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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Retired Police Officer uses Psychology Training
Assisted with response to 9/11 in New York
Left: Howard Rudolph
NSU alumnus Howard Rudolph didn’t realize when he received his degree in Mental Health Counseling at NSU, that his psychology training would be put to the test in the immediate aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks.
At the time, Rudolph was a Broward Sheriff’s Office deputy who had earned a degree from Nova Southeastern University’s College of Psychology (then known as the Center for Psychological Studies). He traveled to New York to provide counseling for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police, first responders, and construction workers at Ground Zero working on recovery and cleanup.
Helping those workers required a flexible approach.
“Nobody knew what to expect. You go with what you think works best,” he said. “You give them a phone to call their family, a bottle of water, or a granola bar. Some talk and open up, or take a minute to escape.”
Although Rudolph did not know it at the time, working at Ground Zero would have a lasting impact on his life.
The path of Rudolph’s life changed five years ago when he was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, as a result of the hazardous materials he breathed in at Ground Zero in 2001. Rudolph retired from BSO in 2013 and has had to adjust to his new life, which includes quickly losing his breath and being hypersensitive to perfumes, cleaning fluids and other chemicals. He carries an oxygen tank in a bag at all times in case he needs it in an emergency.
Although limited by his condition, Rudolph occasionally provides counseling when receiving referrals from other people. He also presents as a guest speaker in College of Psychology Professor Vincent Van Hasselt’s Police Psychology Seminar course.
“The students love him,” Van Hasselt said.
Despite his declining health, Rudolph said that even if he had foreknowledge of the personal impact of going to Ground Zero, he would still do it anyway.
“I can’t turn my back on someone in need,” he said. “I’m not a hero, just an average guy who got an excellent education.”