21st Precinct 54-06-30 (051) The Red Tiger

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold’s Old Time Radio – 21st Precinct 54-06-30 (051) "The Red Tiger"

Original air date: June 30, 1954
Podcast episode release: February 24, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode theme: Police procedural drama highlighting the daily work and emotional challenges faced by officers in 1950s New York City

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Episode Overview

This episode of 21st Precinct dramatizes a poignant day in a busy New York police precinct, focusing on two intertwined incidents: a police officer’s injury and a fatal accident involving an unidentified teenage boy. Through methodical investigation and emotional dialogue, the men of the 21st Precinct unravel the mystery of the boy’s identity, eventually leading to a difficult notification to his grieving parents. The episode provides a clear-eyed, empathetic window into the relentless, sometimes tragic, routine work of mid-century urban police.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Initial Incidents: Officer Down and a Tragedy Unfolds (~02:20–07:56)

• Patrolman Cahill’s Injury:
  Captain Frank Kennelly is called to Bellevue Hospital after Patrolman Cahill falls through the floor while apprehending children in an abandoned tenement.

  • "He has a fractured left ankle... went through the floorboard." (03:00, Dr. Escher)
  • Safety issues of condemned buildings are raised, with officers lamenting their inability to keep children out.
  • Captain checks on Cahill, who describes chasing kids and falling through a weak floorboard.

• A Boy’s Fatal Accident:
  Simultaneously, a 13–14-year-old, unidentified boy is brought in after falling from a newspaper truck and being struck by a car.

  • "He hitched a ride on the back of a newspaper truck... missed his footing and went under the wheels." (06:50, Sergeant Waters)
  • No identification found—only a “Red Tigers” club jacket, a comb, cigarettes, and some change.

2. Investigation and Search for Identity (09:42–13:46)

• Homicide and precinct detectives work together—scene investigations, interviews, attempts to track down the boy’s parents.
  • "Get his parents down here in a hurry." (07:51, Captain Kennelly)
  • Focus on the Red Tigers club as a potential lead.
• Captain and Sergeant Waters discuss efforts to keep condemned buildings secure and the persistence of risk for city kids.
  • "They're going to tear them down eventually. Why not now?" (12:41, Lieutenant King)

3. The Red Tigers Lead and False Trails (13:47–15:37)

• Juvenile Aid Bureau and Youth Patrolman contacted; Red Tigers found to have disbanded in 1949. The boy’s age doesn’t fit old records.
• Detective Goldman and Patrolman Winkler begin tracking down former members for clues.

4. Walter Curley and the Key Break (15:57–22:43)

• Walter Curley Arrives (~16:00):
  A former Red Tiger member is contacted.

  • Walter is worried: "Listen, tell me what's so important about the Red Tigers? I haven't even thought of the Red Tigers in four or five years." (17:10, Walter Curley)
  • Recalls club history, the jackets, and club dissolution over adolescent disputes.
  • "We had red and yellow jackets... had to skimp and scrape... raffled off three turkeys." (18:58, Walter Curley)

• The Jacket Connection (~20:00):
  Walter is shown the Red Tigers jacket; he recognizes an ink spot inside as a mark from his school days.

  • "That's mine. You see that ink spot? ...I remember that spot." (20:45, Walter Curley)
  • Surmises his mother gave the jacket away to a boy upstairs—Carl Padstow.

• Identification and Tragic Confirmation:
  Walter is brought to Bellevue to identify the deceased boy, confirming it is Carl, the neighbor’s son.

5. The Notification (22:43–27:35)

• Sergeant Waters and Walter stop at Curley’s home, enlist his mother to accompany them for the notification.
  • "We always find it best when... a neighbor will come along. Would you be willing?" (25:09, Sergeant Waters)
• Emotional delivery to Carl's parents—raw, understated, and humane.
  • "A boy hitched a ride on the back of a truck... [He] died at Bellevue." (26:11, Sergeant Waters)
  • Grief of Carl’s parents is palpable. Mrs. Padstow’s heartbreak lingers:
    "That little boy. He's 14. My goodness. My goodness." (24:31, Mrs. Curley)
  • Waters assures them: "He wasn’t identified until just a little while ago." (24:41)

6. Ending Reflection and the Ongoing Routine (27:50–28:00)

• As the incident concludes, precinct duties continue with news of another accident—a barge collision.
  • "Around the clock, through the week, every day, every year... A police precinct is a flesh and blood merry-go-round." (28:00, Narrator)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the dangers of city life for children:

  • "You know, I did a lot of things when I was a kid. I never did that [jumping on trucks]. You could count on it. Boy, you’re taking your life in your hands there." (22:00, Walter Curley)

• On the emotional strain for officers:

  • "We tried to find out who he was before he died so we could get his parents down there to see him, but we couldn’t." (22:17, Sergeant Waters)
  • "It’s rough, you know. It's a lot of shame what kids will do." (22:39, Captain Kennelly)

• On the continuity of police work:

  • "Anyone can catch the brass ring, or the brass ring can catch anyone." (28:00, Narrator)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Officer Cahill’s injury and hospital sequence: 02:20–07:56
• News of the unidentified boy’s accident: 06:50–08:40
• Detectives begin investigation: 09:42–13:46
• Contact with former Red Tigers: 15:57–22:43
  • Walter recalls the club, connects the jacket, and identifies Carl.
• Notification to Carl’s family: 22:43–27:35
• Final reflection and return to routine: 27:50–28:00

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Summary

This 21st Precinct episode, “The Red Tiger,” movingly captures the human side of everyday police work—how officers juggle routine, investigation, and the tragic burden of telling parents their child is gone. Through the details of an accident and the almost procedural search for a lost boy’s identity, the story highlights urban dangers, the limits of authority, and the hidden bonds in a crowded city. The episode’s tone is matter-of-fact yet deeply empathetic, offering listeners a glimpse into the steady, solemn march of city life and loss.

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Recommended for:
Fans of police procedurals, historical radio dramas, and anyone interested in the human stories behind the badge.

Transcript

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

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[Sergeant Waters]

during and after your stay.

[Narrator / Advertiser]

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[Sergeant Waters]

23 from Sergeant Waters. Who? What happened? He fell off a truck. Yeah. Ye. Huh. How old? A boy. Now, wait a minute. You are in the muster room at the 21st Precinct, the nerve center. A call is coming through. You will follow the action taken pursuant to that call from this minute until the final report is written in the 124 room at the 21st Precinct. All right. You just tell them I'm sending the officers right over there. Yeah. And the ambulance. Okay. That's right. Yeah. 21st Precinct. It's just lines on a map of the city of New York. Most of the 173,000 people wedged into the 9/10 of a square mile between Fifth Avenue and the east river wouldn't know, if you asked them, that they lived or worked in the 21st. Whether they know it or not, the security of their homes, their persons and their property is the job of the men of the 21st Precinct. The 21st. 160 patrolmen, 11 sergeants and four lieutenants, of whom I'm the boss. My name is Kennelly, Frank Kennelly. I'm captain in command of the 21st. I was working my day tour, 8am to 6pm it was a bright, warm Sunday morning, and after I turned out the platoon at 8, sector car number 4 came by the house for me and I went on patrol of the precinct. We had driven uptown en park to the boundary of the 21st and started downtown on Fernando when the number of our car was broadcast with instructions to call the station house. Patrolman Farrell stopped the car at the nearest call box and I rang in the desk officer. Lieutenant Gorman told me that Patrolman Patrick East Cahill had been injured while chasing boys out of a condemned tenement building on First Avenue. He had been taken to Bellevue Hospital in an ambulance because of the possibility of sick leave with pay or disability retirement. In such cases, a commanding officer is obliged to make a detailed investigation to determine if the injury was in the line of duty. So I returned to the car and instructed Patrolman Farrell to drive to Bellevue. There we parked the car, and in the emergency ward I was told where to locate the resident who had treated Patrolman Cahill on admission. Oh, doctor.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes?

[Sergeant Waters]

Are you Dr. Escher? Yes, I am. I'm Captain Kennelly of the 21st Precinct. Oh, yes, yes. How do you do, Captain? How are You? Patrolman Cahill is one of my men. I understand you treated him when he came in. Yes, I did. What does it look like, Doctor? I think he has a fractured left ankle. Oh? Couldn't carry his weight on it. It was swollen considerably by the time he got here. Even from an examination by palpation, it appeared to be fractured. I sent him back to make X rays. We'll know for sure in a couple of minutes. I see. Can I go back there?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sure, Captain. I don't see what. Why not? This way. He seems to be perfectly all right otherwise. A few contusions on the leg where he went through the floorboard. No indication of shot. I've given him a needle to calm him down and ease the pain. I see. I understand there's a police surgeon on the way. Yes, that's right. Well, we'll have the X rays all made by the time he gets here. Oh, good. To the right there. Thank you. Kids in the tenement. They ought to keep those abandoned buildings boarded up. Well, they're supposed to. Second door down in here.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Now, take a deep breath and hold it. Don't breathe. Okay, Commissioner, you can breathe now.

[Sergeant Waters]

Go right over, Captain. It's all right. Nurse, this is Captain Kelly. It's all right.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

He won't get in my way.

[Sergeant Waters]

Hello, Gail. Captain. How do you feel? Well, it still hurts some. I'd be worried if it didn't. Yeah. Well, I'll see you, captain. Yeah. Thanks a lot, doctor. That's all right. No, man. Well, what happened, Cahill? Well, sir, I was on post there. The news dealer on the corner told me some kids were in this condemned tenement. Said they were throwing things out the second and third story windows and just missed a couple.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right, now, let's stop the chatter. Take a deep breath and hold it. Don't breathe. All right, you can breathe now.

[Sergeant Waters]

So I went inside, Captain. I guess they heard me coming to. Two little kids, eight or nine. They were on the second floor and ran up to the third. I sprouted up after them. There was a weak board on the landing there, and I went right through.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Now, we'll take a different polar. Which is your good side?

[Sergeant Waters]

Oh, any side.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, can you roll over this way a little bit?

[Sergeant Waters]

I'll try.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

It's easy now. All right. You don't have to do it all at once.

[Sergeant Waters]

Oh, brother.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

That's it right there. We'll see how it looks from this angle. This will be the last one.

[Sergeant Waters]

So there I was. My foot was through the floor. Yeah, I pulled it out and crawled to the window. The boards were out so I could lean out. I yelled down the street. The stu dealer heard me. He rang in. The door wasn't battened. Of course it was, Captain. The shoe wasn't battened very well. It was 8 year olds Canyon. What happened to them?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right, now take a deep breath and hold it. Don't breathe. All right, you can breathe now.

[Sergeant Waters]

Beats me. What happened to them, Captain? They must have ran up to the roof and crossed over. I never saw him anymore.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Now, if you want to buy any prints, just let me know.

[Sergeant Waters]

No, thanks.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, I don't think there are any. You'll want to kill your grandchildren. Excuse me, Captain. Now, you think you can roll off the table back under the pushmobile?

[Sergeant Waters]

Well, I rolled off of that, didn't I? Let me try.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right, now let's see how big and brave and strong you are. Come on. That's it. Come on. Oh, yes.

[Sergeant Waters]

Grab a hold of me. All right.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

There you are.

[Sergeant Waters]

Secrets I can imagine.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Captain in,

[Sergeant Waters]

Captain, can I In here.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Everybody's in here.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, Sergeant. How are you, Tatum? I'm all right, I guess. Second. What is it, sergeant? There's an accident case out there you might be interested in, Captain. From the 21st? Yes, sir. Boy about 13 or 14 years old. Oh, I'll be back to see you. Careful.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right, commissioner. Now let's go for a little ride.

[Sergeant Waters]

You want to leave this door open?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, we can't go through it closed, can we?

[Sergeant Waters]

Let's to the left, Captain. Doesn't look like the kid's gonna make it. Now, what happened? Well, he hits a ride on the back of a newspaper truck. Truck slowed down for light, gone downtown on Lexington Avenue. Kid jumped off, missed his footing and saw right under the wheels of a car that was right behind the truck. How bad is he? Pretty bad, Captain. He was unconscious when we got there. He's still unconscious. You know who he is? No, sir. There's nothing in his pockets and show that. What about the driver of the truck? He doesn't know him, Captain. Didn't even know he was on the truck. Oh, down there through the clean doors. That's him now. Another peep. That's good. Is he still unconscious, Sergeant? Yes, Sergeant, he is. I'd make him out to be about 13, wouldn't you, Captain? Yeah, about no name anyplace, Sergeant? No, sir, nothing. All right, you better wheel him on back X ray.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Waters]

Well, what does it look like, doctor? Doesn't look very good. He has no less Than a brain concussion, possibly a fractured skull. I'd say probably a fractured skull. And there appear to be internal injuries. Oh, that's too bad. How are you gonna keep these kids off the trucks? I don't know. Captain, you better find out who he is and get his parents down here. Get them down here in a hurry with Sergeant Waters. I examined the clothing that was taken off the boy. The most significant item was a red and yellow club jacket with the lettering Red Tigers on the back. In his pockets were a handkerchief, a comb, two single cigarettes, a half dozen kitchen matches and 32 cents and change. He carried no identification of any kind.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

We're lost. I'm going to pull over and ask that man for directions. Hi there. We're looking to get to the campground.

[Narrator / Advertiser]

Well, you're going to take a left at the old oak tree end of this here road. No, I'm just kidding. Let me get my phone out.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

How are you getting a signal out here?

[Narrator / Advertiser]

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[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Actually, can you point us in the direction of a T Mobile store?

[Sergeant Waters]

America's best network just got bigger. Switch to T Mobile today and get built in benefits the other guys leave out plus our five year price guarantee. And now T Mobile is available in US Cellular stores.

[Narrator / Advertiser]

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[Sergeant Waters]

Detectives of the 21st Squad under Lieutenant Matt King and of the Homicide squad which is responsible for the technical side of investigations in motor vehicle accidents resulting in death or serious injury were already on the job. Homicide detectives were making an investigation at the scene of the accident to determine the exact point at which the boy hit the street, how far the automobile that hit him skidded before it stopped and whether the accident could have been avoided. The car that struck the boy was being subjected to a brake test in the presence of the driver. Meanwhile, detectives of the 21st Squad were locating witnesses, obtaining statements and most importantly, trying to identify the boy in order to notify his family. I resumed patrol and it was 11:20am more than two hours after the the accident that I returned to the station house. As I walked in the door, I saw Lt. King standing and talking to Sgt. Waters, who was now on telephone switchboard duty. Hello, Captain. Matt. Sergeant. Busy Sunday, Captain? Yeah. I'd like to talk to you, Captain. Just be a minute, Matt. Soon as I sign the blotter. Yes. I don't know. Kids riding on the back of trucks. What can they expect? Oh, excuse me. 21st Precinct, Sergeant Waters. Well, where have you been? They're ringing five minutes late. Yeah. Yeah. Well, I gotta admit, that's a good one. Well, just ringing on time, will ya? Okay. I don't know, Lieutenant. They seem to have better excuses these days. Breaking a bunch of smarter cops. Yeah. How's the boy, Sergeant? Did you hear? He's still alive, Captain. I just checked a few minutes ago. Any identification, Matt? No, sir. We're working on that. I'll be in my office, Sergeant. Yes, sir. Come on, man. Yes, I gave it to Dan Goldman, Captain. Got him out. Trying to identify the boy. Oh, good, Sergeant. Wasn't gotten any place yet. Go ahead, man. Yes, well, we'll call you that. Sit down. Doctor told me the boy probably wouldn't live through the day. I know. I think it's important to get him identified and get his parents down there. Well, we're trying our best. Yeah, I know. Of course, we don't even have any idea what neighborhood he's from. That newspaper truck was coming all the way down from the Bronx. The driver said he didn't even know the boy was on there, much less where he hopped on. We ought to be able to identify him pretty quick through that club jacket. A red tiger. Yes. The precinct youth patrolman is off, but you ought to be able to reach him at home. He keeps a file on those clubs. Yes, I know. I had Goldman call us home. He isn't at home. He might be in church. Should be home soon. I got a call into the Juvenile Aid Bureau too. They're checking their records. They might have a club called the Red Tigers listed someplace. Yeah. Never mind. How's the cop that was hurt, Captain?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Kill?

[Sergeant Waters]

Oh, he'll be all right. Sight should ankle. I'll be short a man six weeks. Ought to be some way to keep those condemned buildings more secure. Yeah. I don't know what more I can do about it. I send a sergeant out every week to make an inspection of everyone in the precinct. I send the 49 downtown to Department of Housing and Buildings in connection with everyone that can be entered. And I see that summonses are issued for the owners. Just can't keep the kids out of them. They're attractive hazards. They're gonna tear them down eventually. Why don't they tear them down now? I don't know, Matt. There's always some good reason. Yes? When did the jab say they'd call back? As soon as I looked through their cards. If you don't hear from them soon, you call. Yes. Excuse me, ma'. Am. 21st Precinct. Captain Kennelli, Sergeant Waters on TS. Captain. Yes? I just heard some Bellevue boy died at 11:16. Oh, yes. All right. Well, you won't make it, man. Boy died. Too bad. Yeah, sure is. You are listening to 21st Precinct. A factual account of the way police work in the world's largest city. Within a few minutes after Lt. King went upstairs to his office in the 21st Detective Squad, he called me on the telephone to inform me that he had heard from the Juvenile Aid Bureau. They had no record of a boys club called the Red Tigers. Patrolman Ezra D. Winkler, the precinct youth patrolman, arrived at the house at 12:35 with Detective Goldman. He checked through his files. There they located a record of the Red Tigers which showed that the club was composed of some 10 boys, 13 to 15 years of age. They had met in a basement clubhouse on East 83rd street in the 21st Precinct. The names and addresses of several of the members were on file. There was a big hitch, however. The Red Tigers had disbanded because of a squabble among members and had been inactive since 1949. The boy we were trying to identify appeared to be no more than 14 years old. All the former members of the Red Tigers were now between 18 and 20. It was decided, nevertheless, to check out each of the former members to see if he had any information about the dead boy. By 1pm Detective Goldman and Patrolman Winkler had set about this task. And somewhat later I was in my office busy reading and signing reports out in the muster room. Lieutenant Gorman was on duty as desk officer and Sergeant Waters was still on telephone switchboard. J. 21st Precinct. Sergeant Waters? Yeah. Where is it? Yeah, yeah. Well, what's the bus stop Fenton doing in the hallway there? Who was it? A drunk. All right, I'll send an officer right over there. No, just leave it where it is. Let the officer assent to us. Yes, ma'. Am. All right. You're welcome.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Hey, listen, sergeant.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Is this where I'm supposed to be? I'm Walter Curley.

[Sergeant Waters]

K, E, R, L Y. What do you mean, is this where you're supposed to be? Well, a cop was around my house to see me.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, A fellow named Winkler. Ezra Winkler, I think. Is he from here?

[Sergeant Waters]

That's right. Patrolman Winkler.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, well, I wasn't home. He talked to my sister. Told my sister you wanted some information from me. What kind of information do you know?

[Sergeant Waters]

Sergeant, would you file these? Yes, sir. Captain, are you one of the fellows who used to be a member of the Red Tigers War?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

The Red Tigers? Yeah, that was my club. I used to be a Red Tiger. Well, what's that got to do with. What do you want to me about?

[Sergeant Waters]

I'm Captain Kennelly. Oh, excuse me, Captain. This is Waller Curley. How are you, Walter?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Fine, except this cop was around to see me. He spoke to my sister. He said he wants some information from me.

[Sergeant Waters]

What kind of information do you know? Are either Winkler or Goldman around, Sergeant? No, sir. They both are. Who's up in the detective squad? Nobody. Now. Lt. King went out for a meal. He ought to be back any minute.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, what's this all about anyway? Got me worried, you know. What kind of information is it?

[Sergeant Waters]

Oh, there's Lieutenant King now. Matt.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I got a right to know.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, Captain. Matt, this is Walter Curley. How are you, Lieutenant King?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Hello, Lieutenant.

[Sergeant Waters]

Walter used to be a member of the Red Tigers. Oh, that's all.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Listen, tell me what's so important about the Red Tigers? I haven't even thought of the Red Tigers in four or five years.

[Sergeant Waters]

Winkler was around to see him and he wasn't home. He left a message with his sister. Want to come upstairs with me, Walter?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Why? Why?

[Sergeant Waters]

Just want to show you something.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Listen, I don't know what this is all about, but I didn't do anything.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, we know you didn't, Walter. Captain. Yes, fine, I'll come up. Can you recall all the members of the Red Tigers, Boulder? Well, there were about 10 of us.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

10 kids.

[Sergeant Waters]

Where are they now, do you know?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh, a lot of the guys have moved away from the neighborhood. Some of them I haven't seen for years upstairs. You know, I got out of school and I went to work. I don't see these guys anymore. Maybe one or two of them once in a while. It's a different world I live in now.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, what's the problem? I want to help you out if I can, but I'd like to know

[Sergeant Waters]

what it's all about in here. Go ahead.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Much of life, Captain? I couldn't tell you much.

[Sergeant Waters]

Sit down there. Walter.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah?

[Sergeant Waters]

How did the Red Tigers come to break up?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, you know, it's just one of those things.

[Sergeant Waters]

First of all, we were Getting a

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

little bit too old for that kind of stuff. 15, 16, you know, 13 and 14 is all right, but 15 and 16, you get a little too old. Couple of guys had a big fight

[Sergeant Waters]

over a girl in the neighborhood.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

We split into two factions. Like the big brawl was election night. Boy, we really tore up that club room. They called the cops on us that night.

[Sergeant Waters]

You know, people upstairs, they call the cops.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, we were here, right in the station house. Boy, there was something I carried around

[Sergeant Waters]

a mouse for three weeks.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

This I all after. There wasn't much reason for sociability of Myers. So we just gradually drifted apart. Like I said, we were getting too

[Sergeant Waters]

old for that stuff anyway. Did the club ever have jackets made?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

No. True, we had jackets. We had red and yellow ones with the red tigers across the back there, you know. Boy, did we have to skimp and scrape to get those things. They were $20 apiece. You know how we did it? We had raffles. It was Thanksgiving. I remember we raffled off three turkeys. We made enough for all the jackets.

[Sergeant Waters]

200 bucks.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

That was all right.

[Sergeant Waters]

Forget.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, we were pretty smart.

[Sergeant Waters]

Fun. Where's your jacket, Walter?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

My jacket? Yeah. Well, let's see. I think it's home hanging in a closet still. That'll be too small for me now. Yeah, I was 15, maybe 14, something like that.

[Sergeant Waters]

I've got a jacket in my office, Walter. Just like you to take a look at it and see if it's a red tiger's jacket from your club. Sure, I'll be glad to be right back.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, take your time.

[Sergeant Waters]

Listen, what's this about?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Is somebody in a jam? Somebody who was in a club?

[Sergeant Waters]

Oh, no, nothing like that. Oh, that's good to hear.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

They're a nice bunch of guys. Matter of fact, one's a cop. Horace Brighter. Do you know?

[Sergeant Waters]

No, I'm afraid I don't.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Lived in Rigo park now. Nice guy. Very nice guy.

[Sergeant Waters]

Well, him. Take a look at this.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Waters]

Is this a Red Tiger's jacket?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, the Red Tiger's jacket. What'd you get? Hey, how'd it get torn like that? That's a shame.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, who's is it? Which one of the guys?

[Sergeant Waters]

We don't know. That's what we're trying to find out.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh, you want me to help you with that, huh?

[Sergeant Waters]

There was no name in it?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, no, we didn't like to put names in it because the material was so light. It would show through a little bit, you know. One guy tried it, then he was

[Sergeant Waters]

sorry there's no way you can tell whose this is. Well, there were 10 of us. It must have belonged to one of the 10. That's logical, isn't it? Yeah.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh, let me see that. I couldn't tell nothing by the size. Mostly about the same size. You know kids.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Thanks. For crying out loud.

[Sergeant Waters]

But.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh, I think that's mine.

[Sergeant Waters]

Is it?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, yeah, I think so. You see that ink spot there on the inside? Yeah. I wore it to school one day and I had a fountain pen in my pocket and a cap came off and the ink leaked out a little bit. I remember the spot. Oh, it was sick. It's sick. I think that is mine. I don't remember any of the other guys having an ink spot there. Boy, I could have killed myself that day.

[Sergeant Waters]

I thought you said your jacket was

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

home, hanging in the closet.

[Sergeant Waters]

Oh, yeah.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

That's why I thought it'd work. I'm sure it was. Hey, wait a minute. Yeah, I think, if I'm not mistaken, two or three months ago, my mother said to me, she said, waller, there's a boy upstairs could wear some of your old clothes. You got a lot of stuff hanging around in the closet there. I said, all right, give it away, but don't give any of my new

[Sergeant Waters]

suits away, my new shirts and stuff.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

She said, all right. So I guess maybe she gave it away.

[Sergeant Waters]

There's a boy upstairs.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah?

[Sergeant Waters]

What's the boy's name? Carl.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Carl.

[Sergeant Waters]

Carl Padstow.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah. He lives upstairs in the fourth floor. Carl Padstow.

[Sergeant Waters]

How old is he?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I don't know. About 13, something like that. 14 maybe. I'll get the kid.

[Sergeant Waters]

You know him when you see him?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, sure I know him when I see him. He lives right upstairs and he lived there for a couple of years.

[Sergeant Waters]

Why, Walter, a boy fell off the back of a newspaper truck this morning.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

This kid, that's his, Carl.

[Sergeant Waters]

We don't know for sure. Maybe.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

How is it that he died?

[Sergeant Waters]

Died in Bellevue about 11, 15.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh, he was wearing this jacket.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

That's rough. It's pretty rough. Kids got no business jumping on backs of trucks like that, you know, I

[Sergeant Waters]

did a lot of things.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I did a lot of things when I was a kid. I never did that. You could count on it. Boy, you're taking your life in your own hands there. Do his folks know?

[Sergeant Waters]

Well, we didn't know who he was until just now. We're not even positive about it yet. Oh, we tried to find out who he was before he died so we could get his parents down there to see him, but we couldn't. Would you be willing to go down to Bellevue and take a look at the boy and tell us if it's this Carl?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, if you want me to.

[Sergeant Waters]

I think it'd be a good idea.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

That's too bad.

[Sergeant Waters]

It's rough, you know.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

It's a lot of shame what kids will do.

[Sergeant Waters]

Today a radio call was put out for Detective Goldman. He returned to the station house and took Walter Curley downtown to the city mortuary at Bellevue Hospital, where the young man identified the body of the boy killed that morning as that of Carl Padstow, who lived upstairs from him on the fourth floor of a tenement building at 761 E. 71st St. After the identification was made, Detective Goldman and Walter Curley returned to the station house. Sergeant Waters was instructed to go to the boys home and notify the parents. He took Walter curley and at 3:10pm they walked up the stairs of the building towards the third floor.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I'm telling you, you don't realize it. When you were kid, there were certain things that are dangerous. Yeah, they never learn. They just never learn. That's where I live, here.

[Sergeant Waters]

You're sure your mother's home?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, I guess so. Pat, those are upstairs there in the front.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah, I know.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Mara, come on.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah. Mara.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Mara, bring me your. Walter, can you come in the living room a minute? Ma, what's the matter? Come on, the living room. You'll be right fine. Hey, you want to make yourself at home?

[Sergeant Waters]

No, that's all right.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You could have come in there. Water. I was walking. Oh, excuse me. What's the matter? Walter?

[Sergeant Waters]

My.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

This is Sergeant Watertail.

[Sergeant Waters]

How do you do, Mrs. Kelly?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What did you do? Walter, are you in trouble? No, no, no, I'm not in any trouble, Ma.

[Sergeant Waters]

I didn't do nothing. Doesn't concern him, Mrs. Kelly.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh, that's good. I knew it couldn't. He's a good boy.

[Sergeant Waters]

Mrs. Kelly, do you know Mr. And Mrs. Fatsto upstairs?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Did they do something? What? Martha, just listen.

[Sergeant Waters]

The boy, Carl was killed in an accident this morning.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

No. Yes.

[Sergeant Waters]

That boy.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

That little boy. He's 14. My goodness. My goodness.

[Sergeant Waters]

I have to go upstairs and notify him.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Don't they know yet?

[Sergeant Waters]

No, not yet. He wasn't identified until just a little while ago.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I identified him.

[Sergeant Waters]

Are you acquainted with the mother?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes, I know her.

[Sergeant Waters]

Is she home? Did you see her this morning?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

No, I didn't see her.

[Sergeant Waters]

You know if Mr. Pateau's home?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I didn't see either of them. But it's Sunday. He must be.

[Sergeant Waters]

Mrs. Kelly, we. We always find it best when we notify someone. If something like this, if a neighbor will come along. Would you be willing to do that?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, if you want me, I think it would help. I told you she would. See?

[Sergeant Waters]

All right. I think we better do it as soon as possible.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I'm ready.

[Sergeant Waters]

You stay here. Walla.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Why?

[Sergeant Waters]

I think it'll be best.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Go in the kitchen, get something to eat. Water. Oh, I don't know why I haven't missed any.

[Sergeant Waters]

We'll go right by.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes. Oh, it's a shame. It's a real shame. Upstairs. Yeah, I know a nice, quiet boy. What happened?

[Sergeant Waters]

Fell off the back of a truck.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

A truck? What was he doing on the truck?

[Sergeant Waters]

That's what we'd like to know.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

In front there.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You tell her. I don't want to tell her.

[Sergeant Waters]

I'll tell her.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

She's got nothing now. She'll have less.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah. Who is it? Mr. Pazo? Yeah. I'm a police officer. Mr. Pazo. Here. What is it?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Hello, Mr. Padstow.

[Sergeant Waters]

Oh, hello, Mrs. Kirby. Can we come in? Well, yeah, sure. Thanks. What's the matter with the trouble? I'm Sergeant Waters of the 21st Precinct. Yeah. Is your wife home? Yeah, she's in there. She's getting dressed. Oh. What's the matter? Why do you want to see her? I can talk to you. Yeah? It's about your boy Carl. Carl? What about him? To see him. Trouble. I'm afraid I've got some bad news for you, Mr. Paso. What? A boy hitched a ride on the back of a truck this morning. So? He fell off the back and he was hit by a car. Where is he? He's down at Bellevue. Is he all right? No, sir. He died at. Mark. Martha. I'm sorry, Mr. P. Martha.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Maybe I should get him.

[Sergeant Waters]

Martha.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I'm very all right.

[Sergeant Waters]

Excuse me. Yeah, sure, I'll tell you. Yeah. Mr. Martha.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Poor woman.

[Sergeant Waters]

And the poor man. He's got a teller. 24th Precinct. Sergeant Waters.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

It's sinking.

[Sergeant Waters]

What is it? A freighter. Oh. A barge collision.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

With what?

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah. Yeah, I see. All right. You sent a police launch and an ESC Over. And so it goes. Around the clock through the week, every day, every year. A police precinct in the city of New York. Is a flesh and blood merry go round. Anyone can catch the brass ring or the brass ring can catch anyone. 21st Precinct. A factual account of the way the police work in the world's largest city is presented with the official cooperation of the Patrolman's Benevolent association. An organization of more than 20,000 members of the police department's city of New York. Everett Sloan in the role of Captain Kelly. Ken lynch as Lieutenant King. Featured in tonight's cast were Ethel Everett, Eileen Palmer, Harold Stone, Larry Haynes, Nathan Adams and Jack Grimes. Written and directed by Stanley Nist. Produced for CBS Radio by John Ives. Art Hannah Speaker.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

We're lost. I'm gonna pull over and ask that man for directions.

[Sergeant Waters]

Hi there.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

We're looking to get to the campground.

[Narrator / Advertiser]

Well, you're gonna take a left at the old oak tree end of this here road. No, I'm just kidding. Let me get my phone out.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

How are you getting a signal out here?

[Narrator / Advertiser]

T Mobile and US Cellular decided to merge. So the network out here is huge. We're getting the same great signal as the city and saving a boatload with all the benefits. Oh, and a five year price guarantee. Okay, here's those directions.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Actually, can you point us in the direction of a T Mobile store?

[Sergeant Waters]

America's best network just got bigger. Switch to T Mobile today and get built in benefits the other guys leave out. Plus our five year price guarantee. And now T Mobile is available in US Cellular stores.

[Narrator / Advertiser]

Best mobile network based on analysis by Ukulele of Speed test intelligence data 2H 2025. Bigger network. The combination of T mobiles and US Cellular's network footprints will enhance the T Mobile network's coverage price guarantee on talk text and data exclusions like taxes and fees apply. See t mobile.com for details.