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
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER!
Congratulations! And Lots of Luck! Are extended to Lt. EDDIE LOTT and his lovely wife, Lt. DEBRA LOTT, on the birth of their second daughter, ELIZABETH ASHLEY LOTT.
Eddie, the Squad Commander of the 73 Squad, and his wife Debra, of the 94 Precinct, welcomed the newborn on July 10, 2004. Weighing on at 8lbs 12 oz, we are happy to report all are home and doing very well.
THE DEPARTMENT MEDAL
From 1889 to 1911, the department awarded a medal known as the Department Medal, or �Medal of Honor�.
On January 15, 1889, the Board of Police Commissioners made Honorable Mention in the minutes of the board meeting and awarded a Department Medal to Ptl. John Meagher of the Steamboat Squad for his rescue of a man who had jumped into the North River. This medal was previously known as the Honorable Mention Badge. After 1889 the medal was known as the Department Medal, or a Medal of Honor.
Although not always done so, some commissioners, in particular Theodore Roosevelt, would have a formal presentation ceremony at Headquarters.
MULTIPLE AWARDS OF THE MEDAL OF HONOR
Since the modern medal era came into being in 1915, when the name of the highest NYPD award �The Department Medal� was changed to �The Medal of Honor�, only three members of the NYPD have been awarded the Medal of Honor twice.
The first multiple award was to Detective Timothy J. Connell who was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1922, after he was wounded during a shootout in which he killed a hold-up man. He also received a posthumous award of the medal in 1926, after he was killed in another shootout with four criminals in 1924.
The second multiple award was to Detective John Cordes. He received the medal in 1924 after a shootout in which he was wounded five times during a stickup in a store. He received it again in 1928 for a second shootout.
The third recipient was PO Robert Bilodeau, Street Crime Unit, who was awarded the medal twice, posthumously, at the 1981 Medal Day Ceremony. The first award was for an incident on April 5, 1979, when while making an arrest his throat was slashed, an injury that required 63 stitches to heal. The second award was for an incident on February 12, 1980, when he chased a gunman into an alleyway. The gunman turned and shot Bilodeau three times. Before he died he was able to wound his assailant.
CORRECTION NOTED: ROUNDSMAN DONOHUE
On my last posting of "In Memoriam" I listed an entry as Ptl. Donohue, as that is how he is listed on the NYPD Memorial site.
The correct rank, however, is Roundsman. A Roundsman was equivalent to today�s rank of Sergeant. The details of Roundsman Donohue�s death is noted below. Thanks again to Ret. Det1 John Reilly for his noticing this discrepancy, and correcting it.
Noting the entry recently regarding police whistles, John Reilly added the following on this topic as well.
When he came on the job in 1955 all MOS had to carry two whistles, one a traffic whistle and one a police whistle.
Although he can't ever remember using the police whistles to summon help, he does recall that the top end of the whistle had a round shank which you hooked onto your belt. The big problem he recalls is that the end shank would break off and you had to get a new whistle. He thinks that this was the main reason for discontinuing them � probably that and the fact that using the whistle to summon aid was fast obsolete.
IN THE LINE OF DUTY: ROUNDSMAN JOHN DONOHUE � 1872
On July 11, 1872, Roundsman John Donohue of Brooklyn�s 5th Precinct (the current 94 Precinct) was killed in the line of duty.
At about 1:00 am on the morning of July 7, 1872, on North First Street, near Union Avenue, Brooklyn, the �Battle-Row Gang� ambushed Rdsman Donohue. For some time there had been bad feeling between the gang and Rdsman Donohue because he had arrested some of them for various crimes.
During the early hours of July 7th, the gang had been in a whisky shop drinking and was overheard plotting to start a disturbance, which would bring Donohue to the area. One of the leaders of the gang, Henry Rodgers, had stated that when Donohue came he �would kill him.� The disturbance was created and when Donohue responded to disperse them the whole gang attacked him.
Witnesses testified that they saw Rodgers with an oak bar and that he struck the officer on the back of his head. The gang left the officer lying on the sidewalk insensible. Rdsman Donohue was removed to the Brooklyn City Hospital where he was treated for injuries to his brain. He died at the hospital on July 11, 1872.
Donohue was married and had two young children. A funeral service for Roundsman John Donohue was held on July 14, 1872 at the Church of St. Peter and Paul, 2nd Street, Williamsburg. The funeral cortege consisted of about 300 police officers, the Mayor and members of the Board of Aldermen, the family and friends riding in some seventy carriages. Interment of the body was in Calvary Cemetery. The murderer of Rdsman Donohue, Henry Rodgers, was convicted of the crime of murder on Oct. 22, 1872 and executed by hanging on Dec. 6, 1872 at the Raymond Street Jail, Brooklyn.
INTERESTING WEB SITES
CHANGE DETECTION.COMHere's a useful website I recently stumbled across: www.changedetection.com.
It's a free service that let's you monitor a website for changes. You enter the web address and your email address and when a change occurs, you'll be notified.
�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL
July 20, 1857 Ptl Eugene Anderson, 14 Pct, Shot:Burglary in progress
July 20, 1964 Ptl John Polarolo, Harbor, Auto accident on patrol
July 21, 1950 Ptl Alfred Loreto, 24 Pct, Shot:Off duty pursuit
July 22, 1921 Ptl Charles Potter, 27 Pct, Drowned during rescue
July 22, 1922 Ptl Arthur Loewe, 78 Pct, Shot:Robbery in progress
July 22, 1983 PO James Rowley, Aviation, Helicopter accident
July 23, 1983 PO Charles Trojahn, Aviation, Helicopter accident
July 24, 1876 Sgt James McGiven, 17 Pct, Stabbed, Robbery
July 24, 1951 Ptl Albert Polite, 94 Pct, Motorcycle accident
July 24, 1971 Ptl Robert Denton, 73 Pct, Stabbed during investigation
July 26, 1923 Ptl Frank Romanella, 29 Pct, Shot during investigation
July 26, 1923 Ptl Charles Reynolds, 116 Pct, Shot
July 26, 1924 Ptl John Hyland, 42A Pct, Shot:Robbery in progress
July 26, 1957 Ptl Edward O�Leary, 7 Div, Auto accident transporting prisoner
July 27, 1942 Ptl Michael Keene, Traffic A, Auto accident on patrol
July 27, 1950 Ptl Roderick O�Connor, Mcy2, Motorcycle accident on patrol
July 27, 1964 Ptl Richard Walburger, 9 Pct, Shot:Burglary in progress
July 28, 1929 Ptl William Kerlin, ESU, Auto accident on patrol
July 28, 1930 Ptl Dominick Caviglia, 20 Pct, Shot:Burglary in progress
July 28, 1930 Det Thomas Hill, 48 Sq, Shot during investigation
July 29, 1906 Ptl William Hederman, 35 Pct, Drowned during rescue
July 30, 1945 Ptl Howard Hegerich, 28 Pct, shot during investigation
July 31, 1947 Ptl William Panczyk, Traffic Unit, Auto accident on patrol
July 31, 1965 Ptl. Maifland Mercer, 76 Pct, Shot-off duty arrest
Congratulations! And Lots of Luck! Are extended to Lt. EDDIE LOTT and his lovely wife, Lt. DEBRA LOTT, on the birth of their second daughter, ELIZABETH ASHLEY LOTT.
Eddie, the Squad Commander of the 73 Squad, and his wife Debra, of the 94 Precinct, welcomed the newborn on July 10, 2004. Weighing on at 8lbs 12 oz, we are happy to report all are home and doing very well.
THE DEPARTMENT MEDAL
From 1889 to 1911, the department awarded a medal known as the Department Medal, or �Medal of Honor�.
On January 15, 1889, the Board of Police Commissioners made Honorable Mention in the minutes of the board meeting and awarded a Department Medal to Ptl. John Meagher of the Steamboat Squad for his rescue of a man who had jumped into the North River. This medal was previously known as the Honorable Mention Badge. After 1889 the medal was known as the Department Medal, or a Medal of Honor.
Although not always done so, some commissioners, in particular Theodore Roosevelt, would have a formal presentation ceremony at Headquarters.
MULTIPLE AWARDS OF THE MEDAL OF HONOR
Since the modern medal era came into being in 1915, when the name of the highest NYPD award �The Department Medal� was changed to �The Medal of Honor�, only three members of the NYPD have been awarded the Medal of Honor twice.
The first multiple award was to Detective Timothy J. Connell who was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1922, after he was wounded during a shootout in which he killed a hold-up man. He also received a posthumous award of the medal in 1926, after he was killed in another shootout with four criminals in 1924.
The second multiple award was to Detective John Cordes. He received the medal in 1924 after a shootout in which he was wounded five times during a stickup in a store. He received it again in 1928 for a second shootout.
The third recipient was PO Robert Bilodeau, Street Crime Unit, who was awarded the medal twice, posthumously, at the 1981 Medal Day Ceremony. The first award was for an incident on April 5, 1979, when while making an arrest his throat was slashed, an injury that required 63 stitches to heal. The second award was for an incident on February 12, 1980, when he chased a gunman into an alleyway. The gunman turned and shot Bilodeau three times. Before he died he was able to wound his assailant.
CORRECTION NOTED: ROUNDSMAN DONOHUE
On my last posting of "In Memoriam" I listed an entry as Ptl. Donohue, as that is how he is listed on the NYPD Memorial site.
The correct rank, however, is Roundsman. A Roundsman was equivalent to today�s rank of Sergeant. The details of Roundsman Donohue�s death is noted below. Thanks again to Ret. Det1 John Reilly for his noticing this discrepancy, and correcting it.
Noting the entry recently regarding police whistles, John Reilly added the following on this topic as well.
When he came on the job in 1955 all MOS had to carry two whistles, one a traffic whistle and one a police whistle.
Although he can't ever remember using the police whistles to summon help, he does recall that the top end of the whistle had a round shank which you hooked onto your belt. The big problem he recalls is that the end shank would break off and you had to get a new whistle. He thinks that this was the main reason for discontinuing them � probably that and the fact that using the whistle to summon aid was fast obsolete.
IN THE LINE OF DUTY: ROUNDSMAN JOHN DONOHUE � 1872
On July 11, 1872, Roundsman John Donohue of Brooklyn�s 5th Precinct (the current 94 Precinct) was killed in the line of duty.
At about 1:00 am on the morning of July 7, 1872, on North First Street, near Union Avenue, Brooklyn, the �Battle-Row Gang� ambushed Rdsman Donohue. For some time there had been bad feeling between the gang and Rdsman Donohue because he had arrested some of them for various crimes.
During the early hours of July 7th, the gang had been in a whisky shop drinking and was overheard plotting to start a disturbance, which would bring Donohue to the area. One of the leaders of the gang, Henry Rodgers, had stated that when Donohue came he �would kill him.� The disturbance was created and when Donohue responded to disperse them the whole gang attacked him.
Witnesses testified that they saw Rodgers with an oak bar and that he struck the officer on the back of his head. The gang left the officer lying on the sidewalk insensible. Rdsman Donohue was removed to the Brooklyn City Hospital where he was treated for injuries to his brain. He died at the hospital on July 11, 1872.
Donohue was married and had two young children. A funeral service for Roundsman John Donohue was held on July 14, 1872 at the Church of St. Peter and Paul, 2nd Street, Williamsburg. The funeral cortege consisted of about 300 police officers, the Mayor and members of the Board of Aldermen, the family and friends riding in some seventy carriages. Interment of the body was in Calvary Cemetery. The murderer of Rdsman Donohue, Henry Rodgers, was convicted of the crime of murder on Oct. 22, 1872 and executed by hanging on Dec. 6, 1872 at the Raymond Street Jail, Brooklyn.
INTERESTING WEB SITES
CHANGE DETECTION.COMHere's a useful website I recently stumbled across: www.changedetection.com.
It's a free service that let's you monitor a website for changes. You enter the web address and your email address and when a change occurs, you'll be notified.
�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL
July 20, 1857 Ptl Eugene Anderson, 14 Pct, Shot:Burglary in progress
July 20, 1964 Ptl John Polarolo, Harbor, Auto accident on patrol
July 21, 1950 Ptl Alfred Loreto, 24 Pct, Shot:Off duty pursuit
July 22, 1921 Ptl Charles Potter, 27 Pct, Drowned during rescue
July 22, 1922 Ptl Arthur Loewe, 78 Pct, Shot:Robbery in progress
July 22, 1983 PO James Rowley, Aviation, Helicopter accident
July 23, 1983 PO Charles Trojahn, Aviation, Helicopter accident
July 24, 1876 Sgt James McGiven, 17 Pct, Stabbed, Robbery
July 24, 1951 Ptl Albert Polite, 94 Pct, Motorcycle accident
July 24, 1971 Ptl Robert Denton, 73 Pct, Stabbed during investigation
July 26, 1923 Ptl Frank Romanella, 29 Pct, Shot during investigation
July 26, 1923 Ptl Charles Reynolds, 116 Pct, Shot
July 26, 1924 Ptl John Hyland, 42A Pct, Shot:Robbery in progress
July 26, 1957 Ptl Edward O�Leary, 7 Div, Auto accident transporting prisoner
July 27, 1942 Ptl Michael Keene, Traffic A, Auto accident on patrol
July 27, 1950 Ptl Roderick O�Connor, Mcy2, Motorcycle accident on patrol
July 27, 1964 Ptl Richard Walburger, 9 Pct, Shot:Burglary in progress
July 28, 1929 Ptl William Kerlin, ESU, Auto accident on patrol
July 28, 1930 Ptl Dominick Caviglia, 20 Pct, Shot:Burglary in progress
July 28, 1930 Det Thomas Hill, 48 Sq, Shot during investigation
July 29, 1906 Ptl William Hederman, 35 Pct, Drowned during rescue
July 30, 1945 Ptl Howard Hegerich, 28 Pct, shot during investigation
July 31, 1947 Ptl William Panczyk, Traffic Unit, Auto accident on patrol
July 31, 1965 Ptl. Maifland Mercer, 76 Pct, Shot-off duty arrest
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
SOME WISDOM FROM WILL ROGERS�
Never slap a man who's chewing tobacco
There are 2 theories to arguing with a woman...neither works.
Never miss a good chance to shut up.
Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of Algebra.
DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATION: FROM RATTLE TO TELEGRAPH
When this department was in its infancy, back in 1651, the first people involved in the job of law enforcement were citizens selected as "watchmen" who would patrol their neighborhoods at night.
If the watchmen needed assistance, they would simply twirl a wooden ratchet or "rattle" that they carried; hence their tour of duty became known as the "Rattle Watch".
Ninety years later, watchmen turned in their rattle for a bell and a lantern, making it much easier for other members of the public to find them at night. The "bellmen", as they were then called, also carried an hourglass, as they were required to inform the public of the time every hour which not only made it easier for the public to find them, but it also proved that they were still awake.
As New York City grew, this primitive method of using a hand-held bell to summon assistance became outdated, and a better system was needed. It was therefore no surprise that when the Municipal Police - which later became the NYPD - was officially founded in 1845, that one of the first orders of business was to adopt the latest miracle of technology, the telegraph.
Becoming an instant success, the precincts now had the ability to communicate directly with Headquarters, but the cop on the street had to wait until 1885 before the first telegraphic signal boxes would be installed on the streets.
Once the experimental boxes were installed in the Bronx, patrolman, using Morse Code, were able to contact the precinct in a matter of seconds, and the desk lieutenant could now be alerted of emergencies in the field, such as a fire. Required to carry a signal box key at all times, patrolmen also carried a code book and originally rang the precinct at whatever frequency the duty captain ordered. A selected group of "responsible citizens" were also given signal box keys, and trained on using the boxes to call for assistance in the absence of a patrolman. Later, patrolman were required to signal the precinct three times each tour. By the end of 1892, a total of 34 signal boxes had been installed in these test precincts which, over the course of the year had facilitated the transmission of over 121,000 signals.
WHEN DID POLICE OFFICERS START USING WHISTLES?
Whistles began to be used because police officers needed a way to signal other officers on near-by posts.
Carved wooden whistles were used as early as 1854, and by 1860, the "pea" whistle (a cast lead casing with a small dried pea inside to give a "warble" sound) was in use. Up until that time, signaling was done by hitting a curbstone, wall or ash can lid with the nightstick, or even firing off a pistol shot.
Around 1889, the tubular whistle used by the British "Bobbies" came into use by the N.Y.P.D. because it was very loud and had a distinctive sound. The tubular whistle was retired from Department use in 1959 because improved electronic communications available to police officers made it unnecessary. However, the "traffic" whistle was retained in service and is the one and only whistle used by the N.Y.P.D. today.
REGRETFUL ANNOUNCEMENT
I am saddened to report that Retired Capt. Gerald Howard, 49 yrs of age passed away on Sun. 7/11/2004.
Jerry was appointed to the NYC Transit Police Dept. on 9/4/80, serving first in District 33 on patrol before being promoted. Viewing, at Macken Mortuary, 52 Clinton Ave. Rockville Center, NY were Tuesday July 13 and Wednesday July 14. A Funeral Mass will be said at St. Agnes, R.C. Church--Rockville Centre on Thursday July 15, 10:00am.
I remember many days on patrol as a rookie cop with Jerry, and always enjoyed his very dry wit and humor. He ended his career with a return to District 33, his roots, as its Commanding Officer. God bless, Jerry.
LAW ENFORCEMENT PUBLICATIONS
Here are some law enforcement publications made available through the National Criminal Justice Resources:
"Forensic Examination of Digital Evidence: A Guide for Law Enforcement" (92 pp.) (NCJ 199408) is for members of the law enforcement community who are responsible for the examination of digital evidence. Second in a series of guides on investigation of electronic crime; see also "Electronic Crime Scene Investigation: A Guide for Law Enforcement" at:
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/pubs-sum/187736.htm. (NIJ)
You may access the full text at:
http://www.ncjrs.org/txtfiles1/nij/199408.txt or http://www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles1/nij/199408.pdf
New COPS Publication Available: "Policing Smarter through IT: Learning from Chicago's Citizen and Law Enforcement Analysis and Reporting (CLEAR) System" (104 pp.) (NCJ 205698) examines "launch procedures" toward developing an integrated criminal justice information system powered by the CLEAR data warehouse and lessons learned on the design, development, and use of automated systems and police management applications. (COPS)
Access full text at COPS Online:
http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/mime/open.pdf?Item=1264
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Yet another all-in-one site to help you find people. This site is COMPLETELY free!
http://www.the-seeker.com/
IN MEMORIAM: SPECIAL PTL. THOMAS SPARKS
On July 8, 1857, Special Patrolman Thomas Sparks of the Central Office, Metropolitan Police Department (New York City) was killed in the line of duty.
When the Metropolitan P.D. took over the policing of NYC on July 1, 1857, their numbers were low, so the Board of Commissioners, on July 3rd, expecting trouble from gangs, appointed three hundred citizens as Special police for the upcoming 4th of July holiday.
Thomas Sparks was one of those appointed. On July 4th during the "Dead Rabbit Riots" he arrested a man for assault. While taking his prisoner to the White Street station house he was followed by a crowd. Just before getting to the station house he was hit over the head with a club. He was taken to his home at 100 East 16th St., where on July 8th he died from his injuries: Ptl. Sparks was 40 years of age.
"LEST WE FORGET�" THE NYPD MEMORIAL
July 7, 1872 Ptl John Donohue, 5 Pct, Head injuries-ambushed
July 8, 1857 Spec. Ptl Thomas Sparks, Assaulted
July 9, 1938 Ptl Arthur Howarth, 85 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
July 10, 1968 Ptl Nicholo Danisi, PA, Shot-off duty, mistaken ID
July 11, 1938 Ptl Angelo Favata, 85 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
July 12, 1924 Det Timothy Connell, DetDiv, Shot-robbery
July 13, 1868 Ptl Henry Corlett, 32 Pct, Drowned-rescue
July 14, 1922 Ptl Frank Mundo, Traffic Div, Auto accident, pursuit
July 14, 1936 Det Lawrence Gallagher, 47 Pct, Shot
July 14, 1941 Ptl Norman Dixon, 120 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
July 14, 1980 Det Abraham Walton, SCU, Shot-Robbery, off duty
July 15, 1977 PO Edward Mitchell, 34 Pct, Shot-robbery
July 16, 1987 PO george Scheu, 115 Pct, Shot-robbery, off duty
July 17, 1938 Ptl Harry Padian, 32 Pct, Shot by prisoner
July 18, 1992 PO Paul Heidelberger, PSA4, Shot-off duty incident
Never slap a man who's chewing tobacco
There are 2 theories to arguing with a woman...neither works.
Never miss a good chance to shut up.
Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of Algebra.
DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATION: FROM RATTLE TO TELEGRAPH
When this department was in its infancy, back in 1651, the first people involved in the job of law enforcement were citizens selected as "watchmen" who would patrol their neighborhoods at night.
If the watchmen needed assistance, they would simply twirl a wooden ratchet or "rattle" that they carried; hence their tour of duty became known as the "Rattle Watch".
Ninety years later, watchmen turned in their rattle for a bell and a lantern, making it much easier for other members of the public to find them at night. The "bellmen", as they were then called, also carried an hourglass, as they were required to inform the public of the time every hour which not only made it easier for the public to find them, but it also proved that they were still awake.
As New York City grew, this primitive method of using a hand-held bell to summon assistance became outdated, and a better system was needed. It was therefore no surprise that when the Municipal Police - which later became the NYPD - was officially founded in 1845, that one of the first orders of business was to adopt the latest miracle of technology, the telegraph.
Becoming an instant success, the precincts now had the ability to communicate directly with Headquarters, but the cop on the street had to wait until 1885 before the first telegraphic signal boxes would be installed on the streets.
Once the experimental boxes were installed in the Bronx, patrolman, using Morse Code, were able to contact the precinct in a matter of seconds, and the desk lieutenant could now be alerted of emergencies in the field, such as a fire. Required to carry a signal box key at all times, patrolmen also carried a code book and originally rang the precinct at whatever frequency the duty captain ordered. A selected group of "responsible citizens" were also given signal box keys, and trained on using the boxes to call for assistance in the absence of a patrolman. Later, patrolman were required to signal the precinct three times each tour. By the end of 1892, a total of 34 signal boxes had been installed in these test precincts which, over the course of the year had facilitated the transmission of over 121,000 signals.
WHEN DID POLICE OFFICERS START USING WHISTLES?
Whistles began to be used because police officers needed a way to signal other officers on near-by posts.
Carved wooden whistles were used as early as 1854, and by 1860, the "pea" whistle (a cast lead casing with a small dried pea inside to give a "warble" sound) was in use. Up until that time, signaling was done by hitting a curbstone, wall or ash can lid with the nightstick, or even firing off a pistol shot.
Around 1889, the tubular whistle used by the British "Bobbies" came into use by the N.Y.P.D. because it was very loud and had a distinctive sound. The tubular whistle was retired from Department use in 1959 because improved electronic communications available to police officers made it unnecessary. However, the "traffic" whistle was retained in service and is the one and only whistle used by the N.Y.P.D. today.
REGRETFUL ANNOUNCEMENT
I am saddened to report that Retired Capt. Gerald Howard, 49 yrs of age passed away on Sun. 7/11/2004.
Jerry was appointed to the NYC Transit Police Dept. on 9/4/80, serving first in District 33 on patrol before being promoted. Viewing, at Macken Mortuary, 52 Clinton Ave. Rockville Center, NY were Tuesday July 13 and Wednesday July 14. A Funeral Mass will be said at St. Agnes, R.C. Church--Rockville Centre on Thursday July 15, 10:00am.
I remember many days on patrol as a rookie cop with Jerry, and always enjoyed his very dry wit and humor. He ended his career with a return to District 33, his roots, as its Commanding Officer. God bless, Jerry.
LAW ENFORCEMENT PUBLICATIONS
Here are some law enforcement publications made available through the National Criminal Justice Resources:
"Forensic Examination of Digital Evidence: A Guide for Law Enforcement" (92 pp.) (NCJ 199408) is for members of the law enforcement community who are responsible for the examination of digital evidence. Second in a series of guides on investigation of electronic crime; see also "Electronic Crime Scene Investigation: A Guide for Law Enforcement" at:
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/pubs-sum/187736.htm. (NIJ)
You may access the full text at:
http://www.ncjrs.org/txtfiles1/nij/199408.txt or http://www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles1/nij/199408.pdf
New COPS Publication Available: "Policing Smarter through IT: Learning from Chicago's Citizen and Law Enforcement Analysis and Reporting (CLEAR) System" (104 pp.) (NCJ 205698) examines "launch procedures" toward developing an integrated criminal justice information system powered by the CLEAR data warehouse and lessons learned on the design, development, and use of automated systems and police management applications. (COPS)
Access full text at COPS Online:
http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/mime/open.pdf?Item=1264
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Yet another all-in-one site to help you find people. This site is COMPLETELY free!
http://www.the-seeker.com/
IN MEMORIAM: SPECIAL PTL. THOMAS SPARKS
On July 8, 1857, Special Patrolman Thomas Sparks of the Central Office, Metropolitan Police Department (New York City) was killed in the line of duty.
When the Metropolitan P.D. took over the policing of NYC on July 1, 1857, their numbers were low, so the Board of Commissioners, on July 3rd, expecting trouble from gangs, appointed three hundred citizens as Special police for the upcoming 4th of July holiday.
Thomas Sparks was one of those appointed. On July 4th during the "Dead Rabbit Riots" he arrested a man for assault. While taking his prisoner to the White Street station house he was followed by a crowd. Just before getting to the station house he was hit over the head with a club. He was taken to his home at 100 East 16th St., where on July 8th he died from his injuries: Ptl. Sparks was 40 years of age.
"LEST WE FORGET�" THE NYPD MEMORIAL
July 7, 1872 Ptl John Donohue, 5 Pct, Head injuries-ambushed
July 8, 1857 Spec. Ptl Thomas Sparks, Assaulted
July 9, 1938 Ptl Arthur Howarth, 85 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
July 10, 1968 Ptl Nicholo Danisi, PA, Shot-off duty, mistaken ID
July 11, 1938 Ptl Angelo Favata, 85 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
July 12, 1924 Det Timothy Connell, DetDiv, Shot-robbery
July 13, 1868 Ptl Henry Corlett, 32 Pct, Drowned-rescue
July 14, 1922 Ptl Frank Mundo, Traffic Div, Auto accident, pursuit
July 14, 1936 Det Lawrence Gallagher, 47 Pct, Shot
July 14, 1941 Ptl Norman Dixon, 120 Pct, Auto accident on patrol
July 14, 1980 Det Abraham Walton, SCU, Shot-Robbery, off duty
July 15, 1977 PO Edward Mitchell, 34 Pct, Shot-robbery
July 16, 1987 PO george Scheu, 115 Pct, Shot-robbery, off duty
July 17, 1938 Ptl Harry Padian, 32 Pct, Shot by prisoner
July 18, 1992 PO Paul Heidelberger, PSA4, Shot-off duty incident
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
CODIS, DNA, AND THE DATABASES
The FBI Laboratory�s Combined DNA Index System is better known as CODIS.
CODIS blends forensic science and computer technology into an effective tool for solving violent crimes. CODIS enables federal, state, and local crime labs to exchange and compare DNA profiles electronically, thereby linking crimes to each other and to convicted offenders.
Originally a pilot project begun in 1990, CODIS has evolved from its origination as serving 14 state and local laboratories to its current nationwide level. The DNA Identification Act of 1994 formalized the FBI�s authority to establish a national DNA index for law enforcement purposes. It was in October 1998 that the FBI�s National DNA Index System � NDIS � became operational.
CODIS is implemented as a distributed database with three levels � local, state, and national. NDIS is the highest level in the CODIS Program, exchanging information on a national level. All DNA profiles originate at the local level (LDIS), then flow to the state (SDIS) and national (NDIS) levels.
CODIS generates investigative leads using two indexes: the forensic and the offender indexes.
The Forensic Index contains DNA profiles from crime scene evidence.
The Offender Index contains DNA profiles of individuals convicted of sex offenses and other violent crimes which are included in the DNA requirements of the particular local and state agencies.
Matches in the Forensic Index can link crime scenes from different jurisdictions, possibly identifying serial offenders. Police agencies can coordinate their respective investigations, sharing leads they may have developed independently, when a Forensic Index match occurs.
Matches between the Forensic and the Offender Index provide investigators with an identity of the culprit.
It is noted that all states are participating in the National DNA Index System (NDIS), except for Mississippi, Rhode Island, and Hawaii.
DNA evidence collected at a crime scene is analyzed by a forensic laboratory at the local level; in our case, In New York City, the local lab is the NYC Medical Examiner�s Office. Once typed, the profile is then run against the convicted-offender DNA profiles in the State Databank to attempt to make a match. In addition, profiles from other unsolved cases are compared against it to identify serial crimes.
If no match occurs at the state level the profile is uploaded to the Federal DNA Index System for comparison with DNA profiles from other states. DNA profiles remain in the Federal Databank and are regularly searched against new profiles as they are added to the system.
It is important to remember, as an investigator, that once a match is made of the suspected profile the search will usually end. If there is no �match� locally, it is submitted to the state; if no match in the state, then it is submitted to the federal database. This is important to keep in mind. The investigator should keep in contact with the ME�s Office analyst; this will ensure that the appropriate checks which you want done are so completed.
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.
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.
IN MEMORIAM: PTL. DANIEL NEVILLE
On August 27, 1921 Ptl. Daniel J. Neville of the 23rd Precinct (Midtown South) was killed in the line of duty.
Ptl. Neville entered a lot at 39th St. and Eleventh Ave. to investigate a report that a group of young gangsters were using the watchman�s shanty for card games and for the distribution of drugs. When he was about five foot from the shanty he was shot in the left chest, which resulted in his death. Witnesses had reported that they saw one man run out of the yard and that two men were seen climbing over the fence of the year after the shot.
Ptl. Neville was appointed to the NYPD in 1907; he was married and the father of five children. Ptl. Neville was Posthomously awarded the NYPD Medal of Honor.
(Special Note: In 1918, One of Ptl. Neville�s former partners, Ptl. Joseph Nolan, was killed in front of 526 W. 39th Street by a brick thrown from the roof.)
IDENTITY THEFT INVESTIGATORS GUIDE AVAILABLE
A recently release publication by the national Institute of Justice focuses on the ever increasing problem of Identity Theft.
Law Enforcement Agencies and Identity Theft, (NCJ 205701) a 64 page booklet, is a new COPS POP Guide, addresses the problem of identity theft, and reviews the factors that increase the risk of it. Identity theft is a new crime, facilitated through established, underlying crimes such as forgery, counterfeiting, check and credit card fraud, computer fraud, impersonation, pickpocketing, and even terrorism.
You Can Access full text at COPS Online:
http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/mime/open.pdf?Item=1271
SGT. PATRICK BENEVENTI HONORED
As noted in a recent NY POST article, on June 16, 2004, Sgt. Patrick Beneventi of the 109 Pct. was recently honored.
On June 16, 2004 Police Commissioner Ray Kelly presented the Theodore Roosevelt Award - which honors NYPD cops who survive a medical hardship - to a Queens sergeant who fought back against cancer.
"I had a little bad luck with my health. Thank God everything is OK. I had a little surgery and I feel fine now," said Sgt. Patrick Beneventi.
Beneventi became ill in July 1999 and underwent surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his spine. He returned to work - only to be twice diagnosed with prostate cancer, but he has been cancer-free since March 2003.
The Roosevelt Award honors the legacy of the former NYPD commissioner and childhood asthma victim who became the 26th president.
Kelly lauded Beneventi not only for beating his illness, but for supervising three cops from the 109th Precinct who have had a remarkable impact upon crime in Flushing.
The trio - Officers Brian McCloskey, Dennis Kim and Jerry Svoronos - logged 366 arrests in 2003, an average of an arrest a day. Through March of this year, they had nabbed 157 suspected criminals, a rate nearly twice that of last year.
IF YOGI BERRA WAS A DETECTIVE
The following statements, taken from DD5s, could easily have been written by Yogi Berra if he was a detective.
�They were living domesticatally.
They�re habitating at �
Seeking the location of his whereabouts�
He was of Jamaican assessment.
Seeking to identify his identification.
Identified a pattern of unrelated incidents.
Was wearing a multi-colored white tee shirt
Known to congregate by himself.
The eyewitness is blind and did not see anything.
They went into a feet pursuit.
He has numerical arrests on his rap sheet.
The bus driver was working off duty at the time.
The information was received from an anonymous CI.
His sister states that she is not related to her brother.
The suspicious package was examined and determined to be not suspicious.
The unarmed security guard fired two shots at the perp.
All the calls that day happened another day.
Also, does anyone know when the word �conversating� became a recognized word in the English language?
The FBI Laboratory�s Combined DNA Index System is better known as CODIS.
CODIS blends forensic science and computer technology into an effective tool for solving violent crimes. CODIS enables federal, state, and local crime labs to exchange and compare DNA profiles electronically, thereby linking crimes to each other and to convicted offenders.
Originally a pilot project begun in 1990, CODIS has evolved from its origination as serving 14 state and local laboratories to its current nationwide level. The DNA Identification Act of 1994 formalized the FBI�s authority to establish a national DNA index for law enforcement purposes. It was in October 1998 that the FBI�s National DNA Index System � NDIS � became operational.
CODIS is implemented as a distributed database with three levels � local, state, and national. NDIS is the highest level in the CODIS Program, exchanging information on a national level. All DNA profiles originate at the local level (LDIS), then flow to the state (SDIS) and national (NDIS) levels.
CODIS generates investigative leads using two indexes: the forensic and the offender indexes.
The Forensic Index contains DNA profiles from crime scene evidence.
The Offender Index contains DNA profiles of individuals convicted of sex offenses and other violent crimes which are included in the DNA requirements of the particular local and state agencies.
Matches in the Forensic Index can link crime scenes from different jurisdictions, possibly identifying serial offenders. Police agencies can coordinate their respective investigations, sharing leads they may have developed independently, when a Forensic Index match occurs.
Matches between the Forensic and the Offender Index provide investigators with an identity of the culprit.
It is noted that all states are participating in the National DNA Index System (NDIS), except for Mississippi, Rhode Island, and Hawaii.
DNA evidence collected at a crime scene is analyzed by a forensic laboratory at the local level; in our case, In New York City, the local lab is the NYC Medical Examiner�s Office. Once typed, the profile is then run against the convicted-offender DNA profiles in the State Databank to attempt to make a match. In addition, profiles from other unsolved cases are compared against it to identify serial crimes.
If no match occurs at the state level the profile is uploaded to the Federal DNA Index System for comparison with DNA profiles from other states. DNA profiles remain in the Federal Databank and are regularly searched against new profiles as they are added to the system.
It is important to remember, as an investigator, that once a match is made of the suspected profile the search will usually end. If there is no �match� locally, it is submitted to the state; if no match in the state, then it is submitted to the federal database. This is important to keep in mind. The investigator should keep in contact with the ME�s Office analyst; this will ensure that the appropriate checks which you want done are so completed.
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.
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.
IN MEMORIAM: PTL. DANIEL NEVILLE
On August 27, 1921 Ptl. Daniel J. Neville of the 23rd Precinct (Midtown South) was killed in the line of duty.
Ptl. Neville entered a lot at 39th St. and Eleventh Ave. to investigate a report that a group of young gangsters were using the watchman�s shanty for card games and for the distribution of drugs. When he was about five foot from the shanty he was shot in the left chest, which resulted in his death. Witnesses had reported that they saw one man run out of the yard and that two men were seen climbing over the fence of the year after the shot.
Ptl. Neville was appointed to the NYPD in 1907; he was married and the father of five children. Ptl. Neville was Posthomously awarded the NYPD Medal of Honor.
(Special Note: In 1918, One of Ptl. Neville�s former partners, Ptl. Joseph Nolan, was killed in front of 526 W. 39th Street by a brick thrown from the roof.)
IDENTITY THEFT INVESTIGATORS GUIDE AVAILABLE
A recently release publication by the national Institute of Justice focuses on the ever increasing problem of Identity Theft.
Law Enforcement Agencies and Identity Theft, (NCJ 205701) a 64 page booklet, is a new COPS POP Guide, addresses the problem of identity theft, and reviews the factors that increase the risk of it. Identity theft is a new crime, facilitated through established, underlying crimes such as forgery, counterfeiting, check and credit card fraud, computer fraud, impersonation, pickpocketing, and even terrorism.
You Can Access full text at COPS Online:
http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/mime/open.pdf?Item=1271
SGT. PATRICK BENEVENTI HONORED
As noted in a recent NY POST article, on June 16, 2004, Sgt. Patrick Beneventi of the 109 Pct. was recently honored.
On June 16, 2004 Police Commissioner Ray Kelly presented the Theodore Roosevelt Award - which honors NYPD cops who survive a medical hardship - to a Queens sergeant who fought back against cancer.
"I had a little bad luck with my health. Thank God everything is OK. I had a little surgery and I feel fine now," said Sgt. Patrick Beneventi.
Beneventi became ill in July 1999 and underwent surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his spine. He returned to work - only to be twice diagnosed with prostate cancer, but he has been cancer-free since March 2003.
The Roosevelt Award honors the legacy of the former NYPD commissioner and childhood asthma victim who became the 26th president.
Kelly lauded Beneventi not only for beating his illness, but for supervising three cops from the 109th Precinct who have had a remarkable impact upon crime in Flushing.
The trio - Officers Brian McCloskey, Dennis Kim and Jerry Svoronos - logged 366 arrests in 2003, an average of an arrest a day. Through March of this year, they had nabbed 157 suspected criminals, a rate nearly twice that of last year.
IF YOGI BERRA WAS A DETECTIVE
The following statements, taken from DD5s, could easily have been written by Yogi Berra if he was a detective.
�They were living domesticatally.
They�re habitating at �
Seeking the location of his whereabouts�
He was of Jamaican assessment.
Seeking to identify his identification.
Identified a pattern of unrelated incidents.
Was wearing a multi-colored white tee shirt
Known to congregate by himself.
The eyewitness is blind and did not see anything.
They went into a feet pursuit.
He has numerical arrests on his rap sheet.
The bus driver was working off duty at the time.
The information was received from an anonymous CI.
His sister states that she is not related to her brother.
The suspicious package was examined and determined to be not suspicious.
The unarmed security guard fired two shots at the perp.
All the calls that day happened another day.
Also, does anyone know when the word �conversating� became a recognized word in the English language?
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
THE DETECTIVE�S INGREDIENTS
I recently came across an interview that was printed in the January/February 1991 edition of Spring 3100 in which Chief Joseph Borrelli, the then-Chief of Detectives, commented on the role of the Detective.
Chief Borrelli shared what he described as his �Four Basic Ingredients to be a Detective�, and I would like to excerpt them here, as they are just as appropriate today as they were back then.
He stated that the four basic ingredients to be a detective are: immense professional pride, knowledge of the law, patience, and a true sense of caring.
�Teamwork is extremely important in detective work. Detectives must be patient; you learn quickly that you can�t force things. Detectives need to carefully examine every detail in addition to using their deductive and inductive reasoning skills to draw conclusions. (I sometimes have wished that others in authority recognized that patience is necessary, and that you can�t force things!)
Luck, too, plays an important role. But luck is not enough. Some cynical people think that a case is solved by a phone call, and at times that�s true. But that phone call was assuredly preceded by much hard work separating the truth from fiction, and misconceptions from outright lies. Detectives work hard in gathering information and isolating the truth, but if that phone call does come in, you must be ready for it.�
Emotionally, Chief Borrelli recognized that detectives have to like people. �They must care about each of their cases. Cases that make front page news are often forgotten in a few days time. But for the family and the detective who has that case, it goes on until it can be closed - however long that takes.�
IN MEMORIAM: PTL. JOSEPH NOLAN
On June 26, 1918 Ptl. Joseph A. Nolan Sh# 1626 of the then 22nd Precinct (Midtown South) was killed in the line of duty.
At about 2 am on June 26, 1918, while on post on Eleventh Ave., Ptl. Nolan heard pistol shots in the vicinity of 39th St. between Tenth and Eleventh Aves. He rapped for assistance with his nightstick on the pavement, and when Patrolmen Walsh and Neville responded they found Ptl. Nolan questioning several persons who were standing on the stoop of No. 526 W. 39th St. The men were allowed to go, the officers assuring themselves that they knew of the pistol shots.
After the men left, the officers remained in front of the building, and while they were standing there a number of bricks were thrown from the roof, one of which struck Ptl. Nolan on the head and he fell to the sidewalk. An ambulance was called immediately, but before it arrived at the hospital Nolan died.
In 1921, Ptl. Nolan was Posthumously awarded the NYPD Medal of Honor. (Special Note: Ptl. Neville was killed three years later (1921) in a lot at 544 W. 39th St., not 100 feet from the spot where Ptl. Nolan was killed.)
NEWS AROUND THE BORO
Some happy, some a little bit sad, but there has certainly been some news flying around the boro recently.
With a little bad of sadness in our hearts, but wishing him all the best just the same, we see TOMMY JOYCE leave as the 79 Squad�s Commanding Officer and take on new responsibilities in the Cold Case Squad. I have known Tommy for many years, and have had the privilege of working with him when he was a Squad Sergeant in the 77 Squad when I took over that command, and then later as a fellow colleague and Squad Commander. He also sits on the LBA Board in one of the Sentinel positions (Outside/Inside). I will certainly miss his input around here, knowing that the loss to Brooklyn North Detective�s is truly a gain by the Cold Case Squad! A true professional, and a cop�s cop� I join all of my Brooklyn North brothers and sisters in wishing Tommy ALL THE BEST in his new position! We�ll miss you!
It was great to see Sergeant CHUCK RIBANDO's name on the recent promotion list, with his well deserved bump to SDS Sergeant. I also count Chuck as a long time friend, and had the privilege of working with him most recently in the 75 Squad before I left for Homicide and Chuck moved on to the Joint Terrorism TF. Another cop�s cop; it�s great to see the recognition come to someone so deserving.
Another promotion to a Brooklyn North Detective alum saw the eagle pinned to the collars of MIKE HARRINGTON, the current C.O. of the 79 Precinct. Many of us still remember when he was the Detective Captain, running around town with his fellow Detective Captain, Paddy Boyle. His work in the 79 Precinct is reflected in this fine promotion. I fondly recall working with Mike�s father (boy, do I feel like Paddy Boyle now!) when I was a cub-patrol cop in District 33 and Neil Harrington was a newly promoted Lieutenant. He certainly left a good impression on his family, to say the least, with many footsteps following him into law enforcement. There was a story that was running around back then that the elder Neil Harrington went to work one morning, driving from Staten Island to District 30 in downtown Brooklyn, before realizing that one of his younger tribe (there are more than a handful of young Harrington�s) was asleep in the back seat of the car! I�ve never verified the story, but just wonder about that all the same.
Recuperating well at home is another great friend, JOHN AMODEO. Undergoing several surgical procedures to place stints in his arteries may have set him back for a while, but John is recovering quite well, and sounding fine. We are looking forward to getting him out for some lunch dates, as I�m sure he is as well. Your wit, humor, and more importantly your professional advice are sorely missed by all here in Brooklyn North. We all look forward to the day we see you playing a foursome at one of the golf outings! Keep up your spirits, and know that you have touched many here in Brooklyn North who continue rooting for you.
TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER
While this has nothing to do with detectives, I recently came across this item and thought it interesting enough to pass on to readers of this site.
Regarding the military detail assigned to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington DC, did you know any of the following?
A guard takes 21 steps during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns. These steps allude to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary. For this same reason, he hesitates 21 seconds after his about face to begin his return walk.
The guard wears his white gloves wet, moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.
He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face, and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.
Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30 inches. In addition, a candidate to the Guard must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way.
After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn.
The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.
The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform.
Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror. The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis, the boxer, and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier of W.W.II, of Hollywood fame.
Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.
Recently the US Senate and House took 2 days off as they couldn't work because of an expected storm. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that, because of the dangers from Hurricane Isabelle approaching Washington, DC, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment.
They respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!"
Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a service person.
The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, since 1930.
MULTIPLE AWARDS OF THE MEDAL OF HONOR
Since the modern medal era came into being in 1915, when the name of the highest NYPD award �The Department Medal� was changed to �The Medal of Honor�, only three members of the NYPD have been awarded the Medal of Honor twice.
The first multiple award was to Detective Timothy J. Connell who was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1922, after he was wounded during a shootout in which he killed a hold-up man. He also received a posthumous award of the medal in 1926, after he was killed in another shootout with four criminals in 1924.
The second multiple award was to Detective John Cordes. He received the medal in 1924 after a shootout in which he was wounded five times during a stickup in a store. He received it again in 1928 for a second shootout.
The third recipient was PO Robert Bilodeau, Street Crime Unit, who was awarded the medal twice, posthumously, at the 1981 Medal Day Ceremony. The first award was for an incident on April 5, 1979, when while making an arrest his throat was slashed, an injury that required 63 stitches to heal. The second award was for an incident on February 12, 1980, when he chased a gunman into an alleyway. The gunman turned and shot Bilodeau three times. Before he died he was able to wound his assailant.
EAST IS NORTH AND WEST IS SOUTH
It was reported in the January 1961 issue of Spring 3100 that a reorganization of department commands had taken place on November 22, 1959, with borough and division commands in Manhattan and Brooklyn affected.
It was during this reorganization that the borough commands were reorganized as North and South, where previously they were arranged in an East and West format.
Brooklyn North commands included those of Divisions 13 and 14, and the headquarters was at � 179 Wilson Avenue!
Brooklyn South included Divisions 10, 11, and 12, headquartered at 485 Bergen Street (78 Precinct).
FOR THE INVESTIGATOR�S ROLODEX
Rolex Watch Database
The Rolex database includes dates of service when a watch has been worked on at one of two authorized Rolex service centers � New York and Dallas.
Also included in the database is the serial number of watches reported stolen.
If a stolen watch is brought into an authorized service center for service, it will be confiscated. Information from the database is available to persons with legitimate nned to know, including law enforcement, insurance investigators, jewelers and others.
Telephone requests are not honored. There is no master registry of Rolex ownership.
Fax your requests on company letterhead to:
Rolex (Fax) 212-980-2166
Rolex: Telephone 212-758-7700
www.rolex.com
AN INVITATION TO READERS
I have always found it informative, as have many readers to this site, to hear from retired Detective�s with their �old-time� stories �From the Squad Room�.
What was it like when you made Detective? What were the Squad�s like; how did that duty chart work, with those �Open Days� and the tours that ran from 1700 to 0900 hours. How did investigations proceed, detectives working around the clock on a homicide, without any overtime? Did you even know that a Detective Captain existed? Did cops naturally progress from �plainclothes� assignments to �The Squad�?
If you have any stories you�d like to relate, please pass them on to me. If you don�t want me to use any on this site, just say so � I�ll enjoy them anyway, and won�t post them or reveal the source if you care not to. I�ve always felt it�s important to know where you came from � the history that surrounds the squad is better than any fiction writers imagination.
I look forward to hearing some of your stories.
Please e-mail me at:
Ltjac77@yahoo.com
Thanks!
�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL
July 1, 1911 Ptl Michael Lynch, 22 Pct, Shot by perp
July 2, 1922 Det John Moriarty, DetDiv, Shot-robbery in progress
July 2, 1970 Ptl Paul Donadio, 75 Pct, Patrolwagon accident
July 3, 1857 Ptl Thomas, line of duty incident
July 3, 1917 Ptl John Flood, 31 Pct, Assaulted, head injury
July 3, 1966 Ptl Willie Stephenson, HAPD, Drowned, rescue
July 4, 1940 Det Joseph Lynch and Det Ferdinand Socha, Bomb Squad : Investigation
July 4, 1993 PO Rudolph Thomas, PSA3, Shot-off duty incident
July 5, 1946 Sgt Isaac Price, 28 Pct, Heart attack during robbery arrest
I recently came across an interview that was printed in the January/February 1991 edition of Spring 3100 in which Chief Joseph Borrelli, the then-Chief of Detectives, commented on the role of the Detective.
Chief Borrelli shared what he described as his �Four Basic Ingredients to be a Detective�, and I would like to excerpt them here, as they are just as appropriate today as they were back then.
He stated that the four basic ingredients to be a detective are: immense professional pride, knowledge of the law, patience, and a true sense of caring.
�Teamwork is extremely important in detective work. Detectives must be patient; you learn quickly that you can�t force things. Detectives need to carefully examine every detail in addition to using their deductive and inductive reasoning skills to draw conclusions. (I sometimes have wished that others in authority recognized that patience is necessary, and that you can�t force things!)
Luck, too, plays an important role. But luck is not enough. Some cynical people think that a case is solved by a phone call, and at times that�s true. But that phone call was assuredly preceded by much hard work separating the truth from fiction, and misconceptions from outright lies. Detectives work hard in gathering information and isolating the truth, but if that phone call does come in, you must be ready for it.�
Emotionally, Chief Borrelli recognized that detectives have to like people. �They must care about each of their cases. Cases that make front page news are often forgotten in a few days time. But for the family and the detective who has that case, it goes on until it can be closed - however long that takes.�
IN MEMORIAM: PTL. JOSEPH NOLAN
On June 26, 1918 Ptl. Joseph A. Nolan Sh# 1626 of the then 22nd Precinct (Midtown South) was killed in the line of duty.
At about 2 am on June 26, 1918, while on post on Eleventh Ave., Ptl. Nolan heard pistol shots in the vicinity of 39th St. between Tenth and Eleventh Aves. He rapped for assistance with his nightstick on the pavement, and when Patrolmen Walsh and Neville responded they found Ptl. Nolan questioning several persons who were standing on the stoop of No. 526 W. 39th St. The men were allowed to go, the officers assuring themselves that they knew of the pistol shots.
After the men left, the officers remained in front of the building, and while they were standing there a number of bricks were thrown from the roof, one of which struck Ptl. Nolan on the head and he fell to the sidewalk. An ambulance was called immediately, but before it arrived at the hospital Nolan died.
In 1921, Ptl. Nolan was Posthumously awarded the NYPD Medal of Honor. (Special Note: Ptl. Neville was killed three years later (1921) in a lot at 544 W. 39th St., not 100 feet from the spot where Ptl. Nolan was killed.)
NEWS AROUND THE BORO
Some happy, some a little bit sad, but there has certainly been some news flying around the boro recently.
With a little bad of sadness in our hearts, but wishing him all the best just the same, we see TOMMY JOYCE leave as the 79 Squad�s Commanding Officer and take on new responsibilities in the Cold Case Squad. I have known Tommy for many years, and have had the privilege of working with him when he was a Squad Sergeant in the 77 Squad when I took over that command, and then later as a fellow colleague and Squad Commander. He also sits on the LBA Board in one of the Sentinel positions (Outside/Inside). I will certainly miss his input around here, knowing that the loss to Brooklyn North Detective�s is truly a gain by the Cold Case Squad! A true professional, and a cop�s cop� I join all of my Brooklyn North brothers and sisters in wishing Tommy ALL THE BEST in his new position! We�ll miss you!
It was great to see Sergeant CHUCK RIBANDO's name on the recent promotion list, with his well deserved bump to SDS Sergeant. I also count Chuck as a long time friend, and had the privilege of working with him most recently in the 75 Squad before I left for Homicide and Chuck moved on to the Joint Terrorism TF. Another cop�s cop; it�s great to see the recognition come to someone so deserving.
Another promotion to a Brooklyn North Detective alum saw the eagle pinned to the collars of MIKE HARRINGTON, the current C.O. of the 79 Precinct. Many of us still remember when he was the Detective Captain, running around town with his fellow Detective Captain, Paddy Boyle. His work in the 79 Precinct is reflected in this fine promotion. I fondly recall working with Mike�s father (boy, do I feel like Paddy Boyle now!) when I was a cub-patrol cop in District 33 and Neil Harrington was a newly promoted Lieutenant. He certainly left a good impression on his family, to say the least, with many footsteps following him into law enforcement. There was a story that was running around back then that the elder Neil Harrington went to work one morning, driving from Staten Island to District 30 in downtown Brooklyn, before realizing that one of his younger tribe (there are more than a handful of young Harrington�s) was asleep in the back seat of the car! I�ve never verified the story, but just wonder about that all the same.
Recuperating well at home is another great friend, JOHN AMODEO. Undergoing several surgical procedures to place stints in his arteries may have set him back for a while, but John is recovering quite well, and sounding fine. We are looking forward to getting him out for some lunch dates, as I�m sure he is as well. Your wit, humor, and more importantly your professional advice are sorely missed by all here in Brooklyn North. We all look forward to the day we see you playing a foursome at one of the golf outings! Keep up your spirits, and know that you have touched many here in Brooklyn North who continue rooting for you.
TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER
While this has nothing to do with detectives, I recently came across this item and thought it interesting enough to pass on to readers of this site.
Regarding the military detail assigned to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington DC, did you know any of the following?
A guard takes 21 steps during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns. These steps allude to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary. For this same reason, he hesitates 21 seconds after his about face to begin his return walk.
The guard wears his white gloves wet, moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.
He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face, and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.
Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30 inches. In addition, a candidate to the Guard must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way.
After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn.
The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.
The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform.
Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror. The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis, the boxer, and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier of W.W.II, of Hollywood fame.
Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.
Recently the US Senate and House took 2 days off as they couldn't work because of an expected storm. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that, because of the dangers from Hurricane Isabelle approaching Washington, DC, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment.
They respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!"
Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a service person.
The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, since 1930.
MULTIPLE AWARDS OF THE MEDAL OF HONOR
Since the modern medal era came into being in 1915, when the name of the highest NYPD award �The Department Medal� was changed to �The Medal of Honor�, only three members of the NYPD have been awarded the Medal of Honor twice.
The first multiple award was to Detective Timothy J. Connell who was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1922, after he was wounded during a shootout in which he killed a hold-up man. He also received a posthumous award of the medal in 1926, after he was killed in another shootout with four criminals in 1924.
The second multiple award was to Detective John Cordes. He received the medal in 1924 after a shootout in which he was wounded five times during a stickup in a store. He received it again in 1928 for a second shootout.
The third recipient was PO Robert Bilodeau, Street Crime Unit, who was awarded the medal twice, posthumously, at the 1981 Medal Day Ceremony. The first award was for an incident on April 5, 1979, when while making an arrest his throat was slashed, an injury that required 63 stitches to heal. The second award was for an incident on February 12, 1980, when he chased a gunman into an alleyway. The gunman turned and shot Bilodeau three times. Before he died he was able to wound his assailant.
EAST IS NORTH AND WEST IS SOUTH
It was reported in the January 1961 issue of Spring 3100 that a reorganization of department commands had taken place on November 22, 1959, with borough and division commands in Manhattan and Brooklyn affected.
It was during this reorganization that the borough commands were reorganized as North and South, where previously they were arranged in an East and West format.
Brooklyn North commands included those of Divisions 13 and 14, and the headquarters was at � 179 Wilson Avenue!
Brooklyn South included Divisions 10, 11, and 12, headquartered at 485 Bergen Street (78 Precinct).
FOR THE INVESTIGATOR�S ROLODEX
Rolex Watch Database
The Rolex database includes dates of service when a watch has been worked on at one of two authorized Rolex service centers � New York and Dallas.
Also included in the database is the serial number of watches reported stolen.
If a stolen watch is brought into an authorized service center for service, it will be confiscated. Information from the database is available to persons with legitimate nned to know, including law enforcement, insurance investigators, jewelers and others.
Telephone requests are not honored. There is no master registry of Rolex ownership.
Fax your requests on company letterhead to:
Rolex (Fax) 212-980-2166
Rolex: Telephone 212-758-7700
www.rolex.com
AN INVITATION TO READERS
I have always found it informative, as have many readers to this site, to hear from retired Detective�s with their �old-time� stories �From the Squad Room�.
What was it like when you made Detective? What were the Squad�s like; how did that duty chart work, with those �Open Days� and the tours that ran from 1700 to 0900 hours. How did investigations proceed, detectives working around the clock on a homicide, without any overtime? Did you even know that a Detective Captain existed? Did cops naturally progress from �plainclothes� assignments to �The Squad�?
If you have any stories you�d like to relate, please pass them on to me. If you don�t want me to use any on this site, just say so � I�ll enjoy them anyway, and won�t post them or reveal the source if you care not to. I�ve always felt it�s important to know where you came from � the history that surrounds the squad is better than any fiction writers imagination.
I look forward to hearing some of your stories.
Please e-mail me at:
Ltjac77@yahoo.com
Thanks!
�LEST WE FORGET�� THE NYPD MEMORIAL
July 1, 1911 Ptl Michael Lynch, 22 Pct, Shot by perp
July 2, 1922 Det John Moriarty, DetDiv, Shot-robbery in progress
July 2, 1970 Ptl Paul Donadio, 75 Pct, Patrolwagon accident
July 3, 1857 Ptl Thomas, line of duty incident
July 3, 1917 Ptl John Flood, 31 Pct, Assaulted, head injury
July 3, 1966 Ptl Willie Stephenson, HAPD, Drowned, rescue
July 4, 1940 Det Joseph Lynch and Det Ferdinand Socha, Bomb Squad : Investigation
July 4, 1993 PO Rudolph Thomas, PSA3, Shot-off duty incident
July 5, 1946 Sgt Isaac Price, 28 Pct, Heart attack during robbery arrest
