BLACK BOX CRASH DATA RETRIEVAL
Unknown to mostly of the general public, Crash Data black boxes, commonly called Event Data Recorders or EDRs are in almost all commercial trucks and most new cars these days. With in the next couple of years, they will be in all vehicles.
Within the next few years, it will become a MUST for all investigators who conduct accident and personal injury investigations to know how to obtain the crash data from black boxes that will be in almost every vehicle.
These black boxes, much like the black boxes we hear about in airline accidents, record data pertaining to speed, brake timing, seat belt usage and other data during a vehicle crash. Although this vital evidence will not take the place of an accident investigation in and of itself, it is becoming a vital part of the data the investigator collects to reconstruct the accident. Those investigators armed with the knowledge and know-how on how to do this will be the only investigators who will be able to successfully conduct these types of investigations. It's becoming a vitally important area of conducting personal injury and accident investigations now and this 20 minute digital video gives you a heads-up on this
To find out more about these automobile �black boxes�, check out the site:
http://www.pimall.com/nais/crashdataseminar.html
WHO LUV�S YA, BABY?
Being the buff that I am, I couldn�t pass up the purchase of a pair of cufflinks that have the photo of Kojak on them. With a lollipop in his mouth and a fedora on his head; how could I pass it up?
Showing them off to a twenty-something relative, though, I was a little dismayed to be asked �And who is that?� When I replied, �Kojak�, I then saw a blank stare followed by the question �And I�m supposed to know who that is�? Oh, the aging process!
For those that don�t know, or need a little reminder, I give you the following.
Beginning life as an award winning 1973 TV movie �The Marcus-Nelson Murders�, which was based on the true life Wylie-Hoffert case, and played with charismatic charm by long established movie actor Telly Savalas as the New York cop with a penchant for sucking lollipops, the series went for a graphic 'street level' realism which turned it into an instant top-ten hit in it's first season.
Lt. Kojak was a tough cop with a smart mouth and wits even sharper than his top flight dress sense. Support came from George Savalas (brother of Telly), as Detective Stavros, Dan Frazer as Inspector Frank McNeil, and a small team of hitherto unknown actors who were destined to become, for a while, instantly recognizable household names.
The series was a global hit, playing very popularly around the world and especially so in Japan! Even after it's five year run it was brought back in a succession of TV movies, the last being made in 1989. By this time Theo Kojak had been promoted to the rank of Inspector.
In 1993 Savalas sued the makers of Kojak, Universal TV, for $6 million, claiming 25 per cent of the programs profits. He died a year later.
The series elevated Savalas to the status of superstar and unlikely sex-symbol. In 1975 at the height of his popularity he even topped the popular music charts with a cheesy version of David Gates� song "If".
Kojak reclaimed the city of New York's dubious crown as 'Crime Capital of the World', from a decades long stint on the sun-drenched street's of Southern California (Dragnet, Adam 12, Streets of SF). The television viewing world loved Savalas for it. New Yorker's loved him even more.
In true New York squad commander fashion, Kojak was often heard from his office barking out orders to his men, usually preceded by calling on �Crocker!!� or �Saperstein!!�, which no doubt had them running in to see what �the boss� needed. �Crocker!!! Get me the rap sheet right away�. �Sure, boss�.
By the way, you can still catch episodes of Kojak on The Hallmark channel on most Sunday afternoons. A suitable way to pass the time after watching the Jets!
INDEX OF WATCH MOVEMENTS?
As noted previously on this site, two of the old DD forms were related to Watches, the DD11 Index of Watch Movements and DD12 Index of Watch Cases. What surprised me upon learning more, though, was that this related to actual timepieces.
It seems that years ago stealing a watch was very significant. Before Timex, or Swatch, watches were a very valuable item and not commonly owned. A watch was given to a worker after 50 years of service, and most watches were passed down through generations. Like the Rolex of today, Whitnauer and Longines kept records. Watch repair people actually put their specific mark or initials on the works or on the inside of the case or both when they worked on a watch. This was a valuable source of intelligence.
The DD 11, Index of Watch Movements: The movement of a pocket watch was the guts of it, all the parts that you could see running when you opened up the back.
The DD12 Index of Watch Cases: The watch case was the front and back part of a watch into which the movement was placed. The front of the watch case had a glass through which you could read the dial and hands to tell the time. The back of the case could be opened so the movement could be adjusted if the watch was running fast or slow.
The reason that there were two indexes was because the movement may have been made by one watch company and the case by another company. Both companies would use different serial numbers on the part of the watch they made.
For example, Ret. Det1 John Reilly notes that he has his father's pocket watch made in the 1930s. The movement was made by the Waltham Watch Co., and has a number which is different from the case, which was made by the Supreme Watch Case Co. What has to be remembered is that the movement of a watch could be removed from its case and placed into a different case.
The DD 11 & DD 12 were just many of the files that the Detective Squad Were required to keep.
There was also the DD 6 Dealer's and Pawnbroker Watch card, the DD 7 Property Other than Watches & Jewelry. I think the idea was that if someone reported that their watch had been stolen or lost then a card was made out and keep in the file. Next, any time a suspect was taken to the Squad any watch he was carrying was checked against the DD 11 & 12 indexes. Both were needed as a stolen movement was often taken out of the original case and put into a case that was not hot.
WE have to remember that things were a lot different in the days before computers. It is noted also by John Reilly that in the 1908 Rules & Regulation itStates that when articles of any description which should go to the Property Clerk come into the possession of any Patrolman, the latter will furnish to his Commanding Officer, in the case of watches, name and number of case and works will be given. If this type information had been given in a Missing Person report, then a Detective conducting an investigation of an unidentified DOA could check the DD 11 & 12 to identify the body.
I�d like to thank both Ret Det1 John Reilly and Ret Det. Capt Frank Bolz for their input on this item.
ABOUT THOSE HATS
Frank Bolz adds that the official "uniform" of the Detective was, without a doubt, The Fedora.
He notes that Stetson and Howard�s sold hats but the epitome of the detective fedora was the Moe Penn hat from the lower East Side.
Hey, John- Do you remember the exact address?
Frank fondly recalls being told he was being transferred into The Bureau by his C.O. who told him to �get a hat�, and noted that he was told the same by the Chief of Detectives when being sworn in.
While noting Frank�s input to this site I�d also like to mention a note that December 31, 2004 will be the 50th anniversary of his being sworn in to the department. He mentioned that he was sworn in on December 31,1954 but it wasn�t effective until January 1,1955 because nobody wanted to work on New Years Day. The more things change, the more they remain the same!
FOR THE CULINARY DETECTIVE
A running commentary on the best places for pizza has been ongoing on this site.
A new addition which Sgt. Mike Fanning would like to add is DiRoberti's, in Manhattan.
Located on 1st Avenue, on the east side of the street, they also have a good selection of pastries to finish your meal, with some espresso, of course.
Apparently there is a little debate going on as to whether they are better than Veniero's, which is across the street.
I�ll have to put John Cantwell on the mission for a critical review of both.
WHAT DO THE SYMBOLS ON THE POLICE DEPARTMENT SHOULDER PATCH AND POLICE OFFICER'S SHIELD MEAN?
The N.Y.P.D. patch was adopted for the police uniform in 1973.
Both the patch and Police Officer's shield are modeled after the seal of New York City. In the center of the patch are the scales of justice balanced on a bundle of rods or sticks with an ax-blade at the top, all of which are tied together.
This bundle is called a "fasces" and was carried by ancient Roman magistrates as a symbol of their official powers. Beneath this symbol is an inverted "V," or chevron, that has five stars representing the five boroughs of the City. Beneath the chevron appears the seal of the Police Department.
The Department seal appears on both the shoulder patch and the police officer's shield.
Two figures appear on the left and right of the center. On the left side is the image of a British sailor (representing the English influence on New York's history). The sailor is holding a "sounding-lead" on a rope. This device was used to test the depth of the river while navigating ships. The figure on the right of the center of the shield is a native-American, holding a bow. This figure represents the natives that lived in the New York area when the Dutch colonists first arrived in the 16th century. In the center of the seal is a shield-shape with the crossed arms of a windmill on it that represents the Dutch heritage of the City. Between the crossed arms of the windmill appear two beavers and two barrels. These represent the native animals and plant products (like corn and tobacco) of the region that supported the new colonists. Above the central shield-shape appears an eagle, representing the federal government of America established with the declaration of Independence in 1776. The Eagle rests upon a hemisphere that represents the "New World."
10-13 REQUESTED
On January 28, 1980 PO CECIL SLEDGE of the 69 Pct was shot and killed during a car stop by Salvatore Desarno, who was on parole at the time.
Desarno was convicted and sentenced to 25 years to life.
He is scheduled for a parole hearing this November.
Mrs. Linda Sledge, the widow of Cecil, is requesting that everyone forward a letter to Governor Pataki and to the State Parole Board to recommend AGAINST HIS PAROLE.
Please take the time to forward a letter to:
Governor George Pataki
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224
State of NY, parole Board
97 Central Ave
Albany, NY 12206
Att: Victim Impact Unit
The info on the convict is:
Salvatore Desarno
NYSID# 4075158Q
State Inmate# 81A1798
�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL
August 25, 1864 Ptl John OBrien, 19 Pct, Arrest-robbery
August 25, 1928 Ptl Joseph Dursee, 8A Pct, Shot-robbery in progress
August 25, 1946 Ptl Michael Zawoltk, Traffic K, Shot during arrest
August 26, 1918 Ptl William Barrett, 13 Pct, Thrown from horse
August 26, 1936 Ptl Richard McCormack, 20 Pct, Injured on patrol
August 26, 1971 Sgt Joseph Morabito, 1Div Narco, Shot during investigation
August 27, 1921 Ptl Daniel Neville, 23 Pct, Shot during investigation
August 28, 1939 Ptl Clarence Mihlheiser, Hwy3, Auto accident on patrol
August 29, 1977 Det Joseph Taylor, 83 Pct, Shot during investigation
August 31, 1962 Ptl Nicholas Panico, 62 Pct, Shot by EDP
August 31, 1969 Ptl Kenneth Keller, 19 Pct, LOD heart attack
Sept 1, 1891 Ptl John Sherman, 26 Pct (24 Pct), Stabbed during arrest
Sept 1, 1923 Ptl John Egan, 51 Pct, Shot by perp
Sept 1, 1954 Ptl Anthony Balga, PBBklyn, Auto accident on patrol
Friday, August 27, 2004
Thursday, August 19, 2004
BACK FROM VACATION
The Minister has returned from a restful weeks vacation (hence the lack of a more recent update). Hope everyone is enjoying their summer; to those of us here in the NYPD this will be the �last week of summer�; the Republican National Convention, followed by the West Indian Day weekend and the General Assembly � bye, bye summer!
REDESIGNED MEDAL OF HONOR � 1973
Sixty years after the Medal of Honor replaced the Department Medal as the NYPD�s top award for valor, the department decided to change its design.
In 1972, a contest was announced to pick a design for a new medal. The winner was Ptl. Alfred Young, a police historian and later curator of the Police Museum. His design was based on the star-shaped badge worn by the New York City Municipal Police Department officers from 1845 to 1857. The medal hangs from a green ribbon on which 12 white stars are clustered. A top bar is inscribed with �Valor�. A gold palm leaf on the ribbon indicates a second award. Since 1997, the medal has been made of gold.
The first presentation of the new medals were made on October 23, 1973, to the widows of five officers: Gregory Foster and Rocco Laurie, 9 Pct., Elijah Stroud, 88 Pct., Phillip Cardillo, 28 Pct., and Det. William Capers, 16 B/L Sqd, who were slain in the line of duty during 1972. Two other awards of the Medal of Honor were also made that day to Sgt. William Manos, ESD 4, and Officer Frank Buono, Bx. FSA.
At the 1985 Medal Day ceremonies the first awards of the NYPD Medal of Honor to a female police officer were made to PO Tanya Braithwaite, 41 Pct, and PO Sharon Fields, 40 Pct. Each officer had engaged in a shootout with a gunman who had just murdered another police officer.
It is noted that in 1984, a female police officer with the NYC Transit Police Department, Irma Lozada, was killed in the line of duty and awarded the Transit Police� Medal of Honor posthumously. (My note: It�s hard to believe, but it will be 20 years since Fran was killed, this September 21).
Since 1921, when posthumous awards were first made, approximately 70% of the Medals of Honor awarded have been to officers who died in the line of duty, with the majority killed in shooting incident.
COMING TO A THEATER NEAR YOU
Slated for production in early 2005 is the film based on the life of Chris Paciello, a Staten Island street thug who became the king of South Beach Miami nightlife.
With elements of "Scarface," "Miami Vice," "The Sopranos," and "Donnie Brasco," the 90-minute feature film, "The King of Clubs" tells the true and unbiased story of Paciello, who made world headlines when he was arrested in 1999 in connection with the 1993 murder of a Staten Island, NY housewife.
Billed by The Village Voice as "the biggest scandal to hit South Beach since the 1997 murder of Gianni Versace." The New York-born Paciello was a well-known fixture of Miami's nightclub and society crowds. In fact, Paciello, who co-owned Liquid, was credited with adding fire to South Beach's rising status as a major international hotspot. Paciello, who partied with superstars like Madonna, Jennifer Lopez and supermodel Niki Taylor, was recently sentenced to 10 years in prison.
"The King of Clubs" is based on Daily News reporter Michele McPhee's "Mob Over Miami�.
The story spans from Paciello's early life as Christian Ludwigsen on the mean streets in the New York boroughs of Brooklyn and Staten Island to his recreation as Chris Paciello in Miami. Readers of the book will recall the fine job the NYPD did in this case.
Also believed to be in production is a screen version of the classic TV show, Kojak.
The lead, which was portrayed so finely by Telly Savalas, is believed to be taken by screen star Vin Rames (I�m probably spelling it wrong!). Regardless, all Kojak aficionado�s will certainly be looking forward to this.
�GET A HAT�
Readers to this site may recall this reference to �Get a Hat�.
It has been pointed out that there was a time when that statement was used to signify that a patrol cop was being promoted to the Detective Bureau, as all detective�s wore very fashionable fedora's.
Ret. Det Capt Frank Bolz points out that one of the popular hat�s among that time were Adam Hats. The chain that sold the hats provided a gift certificate, which was a miniature felt hat in a mini hat box.
Many an NYPD detective traded that in for a real hat!
ABOUT THOSE OLD FORMS
I have been reminded by Ret. 1 John Reilly about some of the old DD forms, and their actual usage.
As has been noted, the DD11 was an Index of Watch Movements, and a DD12 was an Index of Watch Cases. What I did not realize was the �watch� they are referring to is an actual watch � a timepiece!
John has been so kind as to break down the what-and-why�s of such a record, and will be the subject of a future posting.
IN MEMORIAM: PTL. MICHAEL J. LYNCH - 1911
It was on July 1, 1911 that Ptl. Michael J. Lynch #7077 of the 22 Precinct (Midtown South) was killed in the line of duty.
Just after 8.00pm on July 1, 1911, Ptl. Lynch had just come off duty at the West 37th Street station house, and was walking to the 34th Street station of the Ninth Ave. elevated train to go home. At 37th St. & Ninth Ave. he stopped to talk with Ptl. Brady, a plainclothes officer. As they were chatting they heard the sound of three pistol shots coming from an apartment house at 347 West 37th Street.
Arriving at the house the officers were informed that the shots had been fired from a flat on the second floor, the home of John Collins. Collins had been drinking for about 4 hours and soon became drunk. After he became drunk he quarreled with the woman who lived with him and then fired his pistol out the window. The police tried to enter Collin�s flat, but the doors were locked. Ptl. Lynch got the janitor who used a key to open a door leading into the kitchen. As Lynch pushed the door open he found himself facing a pistol in the hand of Collins. Before he had a chance to do anything Collins fired at him and he fell to the floor dead, shot in the head. Collins jumped over the dead policeman�s body and ran to the roof of the building. On the roof he jumped to another building. After a chase he was arrested in a building on West 38th Street.
Ptl. Lynch had been a police officer for six years, he was 32 years old, married, with a two year old son and his widow was expecting another child. On July 4, 1911, a funeral service was held at the Church of St. Charles Borromeo, West 141st Street. After the service the remains were taken to Calvary Cemetery, Queens, for burial. A collection was taken up from the members of the NYPD for the widow and her children; on Oct. 20, 1911 the sum of $6,540.10 was presented to Mrs. Nellie Lynch. During December of 1911, the Riot Relief Fund donated the sum of $1,000 to the family of Ptl. Lynch. On Aug. 11, 1911, after a trial in before Judge Mulqueen in the Court of General Sessions, John Collins was found guilty by the jury of murder in the first degree. On Aug. 16, 1911, Collins was sentenced to die in the electric chair for the murder of Ptl. Lynch. At 5.09 am Aug 12, 1912, Collins was the first of seven murderers executed at Sing Sing prison. FROM FROM THE INVESTIGATOR�S DICTIONARY
Lividity: The process by which the blood settles into dependent capillaries and eventually �fixes� in certain areas of the body.
Postmortem Lividity: Also known as livor mortis. Caused by the pooling and settling of blood within the blood vessels from the effect of gravity. It appears as a purple discoloration of the skin. During life, the pumping action of the heart maintains a constant flow of blood through the numerous vessels of the body. Upon death, this pumping action ceases, and the blood pools within the dependent portions of the body (lowest points).
FOR THE INVESTIGATOR�S LITTLE BLACK BOOK
Life Insurance Locator: Finding life insurance policy information of a decedent when the identity of the insurance company is unknown can be a daunting task. Perhaps checking the subject�s check book for recent policy payments can help, but if that proves to be worthless, there is another alternative.
Although it is a fee-based service, costing approximately $150 per search, it�s good to know that a search is available. Life benefits Search, Inc. is an internet-based service that has automated the search process. You provide them with the information on the decedent and they mass mail inquiries to a lengthy list of life insurance companies.
If a policy is found, a claim can then be submitted.
Reference Library: Ever need to call a library reference desk in the middle of the night for information on a hard-to-find piece of information?
The University of Arizona library is open 24/7 with a reference librarian on duty � ask for the Reference Desk when calling:520-621-6441
www.dizzy.library.arizona.edu
SOCIAL SECURITY DEATH INDEX: The Social Security Administration�s master death index is public record and searchable for free on the internet.
Access the following site, and click on the �Death Records� button: http://www.crimetime.com/online.htm
�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL
Aug 8, 1926 Ptl Frank Murphy, Mcy Dist, Shot-GLA arrest
Aug 9, 1930 Det Harry Bloomfield, 44 Sq, Shot by prisoner
Aug 11, 1926 Det John Singer, DD, Shot by prisoner
Aug 11, 1937 Det Isadore Astel, MODD, Shot � Robbery in Progress
Aug 11, 1937 Ptl John Bosworth 43 Pct, Trolley Car accident
Aug 11, 1937 Ptl Joseph McBreen ESS10, Building collapse
Aug 11, 1949 Ptl George Connelly 19 Pct, Line of duty accident
Aug 12, 1952 Ptl James McGillion 34 Pct, Shot during investigation
Aug 12, 1966 Ptl Harold Levine Mcy2, Motorcycle accident
Aug 14, 1924 Ptl Frederick Thomas 9 Pct, Shot-robbery investigation
Aug 14, 1980 PO Harry Ryman 60 Pct, Shot-investigation
Aug 15, 1865 Ptl Thomas Walken 29 Pct, Arrest-assault
Aug 16, 1988 PO Joseph Galapo BSNarco, Shot during arrest
Aug 17, 1947 Ptl Thomas Gargan 6 Pct, Shot-burglary in progress
Aug 17, 1969 Sgt Cornelius McGowan 114 Pct, Line of duty heart attack
Aug 17, 1979 PO Thomas Schimenti, MTS Pct, Shot-robbery
Aug 19, 1974 Ptl Thomas Pegues, TPF, Shot-auto check
Aug 20, 1971 Ptl Kenneth Nugent, 103 Pct, Shot-robbery
Aug 20, 1987 Det Myron Parker, BxNarco, Assaulted
Aug 21, 1931 Ptl Walter Webb, 40 Pct, Shot-Robbery in progress
Aug 21, 1931 Ptl Edwin Churchill, McyDist, Shot-robbery in progress
Aug 22, 1924 Ptl Harry Blumberg, 10 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
Aug 22, 1925 Ptl David Sheehan, 4 Pct, Shot-burglary arrest
Aug 22, 1941 Ptl Harold King, TrafficB, Shot-GLA arrest
The Minister has returned from a restful weeks vacation (hence the lack of a more recent update). Hope everyone is enjoying their summer; to those of us here in the NYPD this will be the �last week of summer�; the Republican National Convention, followed by the West Indian Day weekend and the General Assembly � bye, bye summer!
REDESIGNED MEDAL OF HONOR � 1973
Sixty years after the Medal of Honor replaced the Department Medal as the NYPD�s top award for valor, the department decided to change its design.
In 1972, a contest was announced to pick a design for a new medal. The winner was Ptl. Alfred Young, a police historian and later curator of the Police Museum. His design was based on the star-shaped badge worn by the New York City Municipal Police Department officers from 1845 to 1857. The medal hangs from a green ribbon on which 12 white stars are clustered. A top bar is inscribed with �Valor�. A gold palm leaf on the ribbon indicates a second award. Since 1997, the medal has been made of gold.
The first presentation of the new medals were made on October 23, 1973, to the widows of five officers: Gregory Foster and Rocco Laurie, 9 Pct., Elijah Stroud, 88 Pct., Phillip Cardillo, 28 Pct., and Det. William Capers, 16 B/L Sqd, who were slain in the line of duty during 1972. Two other awards of the Medal of Honor were also made that day to Sgt. William Manos, ESD 4, and Officer Frank Buono, Bx. FSA.
At the 1985 Medal Day ceremonies the first awards of the NYPD Medal of Honor to a female police officer were made to PO Tanya Braithwaite, 41 Pct, and PO Sharon Fields, 40 Pct. Each officer had engaged in a shootout with a gunman who had just murdered another police officer.
It is noted that in 1984, a female police officer with the NYC Transit Police Department, Irma Lozada, was killed in the line of duty and awarded the Transit Police� Medal of Honor posthumously. (My note: It�s hard to believe, but it will be 20 years since Fran was killed, this September 21).
Since 1921, when posthumous awards were first made, approximately 70% of the Medals of Honor awarded have been to officers who died in the line of duty, with the majority killed in shooting incident.
COMING TO A THEATER NEAR YOU
Slated for production in early 2005 is the film based on the life of Chris Paciello, a Staten Island street thug who became the king of South Beach Miami nightlife.
With elements of "Scarface," "Miami Vice," "The Sopranos," and "Donnie Brasco," the 90-minute feature film, "The King of Clubs" tells the true and unbiased story of Paciello, who made world headlines when he was arrested in 1999 in connection with the 1993 murder of a Staten Island, NY housewife.
Billed by The Village Voice as "the biggest scandal to hit South Beach since the 1997 murder of Gianni Versace." The New York-born Paciello was a well-known fixture of Miami's nightclub and society crowds. In fact, Paciello, who co-owned Liquid, was credited with adding fire to South Beach's rising status as a major international hotspot. Paciello, who partied with superstars like Madonna, Jennifer Lopez and supermodel Niki Taylor, was recently sentenced to 10 years in prison.
"The King of Clubs" is based on Daily News reporter Michele McPhee's "Mob Over Miami�.
The story spans from Paciello's early life as Christian Ludwigsen on the mean streets in the New York boroughs of Brooklyn and Staten Island to his recreation as Chris Paciello in Miami. Readers of the book will recall the fine job the NYPD did in this case.
Also believed to be in production is a screen version of the classic TV show, Kojak.
The lead, which was portrayed so finely by Telly Savalas, is believed to be taken by screen star Vin Rames (I�m probably spelling it wrong!). Regardless, all Kojak aficionado�s will certainly be looking forward to this.
�GET A HAT�
Readers to this site may recall this reference to �Get a Hat�.
It has been pointed out that there was a time when that statement was used to signify that a patrol cop was being promoted to the Detective Bureau, as all detective�s wore very fashionable fedora's.
Ret. Det Capt Frank Bolz points out that one of the popular hat�s among that time were Adam Hats. The chain that sold the hats provided a gift certificate, which was a miniature felt hat in a mini hat box.
Many an NYPD detective traded that in for a real hat!
ABOUT THOSE OLD FORMS
I have been reminded by Ret. 1 John Reilly about some of the old DD forms, and their actual usage.
As has been noted, the DD11 was an Index of Watch Movements, and a DD12 was an Index of Watch Cases. What I did not realize was the �watch� they are referring to is an actual watch � a timepiece!
John has been so kind as to break down the what-and-why�s of such a record, and will be the subject of a future posting.
IN MEMORIAM: PTL. MICHAEL J. LYNCH - 1911
It was on July 1, 1911 that Ptl. Michael J. Lynch #7077 of the 22 Precinct (Midtown South) was killed in the line of duty.
Just after 8.00pm on July 1, 1911, Ptl. Lynch had just come off duty at the West 37th Street station house, and was walking to the 34th Street station of the Ninth Ave. elevated train to go home. At 37th St. & Ninth Ave. he stopped to talk with Ptl. Brady, a plainclothes officer. As they were chatting they heard the sound of three pistol shots coming from an apartment house at 347 West 37th Street.
Arriving at the house the officers were informed that the shots had been fired from a flat on the second floor, the home of John Collins. Collins had been drinking for about 4 hours and soon became drunk. After he became drunk he quarreled with the woman who lived with him and then fired his pistol out the window. The police tried to enter Collin�s flat, but the doors were locked. Ptl. Lynch got the janitor who used a key to open a door leading into the kitchen. As Lynch pushed the door open he found himself facing a pistol in the hand of Collins. Before he had a chance to do anything Collins fired at him and he fell to the floor dead, shot in the head. Collins jumped over the dead policeman�s body and ran to the roof of the building. On the roof he jumped to another building. After a chase he was arrested in a building on West 38th Street.
Ptl. Lynch had been a police officer for six years, he was 32 years old, married, with a two year old son and his widow was expecting another child. On July 4, 1911, a funeral service was held at the Church of St. Charles Borromeo, West 141st Street. After the service the remains were taken to Calvary Cemetery, Queens, for burial. A collection was taken up from the members of the NYPD for the widow and her children; on Oct. 20, 1911 the sum of $6,540.10 was presented to Mrs. Nellie Lynch. During December of 1911, the Riot Relief Fund donated the sum of $1,000 to the family of Ptl. Lynch. On Aug. 11, 1911, after a trial in before Judge Mulqueen in the Court of General Sessions, John Collins was found guilty by the jury of murder in the first degree. On Aug. 16, 1911, Collins was sentenced to die in the electric chair for the murder of Ptl. Lynch. At 5.09 am Aug 12, 1912, Collins was the first of seven murderers executed at Sing Sing prison. FROM FROM THE INVESTIGATOR�S DICTIONARY
Lividity: The process by which the blood settles into dependent capillaries and eventually �fixes� in certain areas of the body.
Postmortem Lividity: Also known as livor mortis. Caused by the pooling and settling of blood within the blood vessels from the effect of gravity. It appears as a purple discoloration of the skin. During life, the pumping action of the heart maintains a constant flow of blood through the numerous vessels of the body. Upon death, this pumping action ceases, and the blood pools within the dependent portions of the body (lowest points).
FOR THE INVESTIGATOR�S LITTLE BLACK BOOK
Life Insurance Locator: Finding life insurance policy information of a decedent when the identity of the insurance company is unknown can be a daunting task. Perhaps checking the subject�s check book for recent policy payments can help, but if that proves to be worthless, there is another alternative.
Although it is a fee-based service, costing approximately $150 per search, it�s good to know that a search is available. Life benefits Search, Inc. is an internet-based service that has automated the search process. You provide them with the information on the decedent and they mass mail inquiries to a lengthy list of life insurance companies.
If a policy is found, a claim can then be submitted.
Reference Library: Ever need to call a library reference desk in the middle of the night for information on a hard-to-find piece of information?
The University of Arizona library is open 24/7 with a reference librarian on duty � ask for the Reference Desk when calling:520-621-6441
www.dizzy.library.arizona.edu
SOCIAL SECURITY DEATH INDEX: The Social Security Administration�s master death index is public record and searchable for free on the internet.
Access the following site, and click on the �Death Records� button: http://www.crimetime.com/online.htm
�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL
Aug 8, 1926 Ptl Frank Murphy, Mcy Dist, Shot-GLA arrest
Aug 9, 1930 Det Harry Bloomfield, 44 Sq, Shot by prisoner
Aug 11, 1926 Det John Singer, DD, Shot by prisoner
Aug 11, 1937 Det Isadore Astel, MODD, Shot � Robbery in Progress
Aug 11, 1937 Ptl John Bosworth 43 Pct, Trolley Car accident
Aug 11, 1937 Ptl Joseph McBreen ESS10, Building collapse
Aug 11, 1949 Ptl George Connelly 19 Pct, Line of duty accident
Aug 12, 1952 Ptl James McGillion 34 Pct, Shot during investigation
Aug 12, 1966 Ptl Harold Levine Mcy2, Motorcycle accident
Aug 14, 1924 Ptl Frederick Thomas 9 Pct, Shot-robbery investigation
Aug 14, 1980 PO Harry Ryman 60 Pct, Shot-investigation
Aug 15, 1865 Ptl Thomas Walken 29 Pct, Arrest-assault
Aug 16, 1988 PO Joseph Galapo BSNarco, Shot during arrest
Aug 17, 1947 Ptl Thomas Gargan 6 Pct, Shot-burglary in progress
Aug 17, 1969 Sgt Cornelius McGowan 114 Pct, Line of duty heart attack
Aug 17, 1979 PO Thomas Schimenti, MTS Pct, Shot-robbery
Aug 19, 1974 Ptl Thomas Pegues, TPF, Shot-auto check
Aug 20, 1971 Ptl Kenneth Nugent, 103 Pct, Shot-robbery
Aug 20, 1987 Det Myron Parker, BxNarco, Assaulted
Aug 21, 1931 Ptl Walter Webb, 40 Pct, Shot-Robbery in progress
Aug 21, 1931 Ptl Edwin Churchill, McyDist, Shot-robbery in progress
Aug 22, 1924 Ptl Harry Blumberg, 10 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
Aug 22, 1925 Ptl David Sheehan, 4 Pct, Shot-burglary arrest
Aug 22, 1941 Ptl Harold King, TrafficB, Shot-GLA arrest
Monday, August 02, 2004
MORE WISDOM FROM WILL ROGERS
Long ago when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Today it's called golf.
If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.
The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket.
THE NYPD MEDAL OF HONOR
Awarded to those members of the department undergoing extraordinary personal risk and exhibiting indomitable courage in the performance of duty. This medal was awarded from 1912 to 1972.
What was to become known as the Police Department Medal of Honor was designed in 1912 by Tiffany & Co. It was initially referred to as The Department Medal, but on October 10, 1914, Police Commissioner Woods announced that the name of the honorable Mention Medal was changed to the Medal of Honor.
Until 1921, there had never been a posthumous award of a medal. Upon recommendation of the Honor Committee, it was Police Commissioner Enright who approved the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor to members of the department killed in the performance of duty.
The first posthumous awards were made in 1921 and were retroactive to 1918.
From 1918 to 1972 there were only four years � 1956, 1958, 1959, 1969 � in which there were no posthumous awards of the Medal of Honor. The most posthumous awards, 11, were made in 1931.
The first presentation of the Medal of Honor went to a Detective Bureau member. Acting detective Sergeant Charles Carrao was honored for his actions in the early morning hours of September 15, 1911. He followed a suspected Black Hand bomber into a tenement house on East 13th Street. The bomber lit the fuse to the bomb, which Det. Carrao pulled out and extinguished on the hallway floor. With the aid of other detectives the bomber was arrested.
WHAT ABOUT THOSE FORMS?
Regular readers to this site will recall the past postings concerning the DD forms, and the �discovery� of what a DD1 was.
We all know the Complaint Report is known as the UF61, as in Uniformed Force 61 form.
What were the earlier UF forms?
Well, it seems that the UF1 was the �Morning Report� and UF2 was the �Consolidated Morning Report�, both forms used to tabulate Manpower levels at a Precinct level, Division level, etc. Basically, this was the breakdown of how many were working, how many RDO, vacation, sick, detailed, etc. At headquarters these figures were accumulated from the entire city to represent the force record for the day, available for the review of the Police Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners and the Chief Engineer. By the way, the Chief Engineer was a rank above the Chief Inspector (current Chief of Department) and the Deputy Commissioners.
What about those DD forms?
The DD1 is the Line-up sheet.
The DD2 came in three colors � white, blue and pink � and was the Notice of Investigation.
DD3 was the Record Receipt.
The DD4 was a complaint report. This was a complaint report that a Detective took.
And, of course, the DD5 is the Supplementary Complaint Report.
Maybe there are some retirees who can help explain the following (John, Frank � this is for you).
A DD11 was the Index of watch movements. The DD12 was Index of watch case. What was this watch we were keeping track of?
The Unusual Occurrence Report prepared by detectives was known as the DD104.
IN MEMORIAM: PTL. MAITLAND MERCER
Thanks to Ret. Det1 John Reilly for pointing out that the previous listing of line of duty deaths incorrectly spelled Ptl. Mercer�s first name. It is corrected as Ptl. Maitland Mercer. Details of this incident follows.
On July 31, 1965 Ptl. Maitland Mercer of the 76 Precinct was killed in the line of duty.
On July 31, 1965, Ptl. Mercer was on vacation, and was in a bar in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, visiting old friends. He was joined by another off-duty officer Ptl. Kelvin Mills, also of the 76 Pct. As the two officers sat and talked the barmaid came over and told Ptl. Mercer that a man in the bar had said that he was a federal agent and armed. Mercer spoke to the man, then both went into a back room. Shots rang out, with the gunman fleeing as Ptl. Mercer fell to the floor, mortally wounded.
As the gunman, who was an ex-convict on parole, ran past Ptl. Mills, he fired at him and continued firing out in the street. The gunman fell dead a short distance away. Later investigation disclosed that the killer was not a Federal Agent, but had been an informer for the Federal Bureau of Narcotics.
Ptl. Mercer who was 44 years old, was appointed to the NYPD in October of 1952. He was married and the father of five children, one of whom was a Patrolman in the NYPD and had graduated from the Police Academy in the same class as Ptl. Mills. On August 3, Ptl Mercer was given an �Inspector�s� funeral. He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Brooklyn. On June 17, 1966, at the annual NYPD medal day ceremonies Ptl. Mercer was posthumously awarded the NYPD Medal of Honor. Mayor John Lindsay presented the medal to his widow, Mrs. Lillian Mercer. Ptl. Kelvin Mills was awarded the Patrolman�s Benevolent Association Medal for his pursuit and fatal wounding of the murderer of Ptl. Mercer.
INTERESTING WEB SITES
How To Investigate: Useful Tips for the investigator. Lots of info & links.http://www.howtoinvestigate.com/
NEWS AROUND AND ABOUT THE NORTH�
Recent Personnel Order�s reflect the �official� retirement�s of Captain CASTO ZONA from BNDO, and of Det1 JOHN BRADY of the 81 Squad. We wish them the best of luck as they begin a new page in the book of life.
Congratulations are also in order to Det ALBERTO LOZADA on his recent promotion to DETECTIVE SECOND GRADE. Another well-deserved promotion. Best wishes, Al.
The recent addition of a small army of detective replacements in each of the precinct squads was long overdue, and they are being put to good use right out of the gate. We welcome all the transfers from Narcotics, as well as the white-shields that moved up to the Bureau.
Along with those moves were some other in-boro moves, reflecting the transfers from precinct squads to Homicide and to the Boro Apprehension Team. It should be noted that some new-blood was sent to the Homicide Squad, with the movement of BILL HOGAN, CHRIS SCANDOLE, and JAY HERNANDEZ from their precinct squad assignments to the Brooklyn North Homicide Squad. Along those same lines, Detective�s JIM BRUINSMA and JENNIFER BILLE moved over to Homicide from their previous assignment in the Apprehension Team. Jimmy Bruinsma has pulled out his shirts and ties from his prior stint in the 81 Squad, and it was noted that he does own more than just Levi jeans. Welcome aboard to all!
Most people are aware of MapQuest � put in an address, get travel directions. Are you aware of a feature we have available in the Homicide Squad? It�s called EggQuest � give Larry Eggers an address, and he�ll give you five locations to eat at in the vicinity. Especially helpful if seeking a China-buffet style restaurant. While at it, you�ve got to hear Jen Bille�s description of Larry eating a pint of ice cream � it�s precious!
Inspector Mike Gabriel�s official retirement date is noted as August 2. He�s been out over a year already, keeping things running smoothly in book-land at the NY Public Library. Has anyone seen Junior Labarbera lately? His time runs until mid 2005 � I�ve got some �Cubans� with his name on them; stop by for a cup of coffee, Junior!
Detective JOHN CANTWELL of the Deputy Commissioner of Operations office is the proud father of a baby girl, AVA ROSE. His little girl was born July 21, 2004, and mother and baby are home doing fine. We�re happy to report that Ava Rose looks like her mother.
Yes, Nick Dimonda caught a homicide with Larry Eggers. I can only imagine the conversation going on in that car. Maybe Nicky can get Larry to the name all four of the Three Tenors, or perhaps they can discuss the full meaning of E=MC2.
�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL
Aug 1, 1913 Ptl Bernard O�Rourke, 146 Pct, Dragged by horse
Aug 2, 1922 Lt Albert Duffy, HQDiv, Explosion investigation
Aug 2, 1966 Ptl Edward Monzillo, Mcy2, Auto pursuit
Aug 2, 1979 Sgt Michael Russell, 75 Pct A/C, Shot:Off duty arrest
Aug 4, 1913 Ptl Patrick Cotter, 65 Pct, Shot making arrest
Aug 4, 1928 Ptl Arthur Fash, 52 Pct, Electrocuted
Aug 4, 1953 Ptl Henry Ergen, 79 Pct, Assaulted
Aug 5, 1927 Ptl Hubert Allen, 52 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
Aug 6, 1861 Ptl David Martin, 2 Pct, Stabbed during burglary
Aug 6, 1917 Ptl Robert Holmes, 38 Pct, Shot, robbery in progress
Aug 6, 1925 Det Richard Heneberry, DD, Shot-GLA arrest
Aug 6, 1926 Ptl Oscar Oehlerking, 9 Pct, Shot-robbery in progress
Aug 6, 1935 Ptl Thomas Burns, 5 Pct, Injured on patrol
Aug 7, 1927 Ptl. William Goddy, 7 Pct, Line of duty injury
Aug 7, 1928 Sgt James Barry, 9A Pct, Auto accident on patrol
Aug 8, 1926 Ptl Frank Murphy, Mcy Dist, Shot-GLA arrest
Long ago when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Today it's called golf.
If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.
The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket.
THE NYPD MEDAL OF HONOR
Awarded to those members of the department undergoing extraordinary personal risk and exhibiting indomitable courage in the performance of duty. This medal was awarded from 1912 to 1972.
What was to become known as the Police Department Medal of Honor was designed in 1912 by Tiffany & Co. It was initially referred to as The Department Medal, but on October 10, 1914, Police Commissioner Woods announced that the name of the honorable Mention Medal was changed to the Medal of Honor.
Until 1921, there had never been a posthumous award of a medal. Upon recommendation of the Honor Committee, it was Police Commissioner Enright who approved the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor to members of the department killed in the performance of duty.
The first posthumous awards were made in 1921 and were retroactive to 1918.
From 1918 to 1972 there were only four years � 1956, 1958, 1959, 1969 � in which there were no posthumous awards of the Medal of Honor. The most posthumous awards, 11, were made in 1931.
The first presentation of the Medal of Honor went to a Detective Bureau member. Acting detective Sergeant Charles Carrao was honored for his actions in the early morning hours of September 15, 1911. He followed a suspected Black Hand bomber into a tenement house on East 13th Street. The bomber lit the fuse to the bomb, which Det. Carrao pulled out and extinguished on the hallway floor. With the aid of other detectives the bomber was arrested.
WHAT ABOUT THOSE FORMS?
Regular readers to this site will recall the past postings concerning the DD forms, and the �discovery� of what a DD1 was.
We all know the Complaint Report is known as the UF61, as in Uniformed Force 61 form.
What were the earlier UF forms?
Well, it seems that the UF1 was the �Morning Report� and UF2 was the �Consolidated Morning Report�, both forms used to tabulate Manpower levels at a Precinct level, Division level, etc. Basically, this was the breakdown of how many were working, how many RDO, vacation, sick, detailed, etc. At headquarters these figures were accumulated from the entire city to represent the force record for the day, available for the review of the Police Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners and the Chief Engineer. By the way, the Chief Engineer was a rank above the Chief Inspector (current Chief of Department) and the Deputy Commissioners.
What about those DD forms?
The DD1 is the Line-up sheet.
The DD2 came in three colors � white, blue and pink � and was the Notice of Investigation.
DD3 was the Record Receipt.
The DD4 was a complaint report. This was a complaint report that a Detective took.
And, of course, the DD5 is the Supplementary Complaint Report.
Maybe there are some retirees who can help explain the following (John, Frank � this is for you).
A DD11 was the Index of watch movements. The DD12 was Index of watch case. What was this watch we were keeping track of?
The Unusual Occurrence Report prepared by detectives was known as the DD104.
IN MEMORIAM: PTL. MAITLAND MERCER
Thanks to Ret. Det1 John Reilly for pointing out that the previous listing of line of duty deaths incorrectly spelled Ptl. Mercer�s first name. It is corrected as Ptl. Maitland Mercer. Details of this incident follows.
On July 31, 1965 Ptl. Maitland Mercer of the 76 Precinct was killed in the line of duty.
On July 31, 1965, Ptl. Mercer was on vacation, and was in a bar in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, visiting old friends. He was joined by another off-duty officer Ptl. Kelvin Mills, also of the 76 Pct. As the two officers sat and talked the barmaid came over and told Ptl. Mercer that a man in the bar had said that he was a federal agent and armed. Mercer spoke to the man, then both went into a back room. Shots rang out, with the gunman fleeing as Ptl. Mercer fell to the floor, mortally wounded.
As the gunman, who was an ex-convict on parole, ran past Ptl. Mills, he fired at him and continued firing out in the street. The gunman fell dead a short distance away. Later investigation disclosed that the killer was not a Federal Agent, but had been an informer for the Federal Bureau of Narcotics.
Ptl. Mercer who was 44 years old, was appointed to the NYPD in October of 1952. He was married and the father of five children, one of whom was a Patrolman in the NYPD and had graduated from the Police Academy in the same class as Ptl. Mills. On August 3, Ptl Mercer was given an �Inspector�s� funeral. He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Brooklyn. On June 17, 1966, at the annual NYPD medal day ceremonies Ptl. Mercer was posthumously awarded the NYPD Medal of Honor. Mayor John Lindsay presented the medal to his widow, Mrs. Lillian Mercer. Ptl. Kelvin Mills was awarded the Patrolman�s Benevolent Association Medal for his pursuit and fatal wounding of the murderer of Ptl. Mercer.
INTERESTING WEB SITES
How To Investigate: Useful Tips for the investigator. Lots of info & links.http://www.howtoinvestigate.com/
NEWS AROUND AND ABOUT THE NORTH�
Recent Personnel Order�s reflect the �official� retirement�s of Captain CASTO ZONA from BNDO, and of Det1 JOHN BRADY of the 81 Squad. We wish them the best of luck as they begin a new page in the book of life.
Congratulations are also in order to Det ALBERTO LOZADA on his recent promotion to DETECTIVE SECOND GRADE. Another well-deserved promotion. Best wishes, Al.
The recent addition of a small army of detective replacements in each of the precinct squads was long overdue, and they are being put to good use right out of the gate. We welcome all the transfers from Narcotics, as well as the white-shields that moved up to the Bureau.
Along with those moves were some other in-boro moves, reflecting the transfers from precinct squads to Homicide and to the Boro Apprehension Team. It should be noted that some new-blood was sent to the Homicide Squad, with the movement of BILL HOGAN, CHRIS SCANDOLE, and JAY HERNANDEZ from their precinct squad assignments to the Brooklyn North Homicide Squad. Along those same lines, Detective�s JIM BRUINSMA and JENNIFER BILLE moved over to Homicide from their previous assignment in the Apprehension Team. Jimmy Bruinsma has pulled out his shirts and ties from his prior stint in the 81 Squad, and it was noted that he does own more than just Levi jeans. Welcome aboard to all!
Most people are aware of MapQuest � put in an address, get travel directions. Are you aware of a feature we have available in the Homicide Squad? It�s called EggQuest � give Larry Eggers an address, and he�ll give you five locations to eat at in the vicinity. Especially helpful if seeking a China-buffet style restaurant. While at it, you�ve got to hear Jen Bille�s description of Larry eating a pint of ice cream � it�s precious!
Inspector Mike Gabriel�s official retirement date is noted as August 2. He�s been out over a year already, keeping things running smoothly in book-land at the NY Public Library. Has anyone seen Junior Labarbera lately? His time runs until mid 2005 � I�ve got some �Cubans� with his name on them; stop by for a cup of coffee, Junior!
Detective JOHN CANTWELL of the Deputy Commissioner of Operations office is the proud father of a baby girl, AVA ROSE. His little girl was born July 21, 2004, and mother and baby are home doing fine. We�re happy to report that Ava Rose looks like her mother.
Yes, Nick Dimonda caught a homicide with Larry Eggers. I can only imagine the conversation going on in that car. Maybe Nicky can get Larry to the name all four of the Three Tenors, or perhaps they can discuss the full meaning of E=MC2.
�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL
Aug 1, 1913 Ptl Bernard O�Rourke, 146 Pct, Dragged by horse
Aug 2, 1922 Lt Albert Duffy, HQDiv, Explosion investigation
Aug 2, 1966 Ptl Edward Monzillo, Mcy2, Auto pursuit
Aug 2, 1979 Sgt Michael Russell, 75 Pct A/C, Shot:Off duty arrest
Aug 4, 1913 Ptl Patrick Cotter, 65 Pct, Shot making arrest
Aug 4, 1928 Ptl Arthur Fash, 52 Pct, Electrocuted
Aug 4, 1953 Ptl Henry Ergen, 79 Pct, Assaulted
Aug 5, 1927 Ptl Hubert Allen, 52 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
Aug 6, 1861 Ptl David Martin, 2 Pct, Stabbed during burglary
Aug 6, 1917 Ptl Robert Holmes, 38 Pct, Shot, robbery in progress
Aug 6, 1925 Det Richard Heneberry, DD, Shot-GLA arrest
Aug 6, 1926 Ptl Oscar Oehlerking, 9 Pct, Shot-robbery in progress
Aug 6, 1935 Ptl Thomas Burns, 5 Pct, Injured on patrol
Aug 7, 1927 Ptl. William Goddy, 7 Pct, Line of duty injury
Aug 7, 1928 Sgt James Barry, 9A Pct, Auto accident on patrol
Aug 8, 1926 Ptl Frank Murphy, Mcy Dist, Shot-GLA arrest
