Small, small world

[David C.]

After my initial field trainer with the Park Police developed some health issues, I had to find another field trainer to complete my training.   I finally went out on patrol #2 today, some five weeks after the initial patrol.   At least I put the hiatus to good use, brushing up on radio procedures and getting all the equipment I needed (first aid kits, etc.)

During the ride, we got to talking and I could tell he was not from the area, and likely from New York, where my family was initially from.  When I asked him, he said "Brooklyn and the Rockaways".   I mentioned that my grandparents used to live in the Rockaways at Dayton Towers.   He laughed and said "Where, 8100 Shore Front Parkway?"   I told him, he was close...my grandparents lived at 8000 Shore Front Parkway.   It turned out his parents lived in the next building over from my grandparents.  I used to be able to see the building from the bedroom window of my grandparents co-op.

But, that wasn't the only coincidence.   When I began talking about my parents, I mentioned how my mother lived on Rockaway Parkway in Brooklyn and that my dad lived in the East New York section of Brooklyn.   Again, he asked where in East New York.   I told him Van Siclen Avenue.   He laughed again...he lived on Miller Avenue, which was the next block over!   He didn't know my father as my father is about 10 years older than him, but he was closer in age to my uncle.  They both did go to the same elementary and junior high, and he even remember that P.S. 149 school song, which my father had sung to me.   Interestingly, Danny Kaye went to P.S. 149 and he had written the school song.

I did get to handle my first "incident" today.   One of the Park staff was concerned that someone erected a moonbounce without a permit.   So my field trainer and I rode through the park to count the number of moonbounces.  There was only supposed to be one, and there were two.   I called it into dispatch.   The responding officer had to come from a beat some distance away, so they asked me to go back some time later to double check.  Sure enough, it was still there.   The officer finally made it over and made them shut it down until they could get there paperwork in order.  It wasn't exactly saving the world from the criminal element, but there are rules that people need to follow.

I should be able to complete the field training this week and then I can pick and choose where and when to patrol.

[cheryl186]

Wow, David, it sure is a small, small world!!   It sounds like your work is very very interesting.  I just have one question thought...What is a Moonbounce??

[Barb]

It IS a small world !!!   I concur with Cheryl - what is a moonbounce ?!?!?!?!?

[David C.]

A moonbounce is basically an inflatable trampoline type device.   It has four inflatable pillars and netting on the sides to keep kids from falling off.   They are actually quite fun to play on.

[Doxherding Karen]

Rock Creek Park safe from illegal moonbouncers - I can sleep easy tonight!

Karen 

[David C.]

Well, even Elliott Ness wasn't able to arrest an Al Capone every day.