Veterans Day Reflection: YVN Co-Chair Von Narcisse on Service, Community, and Leadership

In a reflective interview in honor of Veterans Day, Von Narcisse, Co-Chair of the Yale Veterans Network (YVN) and Assistant Chief of Police for the Yale University Police Department, shared insights into his career, personal values, and dedication to supporting Yale’s veteran community. Narcisse, who oversees all administrative functions within the department, has found purpose in a role that allows him to be of service.

“What I enjoy most about my work,” Narcisse said, “is the opportunity to genuinely help those in need. Whether or not I get thanked, I just enjoy helping people in their time of need.”

This sense of purpose isn’t just professional; it permeates his personal life, giving him a deep appreciation for life’s fragility. “My role constantly reminds me of how beautiful and precious life is,” he explained. “I try my best not to waste it. Life is a blessing meant to be shared—laugh, love, help others, and always do your best.”

Narcisse’s career path wasn’t always clear-cut. Originally from Tacoma, Washington, he spent eight years working as a criminal investigator and a juvenile probation officer before deciding to join the police force. “Those early years taught me invaluable lessons,” he said. “I knew I wanted to work in a structured environment, and I realized that policing, where I could help protect my community, was the path for me.”

For Narcisse, the profession is akin to team sports, emphasizing collaboration and shared goals. “In the past, policing was often siloed, with little information sharing. Today, success depends on teamwork, a common mission, and a genuine concern for the community,” he noted. “With everyone on the same page, the amount of great work we can accomplish is incredible.”

Narcisse also offered advice for aspiring officers. “My first piece of advice? Don’t come into this field for the money,” he said. “I ask new recruits to identify their ‘why.’ That’s what will carry them through tough days and give them strength when they feel they’re losing theirs. If you’re not genuinely interested in helping others, this isn’t the profession for you. People are incredibly good at sensing sincerity, and our communities deserve no less than our genuine compassion and commitment.”

Asked about the values central to his work, Narcisse pointed to “Integrity, Trust, Courage, and Commitment”—values stitched onto every uniformed officer’s shoulder patch. But, he said, “the value that ties them all together is discipline. The higher one’s level of discipline, the stronger their values become, and that will keep them on the path to their true north.”

Although Narcisse’s career aspirations once leaned toward the military—“I dreamed of flying fighter jets for the Air Force,” he laughed—the path he’s on now feels deeply meaningful. “This journey chose me, and I know it’s an honorable one. We still have work to do as a profession, but we’re on a path to growth and excellence.”

As Co-Chair of the Yale Veterans Network, Narcisse is committed to supporting Yale’s veteran community, a role he says feels close to home. “YVN means a ton to me. I grew up with a father who served in the U.S. Army and retired as a Sergeant Major,” he reflected. “I was raised with a sense of duty, commitment, and loyalty to others. The work veterans do to earn that title speaks to selflessness, and it’s an honor to support them in this capacity.”

Narcisse is excited about the future of YVN and welcomes collaboration to help the organization thrive. “The YVN is an amazing group, and I want to help us grow in ways we never thought we could. Together, we’ll accomplish great things.