INTERVIEW WITH MY FATHER, NYPD..R.I.P , 1968 Columbia Riots WeaponsEducation

Published on September 10, 2011
Duration: 25:25

This video features an interview with a retired NYPD officer discussing his career, a severe line-of-duty injury sustained during the 1968 Columbia University riots, and his views on law enforcement and legal gun ownership. He emphasizes the bravery and dedication of police officers, the challenges they face, and the importance of responsible firearm ownership for self-defense. The interview highlights the personal toll of police work and the resilience required to overcome significant injuries.

Quick Summary

A retired NYPD officer recounts sustaining a severe spinal cord injury during the 1968 Columbia University riots when a student jumped from a balcony onto him. He was paralyzed for six years but underwent therapy to walk again. He carried a .38 Special and believes responsible citizens should be allowed to carry firearms for self-defense.

Chapters

  1. 00:13Introduction & Father's Background
  2. 00:48Details on Father's Injuries
  3. 01:14Near-Fatal Incident & Partner's Role
  4. 02:03Paralysis and Recovery Journey
  5. 02:45Coaching Little League Post-Injury
  6. 03:24Service Weapon: .38 Special
  7. 04:40Years of Service as NYPD Officer
  8. 05:10Recommendation for Law Enforcement Career
  9. 05:43Delivering Babies as a Cop
  10. 06:30Varied Experiences in Law Enforcement
  11. 07:03Incident with Man on Water Tower
  12. 08:10Stress and Danger of Police Work
  13. 09:06Violence from Fear of Arrest
  14. 09:14Concealed Weapons: Legal vs. Criminal
  15. 10:09Rewarding Aspects of Police Work
  16. 10:42Public Appreciation for Police
  17. 11:06Perception vs. Reality of Police Work
  18. 12:06Police Response to Emergencies
  19. 13:00Apartment Stabbing Incident
  20. 14:35Opinion on Legal Gun Carry
  21. 15:01Permit vs. Vigilantism
  22. 15:10Professional Training for Weapon Use
  23. 16:09Discussion of Injury: 1968 Riots
  24. 17:16Entering the Riot Zone Without Nightsticks
  25. 18:06Student Protestors' Message
  26. 18:40Assaults During the Riots
  27. 19:47How the Injury Occurred
  28. 20:04Student Apprehension and Escape
  29. 20:43No Grudge Against the Perpetrator
  30. 21:25The 'Likeable' Aspect of the Story
  31. 22:43Commendation for Police Officers
  32. 22:58Reflection on 9/11 and Police Response
  33. 23:23Automatic Weapons in NYC
  34. 23:57Law Enforcement's Broad Responsibilities
  35. 24:09Past Assignments: Narcotics & Undercover
  36. 24:27Long Commute to Work
  37. 25:09Conclusion & Father-Son Farewell

Frequently Asked Questions

What weapon did NYPD officers typically carry in the late 1960s?

According to a retired NYPD officer interviewed, officers like himself typically carried a .38 Special revolver during his service in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

How did the officer sustain his severe line-of-duty injury?

The officer was severely injured during the 1968 Columbia University riots when a student jumped from a second-story balcony and landed on him, breaking his back and causing paralysis.

What were the circumstances surrounding the officer's injury during the 1968 riots?

Police were sent into the riot zone without nightsticks to avoid claims of brutality. The officer was injured when a student jumped onto him from a balcony amidst chaotic student protests.

Does the retired NYPD officer support legal gun ownership for citizens?

Yes, the officer believes that law-abiding citizens who are properly trained and licensed should be allowed to carry a weapon for self-protection in emergencies, emphasizing responsible ownership.

What is the officer's perspective on the challenges faced by law enforcement?

He highlights the immense stress, danger, and unpredictability of police work, noting that officers deal with a wide spectrum of people and are often the first responders in critical situations, putting their lives on the line.

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