The Last Issue, But Certainly Not the Last Word
/The Last Issue, But Certainly Not the Last Word
By: Joel E. Gordon
“If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.” – Paulo Coelho
BLUE Magazine: 17 Years of Service, Stories, and Brotherhood
Here is a message I never anticipated writing.
At the conclusion of BLUE Magazine’s 17th year of continuous publication, a difficult decision has been made to discontinue our magazine. While this is certainly the end of an important chapter, I believe it is also an opportunity to pause, reflect, and appreciate everything that BLUE Magazine has meant to so many of us over the years.
What began with a dream—and the distribution of the early publication throughout New York and New Jersey from the trunk of publisher Danny Del Valle’s car—the magazine grew into something far greater than any of us could have imagined. BLUE Magazine became a highly respected, nationally read publication and proudly earned its reputation as the “Independent Voice of Law Enforcement.”
That success did not happen because of one person. It happened because of a remarkable community of people who believed in the mission and were willing to contribute their time, talent, experience, and support. Our writers shared their knowledge and perspectives. Our readers challenged us, encouraged us, and remained loyal. Our advertisers and supporters believed enough in the publication to stand behind it. And our staff worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring each issue to life.
Over 17 years, we had the privilege of featuring the writing and experiences of some of the finest and most influential professionals in law enforcement and public safety. Their voices helped make BLUE Magazine unique. We were able to discuss the challenges facing our profession, recognize those doing exceptional work, share lessons learned, and provide a forum where experience and knowledge could be passed from one generation of law enforcement professionals to another.
I would be remiss if I did not provide special mention to former NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerik (1955–2025), Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke (Ret.), Border Czar Tom Homan, and President Donald J. Trump. Their willingness to engage with BLUE Magazine helped reinforce the importance of having a strong, independent voice for those who serve and protect our communities.
For me personally, BLUE Magazine has been much more than a publication.
My journey began as a contributing writer and eventually led to Associate Editor, Managing Editor, and ultimately Editor-in-Chief. Each step brought new responsibilities, new relationships, and countless opportunities to learn. Most importantly, it gave me the opportunity to remain connected to the law enforcement profession that has been such an important part of my life.
Throughout my semi-retirement years, writing for and working with BLUE Magazine has been a genuine passion. Much like my days as a Field Training Officer, D.A.R.E. Instructor, and Chief of Police, the magazine provided me with an opportunity to continue serving in a different way. Instead of standing beside officers on the street or leading an agency, I could help share their stories, experiences, challenges, and successes.
Perhaps most importantly, BLUE Magazine allowed me to continue paying it forward.
Mentoring, encouraging, listening, sharing experiences, and helping others navigate the challenges of this profession have always been important to me. The magazine gave me another avenue to do that. Along the way, I have met people I otherwise may never have known, developed friendships that I sincerely value, and had conversations that will stay with me for many years to come.
To the writers who trusted us with their words, thank you.
To the readers who read each issue, shared our stories, and remained interested in what we were doing, thank you.
To our advertisers and supporters who helped make publication possible, thank you.
To everyone who offered an idea, provided encouragement, attended an event, shared an issue, or simply told us that something we published made a difference, thank you.
And to Danny Del Valle, thank you for having the vision and determination to turn a dream into a nationally respected publication. Few people get the opportunity to build something that leaves such a lasting impression on a profession they care deeply about.
Seventeen years represents an extraordinary accomplishment. There were challenges along the way, but there were also countless accomplishments, friendships, laughs, disagreements, lessons, and memories. Those are the things that cannot be measured by the number of issues published or pages printed. They are the true legacy of BLUE Magazine.
So, while it is difficult to say goodbye to something that has been such an important part of my life, I prefer to think of this moment differently.
This is the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another.
The relationships we built do not disappear because the magazine is no longer being published. The knowledge shared over the years does not disappear. The stories, lessons, experiences, and friendships remain. The commitment remains.
I plan to stay connected with the many wonderful people I have come to know through BLUE Magazine and will continue to share articles on the Facebook group POLICE AUTHORS SEEKING JUSTICE.
The uniform may eventually come off. The title may change. Publications may come and go. But the responsibility to mentor, encourage, educate, and pay it forward really never ends.
For 17 years, BLUE Magazine gave us a place to do exactly that.
From the entire BLUE Magazine editorial team and from me personally, I offer my deepest respect, appreciation, and gratitude to everyone who helped make this journey possible.
Thank you for trusting us with your stories.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your professional journey.
Thank you for believing in the mission.
Most of all, thank you for being part of the BLUE Magazine family.
The magazine may be closing its doors, but the friendships, memories, lessons, and passion for the profession will continue.
And as we turn the page, I look forward to seeing where the next chapter takes us.
