When police knock on doors, it is seldom good news for those inside. I know; I knocked on doors. Easter 1981, NYC Transit Police Officer William Martin enjoyed dinner with his family. […]
Minesweepers of the Subway
Subway Guards to Police Professionals
Following my essays, you know my dad patrolled New York subways from 1931 to 1965. I was a Transit cop from 1966 to 1992. In researching those olden, but not-so-golden days, I […]
A Bullet’s Impact
The bullet hit the brass button on officer Melchiona’s hat—driving that button into his brain. PBA delegate Henry Melchiona sat in Donovan’s Pub with Brother Transit cops Joe Corcoran and Patty McDonald. […]
Life’s Ride: Horribly Scary to Incredibly Happy
Lou Hollander is a caring, sensitive man who experiences joy and pain intensely. Speaking with Lou for this essay, one thinks of a ride on undulating tracks—sometimes on the dark subways, sometimes […]
Incoming Mortar—Outgoing Purpose
The mortar round blew Bob Valentino off Mother Earth, and when he landed, blood spurted from his leg. Bob, a twenty-two-year-old infantry squad leader, was atop a hill in Vietnam. It was […]
My Dad, My Brother in Blue
“…a bond that will never be broken nor a journey forgotten.” After my dad died in 1979 I’d think of him often. But it was always as my dad. Not recently. Now […]
Bullets in the Sun, Bullets in the Rain
“They say time heals, that’s a lie, time does not heal…” Retired Police Officer Henry Melchiona The sun never shines in the subway. So an on-duty Transit Cop never sees it unless […]
In the Path of Violent Death
They worked in the path of violent death…where bullets do fly…and families do cry. The entire country witnessed the funeral of Det. Steven Mcdonald at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC. Bullets fired […]
Life After Life
Shedding a little light on…”this realm of flesh and bone.” “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” Albert Einstein from “Einstein and the Poet” by William Hermanns I think […]
The Barrage on Blue
Human beings. Some are honored as the epitome of compassion as they dedicate their lives to the service of healing humankind. Others are honored…but not so much…as they dedicate their lives and […]
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