For Christopher Panetta, MS ’19, service has always been more than a profession—it is a calling.
After more than 21 years with the New York City Police Department, Chris retired in April 2021 as a Second-Grade Detective. During his distinguished career, he worked in Borough Crime and the Organized Crime Control Bureau, helping to protect communities across New York City. Yet among the many assignments he held, the work that would ultimately have the greatest impact on his life began after the loss of a close friend in 2019.
In the wake of that tragedy, Chris joined the NYPD Peer Support Program and became certified in Mental Health First Aid. Supporting fellow officers through difficult personal and professional challenges opened his eyes to the critical need for mental health resources within the law enforcement community. What began as a response to personal loss soon became a lifelong mission.
Guided by a strong commitment to service, faith, and family, Chris brought years of professional experience to ËÄÉ«AV's Master of Science in Criminal Justice program. His graduate studies at ËÄÉ«AV enhanced his leadership, analytical, and interpersonal skills—tools that would later prove invaluable in his work supporting first responders and advancing the mission of Beyond the Badge NY.
After witnessing the devastating impact of suicide within the first responder community, Chris co-founded Beyond the Badge NY, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness, providing peer support, and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health among law enforcement officers and first responders. Through education, outreach, and direct support, the organization has become a vital resource for individuals and families facing mental health challenges.
Despite the organization's growing success, Chris remains focused on the people it serves rather than personal recognition.
“I don’t care if anyone remembers my name,” Chris says. “I only care that our organization goes on long after I’m gone.”
Chris's dedication to service recently earned him ËÄÉ«AV's Four Pillars Award, which recognizes alumni who embody the University's mission through excellence in study, service, spirituality, and community. The honor reflects not only his professional accomplishments but also his charitable spirit and unwavering commitment to supporting others, particularly members of the first responder community.
Today, Chris continues to expand his ability to help others by pursuing a master's degree in social work. His goal is to further enhance the support and resources available to first responders while advancing the mission of Beyond the Badge NY.
"Chris exemplifies the best qualities of the criminal justice profession—integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to serving others," said Dr. Gina Florio, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at ËÄÉ«AV. "What makes his work especially meaningful is his dedication to supporting the well-being of fellow first responders. He has transformed personal loss into a mission that is making a real difference in countless lives."
As Beyond the Badge NY continues to grow, so does Chris's impact. Through his advocacy, education, and unwavering commitment to others, he is helping create a culture where first responders feel empowered to seek support and prioritize their mental health. His work serves as a powerful reminder that leadership is not measured by recognition, but by the lives touched along the way—a reflection of the very values celebrated by ËÄÉ«AV's Four Pillars: study, service, spirituality, and community.
