Bill Genet New York, Obituary,Death:Founder of NYPD Support Organization POPPA, Dies at 69
New York, New York – The law enforcement community and mental health advocates are mourning the loss of Bill Genet, founder of the Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance (POPPA). Genet passed away on Saturday, February 14, due to medical complications. He was 69.
Genet, a retired New York Police Department officer, created POPPA in 1996 following the line-of-duty suicide of a fellow officer. Recognizing a critical gap in emotional and psychological support for first responders, he pioneered a groundbreaking, confidential peer-support network. Under his leadership, POPPA became a vital lifeline, offering 24/7 assistance to thousands of NYPD officers struggling with trauma, stress, and personal crises.
His vision was built on a simple yet profound principle: that those who protect others also need protection for their own mental well-being. Genet’s model has been replicated nationwide, changing the conversation around mental health in high-stress professions and saving countless lives and careers.
News of his passing has prompted an outpouring of gratitude from active and retired officers, city officials, and mental health professionals who credit Genet with fostering a culture of care and resilience within the NYPD. He is remembered not only as a founder but as a compassionate peer who tirelessly advocated for his colleagues.
Details regarding services and memorial arrangements are pending. Bill Genet’s legacy, however, is permanently etched into the fabric of New York City, ensuring that the help he championed will continue for generations of officers to come. He will be profoundly missed.
