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Saturday, January 18, 2020

January 17, 2020

Before I start, I want to throw something out to Scott Zolak, former quarterback for the New England Patriots & current radio commentator for the New England Patriots on 98.5 the Sports Hub along with Bob Socci.  In a game against the Cleveland Browns, during the first half most the Browns were on the bench.  Now it was cold that day.  But Zolak actually said something that was a very good point.  When you're dealing with history of teams in the midwest, like the Browns, the Bears, and the Packers, there was always not of them playing in cold weather stadiums.  And how rough tough those teams can get, we do remember the classics.  And I will note that some of the coldest games I can remember, some of the opponents are from warm weather areas.  Who cold for get the first Ice Bowl, with Vince Lombardi's Packers and the DALLAS Cowboys.  As well, the Cincinnati Bengals & the SAN DEIGO Chargers (And if you think I forgot about the Bengals, don't worry.  This season they did that to themselves this season.) But MOST IMPORTANTLY, the Patriots, well I would say the OAKLAND Raiders, but hell, any cold weather game the Patriots excel (Yes, I am a die-hard Patriots fan, AND DAMN PROUD OF IT!)  Anyway, it did get me to motivate me, to start patrolling in more cold weather days.  If I am going to back my word that I want to help the city, I can't act like I have to work on days when you have perfect weather all around.  You can always tell when someone truly;y cares during two moments, the good times & the BAD times.
The patrol in Dorchester was pretty well.  Weather was in the teens, but knowing it'll get even below zero late at night, wearing extra shirts is extremely helpful.  I had to wear my balaclava.  I know I would get in trouble for it, but in cold weather common sense has to prevail.  First thing I saw was an MBTA The Ride bus.  No big deal, but where it parked was.  I know the area was like near Pope John II School & Dorchester Park, opposite some homes that are on the other side.  Knowing that that kind of transportation maybe for people who can't take public transportation, especially if the physically and/or mentally disabled, it is of concern.  I went to the bus to sk if everything is okay.  The driver said he was & he was waiting for somebody.  I would ask further, but knowing the way I dressed, I was a little nervous about it.  So I walked on.  Next place something happened was a dumpster by O'Brien's Wines & Liquors.  There was some clanging around it.  I was going to check to make sure it wasn't vandals, muggers, burglars, or robbers.  Thank goodness it wasn't.  It was just some employees making sure to throw out the trash & lock the dumpster up for the night.  The night was getting colder and I did need something warm to drink.  I knew there was a McDonalds by Fields Corner, so I walked there, but I had to hurry because I knew it would close soon.  I was just in time for a medium hot coffee, unfortunately to the dismay of the workers who were ready to close.  But at least they were nice about it.  As I left, there was a young man who looked at his phone.  I checked on him.  He told me, he wanted to go to McDonalds but didn't know I would close that soon, so he was heading to the Fields Corner train station to get home.  I told him to get there soon & stay warm.  I managed to walk farther than I even imagined.  When I patrol Dorchester, I mostly do the southern side, but for the first time, I di the northern side.  It was pretty amazing.  I felt bad it was so cold, not many people.  But it can be a good thing, since no one was getting hurt.  I managed however to cross at Savin Hill Avenue.  Believe me, even I'm not that stupid to keep pushing.  I did see a pickup truck with bags over the the train station there.  Its hazard lights were still on, cause for a little concern.  Fortunately, the station was still open, and there were a couple of people.  I managed to tell one at the lobby.  It turned out it was someone taking care of the trash.  It was odd since it was a U-Haul rental.  Pretty odd for a train station to use a rental, when they can afford probably getting a truck to do that job.  But to be fair, there some places in Boston where it's impossible to park in, especially as a resident.  I then went to Savin Hill Beach/Park.  I noticed there were a couple of cars with their engines on.  I do know that there maybe some deviant activity.  I went to check out.  I asked one of the drivers, who was a lady, if everything's alright.  She says there is.  I didn't keep asking because I noticed a church bulletin or business sheet, so I was thinking it might be church related.  With that, I didn't try to ask the other care.  I did see another car at another parking lot with the engine running again.  But as I was coming up they left immediately.  Well, you know what they say about presence.  But with that I had to follow a path and go all the way around to William T. Morrissey Boulevard.  Which was exciting since it was my first time patrolling that area, but IT WAS COLD!!!!  I managed to pull thru, b ut it was a learning experience.  There wasn't a sidewalk near a certain area, so I had to walk in the parking lot.  I didn't notice a path under the bridge, and I had to be be extremely cautious of the situation.  When you're on that road at night and you're wearing a black uniform, you don't act reckless.  I managed to get to a Dunkin Donuts on Morrissey Boulevard.  I got a hot chocolate.  I had a great conversation with the employees.  One of them, a mother, was very impressed and very concerned with what I do.  I told her that about my past dealing with bullying and she felt that I should talk to students in schools about my experiences with it.  As I do try to get that across, I rarely get people to listen.  Hopefully, with another voice, it'll help.  She did say something about the shirt, and yes I'll take care of it.  Meeting with people is always great to show that you do care and you do have good intentions.  It's always important to show that respect.  Remember, no matter what motivation you have, the main reason you become a superhero IS TO HELP PEOPLE AND THE COMMUNITY.  As I walked down, I noticed a street light by Devine Ice Rink.  It might not be a big deal, but anyone who practices sports like ice hockey, speed skating, or figure skating, that might be a big deal.  I hope the Department of Public Works would look into that fior future safety concerns.  I did come down Neponset Avenue, FOR THE FIRST PATROL TIME.  Walked by Dorset Hall, there was a man & a woman meeting.  I heard something, but it turned out they were waiting for an Uber.   However the woman was yelling at me to move.  Her friend managed to keep her in control.  Yeah, it felt humiliating, but there should be understanding.  It was unknown what happened, probably drunk or having a bad day, and it was late at night.  People maybe in bad moods, but you can't take it personally.  Maturity is very key in developing a proper relationship with the community.  At any situation, it's important to know what is a threat and what isn't.  Professionalism is very important, not just as a real life superhero, but any form of public service.  As I walked thru Adams Street, a paddy wagon stopped to ask me some questions.  I was a little nervous, but in control.  I was a little awkward.  But as I explained to the officers who I was, what I do, and why I do, they had a better understanding.  There was understandable concern, but also a good amount not respect.  I give props to the officers for showing a strong level of professionalism and knowing how to ask the right questions to get to a proper answer.  Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if they would make detective someday.  Like I always tell fellow superheroes, when police encounter you, don't talk to them as if you're above out below.  If you talk as if you're better, you'll be seen as unprofessional, reckless, immature, and unable to do your job properly.  Below, it shows that you're uncertain, naive, and very fragile.  You have to show the same level of professionalism, maturity, authority (if necessary), and class that shows you can handle the job.  If you make a mistake, don't be afraid to admit it.  it does show you're human, you can mistake, and most important, it also disproves the theory that you live "in a fantasy world not knowing reality."  I believe the parties left with a little more respect for each other and I do hope one day to talk to the Boston Police Commissioner about ideas on how to make Boston safer.  My last thing did end at East Boston Savings Bank, where I saw two cars with their engines on and people meeting.  Thinking of possible deviant activity, I went up to ask if there was any problem.  Thankfully there was not, and I left.  A very long patrol, but it proved to me I can do the hard job real well.