The Guardian Angels

[cbo111]

There was a short segment on the news the other night regarding my local chapter of Guardian Angels here in Florida. I assume many of you recall hearing about them patrolling the streets of New York, with founder Curtis Sliwa. For some reason I thought they were a NYC phenomenon of yesteryear. Turns out they have active chapters around the world and are almost exclusively manned with volunteers. Check out their story on the interweb, very interesting stuff. They carry no weapons or pepper spray and apparently get some self defense training. The guys I saw were not physically intimidating and appeared to be 50-ish. But they are a cherished presence in many communities that report a reduction in crime at no cost to the taxpayers. After reading up about them, I have to admit a large chunk of my gut says "man I want to do this." Unfortunately a small chunk of my cerebrum says "I don't think so sport."

 

[SheitlQueen]

I didn't realize the they were still around....it's been a lot of years since I have heard of them in the news.

 

[Aerides]

When I was in college, Fairleigh Dickinson (NJ) hosted the "Great Drug and Alcohol Debate" between Curtis Sliwa, and Timothy Leary.

Was in our cafetaria iirc? Back in the late 80's, quite entertaining.

 

[cbo111]

When I was in college, Fairleigh Dickinson (NJ) hosted the "Great Drug and Alcohol Debate" between Curtis Sliwa, and Timothy Leary.

Was in our cafetaria iirc? Back in the late 80's, quite entertaining.

Wow, what an experience that must have been. I recall watching a segment with Sliwa on 60 Minutes back in the early 80's.

 

[Walt34]

Unfortunately a small chunk of my cerebrum says "I don't think so sport."

That's the part of your brain that wants to stay alive.

 

[mamadogmamacat]

Perhaps joining/starting a neighborhood watch group would be more sensible. it seems foolish to me to "patrol" in any way an area you are not very familiar with. Another idea would be just getting to know your neighbors better, if you have not already. perhaps there are elderly or disabled folk who would actually appreciate an escort or a nighttime driver to take them out and about if they are now shut ins due to safety concerns or for some other reason.

thanks for the trip down memory lane. i remember thinking how fashionable Sliwa's outfits were back when i was a kid/teen.

 

[Car-Guy]

I remember them well but I wasn't aware they were still around. I'm in my mid 60's now and I'd still consider volunteering for duty patrolling any assisted living centers.