurance, geared toward the needs of our US Soldiers, National Guard and first responders. Our motto is, "We serve those who serve our nation."

Congratulations. Rachel Crawford, “The Fourth Star.” Congratulations, Detective Second Grade Rachel Crawford! Thank you for your life of service and your amazing career. Thank you for the expertise you brought to such an extremely difficult and challenging job in the NYPD Crime Scene Unit. When my nephew Michael died in the towers, I asked for a list of other members of Brooklyn South who had lost someone. Rachel had lost her dad, Firefighter Robert Crawford. He died that day alongside our other heroes. He was 62 years old, had served for decades, and would have been retiring soon. That is how Rachel, her family, and I became family. I will never forget her dad’s funeral. At the beginning of her eulogy, her voice rose with such pride and distinction when she referred to her dad by his title: “Firefighter Robert Crawford.” The pride she felt filled the hearts of all of us in the church. Each of Rachel’s siblings—Mark, Christine, Matthew, and Jennifer—also spoke. After the service, I told each of them that they were like the five points of a beautiful and profound star, honoring their dad. Because Rachel was the fourth of the five siblings to speak, my nickname for her became “The Fourth Star.” A bittersweet highlight of her ceremonial walkout was when firefighters arrived with an FDNY vehicle named after her dad. Twenty-five years ago, Rachel, her family, and I made a commitment to one another: We would never forget, and we would always be there for each other. When Rachel’s daughter, Erin, invited me to attend her mom’s walkout as a surprise guest, she was also there for me—because there was nowhere else I would have wanted to be. Congratulations again, Rachel! Thank you for your service, and thank you for the gift of you. More to come for us!

Our impact is always more than we know. Mario Doyle of Doyle Security Services shared a voice message he had saved from 11 years ago—still right at his fingertips. Know this to be true: our impact is immeasurable.

Messenger of Grace Twenty-five years ago, while sitting at my desk as Chief of Brooklyn South, I opened a holiday card from Father Michael Perry. He had written a note at the bottom of the printed greeting. His few words were like a written prayer to me, simply reminding me that each of us is a “messenger of grace.” When I walked up to the lectern to speak at the memorial for Lieutenant Federico Narvaez last week, Father Perry was standing right where we took this photo. I stopped, leaned over, and said to him, “When I speak, I will try to be a messenger of grace. Thank you, Father Perry, for the inspiration and motivation.” Pastor of Our Lady of Refuge Church for many years, Father Perry was the personal chaplain of the 70th Precinct. He was always there for them, in good times and especially in the difficult days. When an officer was injured or killed, Father Perry was one of the first people to arrive at the hospital. He stayed with those cops throughout the days to come, always available for counsel, spiritual guidance, and simply to listen. Thank you, Father Perry, not only for being a true messenger of grace, but for showing all of us what it means to be one.

There is something so special about watching the sun rise over our ocean, and I appreciate it so much. Knowing that I can share this moment with others makes it even more meaningful. To everyone who takes the time to look at the things I post, please know that you make moments like these even more special. “Everything has greater value when shared with others.” Joe Fox

I am honored and grateful to join the board of POPPA (Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance). The mission of this special organization aligns perfectly with something I deeply value: helping those who serve us become the best versions of themselves. I thank Board Chairman James LaPiedra and each of the board members for their confidence in me and for inviting me to join. I look forward to working closely with the counselors who serve our officers and joining peer volunteers as we visit commands throughout the city to remind officers that we are there for them. To everyone, please remember: there is always help. Seeking support from another person—especially a therapist—is a sign of true strength. It is also an act of love for yourself and those you care about most. There are people ready to listen and support you. Calling POPPA is always an option. POPPA offers confidential peer support for active and retired NYPD officers, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Active-duty NYPD helpline: 1-888-267-7267 (1-888-COPSCOP)
NYPD retiree helpline: 1-800-599-1085 General inquiries:
Office phone: 212-298-9111
Email: [email protected]

A steep climb? Going through tough times? Let’s not always look ahead. Let’s look back at how far we’ve come—and let that encourage us.

There’s something magical about watching the full moon over the ocean. But just like a good steak, it’s nice to have some sides that add to the flavor and the presentation. That’s what I was looking for when I stopped during my walk on the boardwalk and captured this moment. Have a wonderful day, everyone!

The challenges of having a partner nine inches taller than you! When Mike Collins and I worked together in the 70th Precinct, adjusting the seat in our patrol car was the first challenge of every tour—especially when I drove. I needed the seat close enough for my feet to reach the pedals. Unfortunately, moving it that far forward cramped Mike’s legs. We came up with a great solution. We would drive about a block, find a kid playing outside, and call out, “Hey, can you do us a favor? Just sit in the back of the car for us.” Of course, they would hesitate. We would reassure them: “Don’t worry, you’re not in trouble. We just need your help adjusting the seat.” The kid would sit behind me. I would release the lever, and he would kick my side of the seat forward as hard as he could. At the same time, Mike would push his side of the bench seat back. We would lock it into place, thank our helper, and drive off with the front seat twisted just enough for me to reach the pedals and Mike to have some legroom. Sometimes during the tour, we would hit a bump and the seat would slip out of position. No problem. We would find another kid and do the same thing all over again. I still wonder how some of those parents reacted when their kids came home and said, “While we were playing outside, two cops asked us to get into the back of their car!” Looking back on those days makes me smile. I’m grateful to have had Mike Collins as my partner, even with the daily challenge of adjusting that seat. Our partnership became a true friendship almost overnight—one that has grown through the years and enriched my life. We still have those nine inches between us, but we’ve always been close where it matters.

Spending the week in the woods with my son was amazing, but look what was waiting for me on the beach when I got home this afternoon. Have a wonderful night, everyone!

Last morning in Ohio, and this morning sunrise inspired these thoughts—my 27th poem. Thank you, everyone, and have a great Sunday! “Unstoppable Love” Peeping through the dark woods,
Our rising sun.
Sitting in my tree, I feel it’s all mine,
Like it showed up just for me. But this happens everywhere,
Up and down our planet.
We all get to share this glorious moment. Alone in these woods,
I feel that connection, with us all. This fiery ball shows up right on time.
Always.
Like we do for each other.
 This morning light from someplace beyond
Makes me feel the good in humanity,
Right here, now. It is unstoppable,
Like our love for each other. No sadness can dampen this light.
No hatred can dull its brilliance.
In darkness, there’s always hope. Let this moment of wonder
Show us how to find the light,
Show us how to be the light.
 Always be the light. Joe Fox October 25, 2026

Hear that? These birds are so happy to have woken up today, so happy to be in each other’s company, so happy to shed yesterday from their minds, and so happy to take on another beautiful day. Let’s try that!

Some moments from my walks in Ohio this week. There’s always time, and there’s always a place, to get some steps in. And for me, the magic in life happens when I get out. Have a great day, everyone!

My 22nd poem, written in the woods: “The Leaf” Solitude in the woods
But for a faint sound
One leaf falling
Softly sailing
Tapping a branch on its way down
In this silence
A highlight
A delight Lands at its resting place
Now part of a beautiful blanket
Shades of light and dark brown
Some red Only months ago
Bright green
Adorning a branch of its tree above
Glistening in the sun
Wearing its morning dew
Living its mission
Its part in the beautiful mosaic of life
A beautiful green blanket
Just above
Covering this peaceful ground Now resting I ponder the journey of this leaf
Now I have a better understanding of life Joe Fox

There are no milestones in self-care and relationships. It’s the little things, done consistently, that make a world of difference.

Thank you to the leadership and all the members of this esteemed and well-respected organization, ASIS, for this true honor. I am humbled by your confidence in me and deeply appreciative. I look forward to spending this special day with each of you

My letter to Charlotte: My dearest Charlotte, In this moment, you are looking out, admiring a beautiful sunset and a sky alive with color. You are filled with wonder. You have been with us for four beautiful years, and you have never seen a moment quite like this. You are taking your time, admiring it, taking it in. I have a promise for you: you will see so many more beautiful sunsets, sunrises, amazing clouds, and pretty skies. Please never let those moments of beauty pass you by without stopping to take them in, just as you are doing in this photo. Your life will be filled with moments of wonder, and they will come from more than the sky. People will come into your life—more than you can ever imagine. They will touch your heart and make your life better. You will make their lives better, too. Always notice them, appreciate them, and cherish them. No matter how long they stay in your life, their impact will shape you. And always know that your impact on them will shape them, too. Never think that the last beautiful sunset you have seen is the most beautiful one you will ever see. The same is true of the love and friendship in your life. As much as you appreciate those you love and those who love you, know that there is still so much more to come. Those relationships can grow stronger and even more rewarding. And Charlotte, even more wonderful people will come into your life. Always remember how much you have ahead of you. Never be too busy to stop and admire something beautiful around you, just as you are doing in this moment. Take time to appreciate the people in your life. Every now and then, tell them how much they mean to you. Take time, too, to recognize how much you mean to them—always more than you know. Make a habit of stopping, often, and simply considering the wonder of it all. And especially remember this, Charlotte: whether I am standing beside you or beyond where you can see or hear me, I am always with you, and I always will be. Always. Love, Bucky

And I thought I was industrious, getting down to the beach for sunrise! Whoever is on that boat got a much earlier start than I did. From both of us, wishing everyone the peace we’re feeling right now in this special moment—today and always.

Remembering NYPD Hero Lt. Federico Narvaez Thirty years ago, he gave his life in the line of duty. Alongside his wife, Marilyn, his daughter, Katrina, and the rest of their family, we remember him and we honor him. joefoxonthebeach.substack.co…

Monuments to people of the past? Our legacy is not a statue—it’s how we live today. And always remember: you may be only one person in the world, but to one person, you may be the whole world.