Forged Under Pressure

The badge had never felt heavier for New York Police Department (NYPD) Department of Investigation Lieutenant and Commander Winston Willabus than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each shift bled into the next — 18, sometimes 20, hours on duty, with no reprieve in sight. But as a Marine Corps veteran, Winston was no stranger to endurance and sacrifice. He remained steadfast in his commitment to his team and his community.

At the same time, protests against racial injustice and calls for police reform in the U.S. heightened tensions between law enforcement and the public. Officers faced increasing hostility, sometimes targeted simply for wearing the uniform. During one protest, Winston saw his supervisor brutally attacked — a moment that shook him deeply.

His wife Dimple, a small business owner and community leader, witnessed the toll these events were taking on her husband and his colleagues. “People don’t always see the human side of first responders,” she said. “They cry, they hurt. But they’re expected to push through without showing it.”

One morning, as Winston was leaving the house, he paused, depleted but undeterred.

“The Lions should do something,” he said. “We need support, too. We’re dying out here.”

Dimple froze. Even after 21 years in the NYPD, Winston had never spoken so openly about his struggles. Yet, true to his nature, he was ready to act.

Having been involved with Lions before, Dimple immediately saw the potential. Lions clubs aren’t just about community service; they offer a close-knit network of friendship and support, which was exactly what their first responder community needed.

On February 9, 2022, Winston and Dimple chartered the First Responders Lions Club in Brooklyn. What began as a spark of an idea quickly grew into a haven for those who dedicate their lives to serving others.

A Unique Focus

The First Responders Lions Club is the only one of its kind in New York State. While most of its 33 members serve in law enforcement, the club also includes corrections officers, paramedics and civilians who share a commitment to service.

The club’s focus is twofold: supporting members’ well-being first and then serving the broader community they protect.

Club meetings serve as a sanctuary where members can share their struggles, find support and momentarily escape the pressures of their demanding roles. As Dimple put it, “After long hours, you need a moment to relax, share a laugh and free your mind.”

Health and wellness are woven into the club’s culture. Guest speakers — from psychologists and military professionals to pilots and real estate agents — offer practical advice on everything from mental health and nutrition to retirement and financial planning.

Beyond formal talks, the club hosts wellness walks and encourages casual conversations about daily routines, fitness and food — simple yet meaningful ways to stay grounded and connected.

“People don’t always see the human side of first responders. They cry, they hurt. But they’re expected to push through without showing it.”

— Lion Dimple Willabus

Stronger Together

Celebrations are integral to the club’s culture. “We celebrate our individual Lions,” Winston explained. Informal gatherings, whether at a local pizza parlor or a roller-skating rink, allow members to relax and connect beyond their uniforms.

He added, “It’s during these informal moments that I learn about their everyday struggles. Someone might mention their mother is sick or they’re stressed about reenrolling their kid in school. I can keep that in mind later at work, which helps me know when they need time off or a less demanding assignment.”

To accommodate the unpredictable nature of their professions, the club remains flexible. When emergencies disrupt plans, as they often do, the club simply pivots and adjusts.

Service To Fuel The Soul

The bond between members, rooted in their shared professions, grows even stronger through their service projects.

One project brought them to a boxing gym in Brooklyn. The NYC Cops & Kids program, founded by retired NYPD Sergeant Pat Russo, provides free boxing, fitness training and mentorship to youth ages 12 to 21.

Embracing the motto “guns down, fists up, gloves up,” the program offers a safe alternative to street violence and encourages participants to consider career possibilities such as law enforcement, firefighting and medicine.

It was the perfect opportunity for the First Responders Lions Club to get involved. Expecting police officers in traditional uniforms, the kids’ perceptions shifted when club members arrived at the gym wearing Lions T-shirts and yellow vests.

“Some officers grew up in public housing and struggled in school just like these kids,” Dimple said. “When they realized these officers were from their own neighborhoods, they were blown away.”

Winston sees mentorship as essential to guiding young people toward brighter futures. “They see we’re here to help them move forward in life and realize what’s possible,” he said.

Another successful project took place during the 2024 holiday season. The club partnered with the NYPD 63rd precinct and the New York City Department of Correction’s K-9 Unit to distribute toys, books and candy to over 200 children.

But the real gift was an experience they’d never forget — to meet some of the four-legged heroes who help keep communities safe.

The kids had never interacted with corrections officers or their dogs,” Dimple said. “They learned that these canines are not just pets but true partners.” The dogs compete in obedience trials, train to detect drugs, help restrain perpetrators and can even assist in medical emergencies. “Seeing the K-9 team in action really changed how these children viewed law enforcement,” Dimple explained.

A Legacy of Service

To nurture future Lions and community leaders, the First Responders Lions Club sponsors a Leo club. Among its members are Anaya and Brandon, two of the Willabus’ young adult children.

When the Leos proposed organizing a 5K race to support children with cancer, Lions club members with fitness and event planning experience stepped in to help bring the idea to life. For Winston, it was a powerful reminder that, with the right guidance, young people can lead and make a lasting impact.

“We have seen clubs flourish when they bring in younger members,” Dimple said. “That is why we invest in new generations so they can carry our legacy forward. Everybody is born with a heart to serve.

Strong communities start with strong clubs. Find resources to support your members and serve your community at lionsclubs.org/mental-health.