New York Chief of Detectives by Gary Hastings Page A

hard. The kid, Curtis Gee, caught two slugs in the head, and we’re still waiting for some lab results in both cases.”
    “This is a tough case, Commissioner.  We’re doing it by the book, and we’ll have to catch a lead soon.”
    “God bless you, my friend.”
    “Thanks.”
    Pat heard the motorcycle engines and sirens and saw the procession turn the corner. There were hundreds of flashing red and white lights of various NYPD vehicles. The hearse stopped in front of the cathedral, and someone gave a loud command;
    “All Officers Atten...Hut!”
    Thousands of officers snapped their heels to attention, making a loud “click!”  The detectives from Tony’s squad, now in their dress uniforms, were serving as pall bearers. Tony’s coffin was draped with the green and white City of New York flag. The six detectives slowly received the coffin out of the back of the hearse and started to walk. A second command was given;      
    “Present Arms!”
    The thousands of officers snapped their white gloved hands, rendering a respectful salute. Caroline Rodriguez and some close friends walked behind the coffin. She looked worn out, and her eyes were tear-filled. The NYPD ‘Super Chiefs’ and the commissioner followed the coffin into the cathedral. The coffin was placed down front, and the NYPD Honor Guard posted officers beside the coffin.
    The funeral mass began. A soloist sang “The Lord’s Prayer,” and the priest offered opening prayers and scripture quoting John 15:13 “No man hath a greater love than this, than to lay down his life for his friends.” The priest gave a brief message about service to our fellow man and then he nodded to Pat.  Pat walked up to the front of the church. He faced the cross and crossed himself, then turned to face the enormous crowd.
    “Today the shields of law enforcement officers shine brighter because of the life of my friend, Detective Anthony P. Rodriguez. He has touched the lives of so many people, including my own. When I was a young man and trying to sort out my life, Tony Rodriguez began to talk to me about the NYPD. I was always interested in police work, but Tony made it real to me. He told me that it was a big blue family and that it was the most exciting job in the world. The day I received my first shield, Tony Rodriguez pinned it on me. Tony was a ‘detective’s detective,’ who was very proud of this job. He was helpful, energetic, and a very crafty and creative detective. New York City detectives are known world-wide as being the greatest detectives, and it’s because of the work of people like Tony Rodriguez. The sunburst, representing rays of hope and light, is the shield of the New York City Police Detective. It is the most famous police shield in the world. Tony’s work has made this city a safer place. He gave his own rays of hope to neighborhoods facing armed criminals, through his work with the Firearms Task Force investigations. He has helped make New York a better place to raise our children and live our lives in peace.  I promise you that Tony will never be forgotten. My thoughts go out to Caroline and to the members of Tony’s squad in our Organized Crime Control Bureau, and we will always be here for you. God bless the life of Detective Tony Rodriguez, who paid the supreme sacrifice for the citizens of this great city, and may God bless the New York City Police Department.”
    Pat returned to his seat. The priest gave the final benediction and a lone NYPD bagpiper began piping down the aisle playing “Going Home” from “The New World Symphony.” The pall bearers escorted Tony’s coffin and Caroline followed them. As they exited the church, the mass assemblies of officers were once again brought to “Present Arms” as the body was carried out of the church and placed in the hearse.
    Pat sat down in the car. Dickie was already behind the wheel.  
    “You made me proud to be a cop, Chief.”
    “Thanks, Tony deserved the best. I can’t