21st Precinct 54-08-25 (059) The Wreck

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: 21st Precinct 54-08-25 (059) "The Wreck"
Date: February 24, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Overview

This episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio" features the 1954 episode "The Wreck" from the police procedural series 21st Precinct. Set in mid-century New York City, the episode follows Captain Frank Kennelly and his men as they respond to a series of calls, culminating in a dangerous accident while en route to a reported fire alarm. The drama provides a realistic, behind-the-scenes look at the daily risks and administrative challenges faced by police officers, emphasizing both technical procedures and the human side of law enforcement.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

The Ordinary Becomes Emergency (00:34–02:58)

• Introduction to Precinct Life: Captain Kennelly outlines his responsibilities in the busy 21st Precinct, overseeing patrolmen, sergeants, and lieutenants and describing routine paperwork and patrol duties.
• Community Tensions: A theater manager, Mr. Sokin, complains of "rowdies" scaring away patrons, highlighting ongoing youth disturbances and the challenges of keeping public spaces safe.

The Call and the Crash (03:30–12:55)

• False Fire Alarm: Kennelly and Patrolman Egan are dispatched in sector car #2 following a fire alarm. While racing to the scene with siren blaring, they are struck by another car at a busy intersection.
• The Crash Sequence: The aftermath is chaotic. Egan is seriously injured, and bystanders attempt to help, while Kennelly maintains composure, gives orders, and secures the accident scene.
  • Notable Quote (06:41):

    "Car 681 to Central. Car 681 at 78th street and Lexington Avenue. We were struck by another car while responding to the alarm of a fire. K681. The operator was injured and possibly the driver of the other car. K."
    — Captain Frank Kennelly

• Immediate Investigation and First Aid: The other driver, Joseph Creedy, is in shock but unharmed. Kennelly questions him thoroughly about the incident.

Investigation and Fallout (13:02–20:29)

• Statistical Reflection on Hazards:

  "As many or more firemen and police officers are killed and injured while responding to alarms as in the course of the fires themselves. An accident while responding to a fire is bad enough. While making a run to a false alarm, it's more than tragic."
  — Captain Frank Kennelly (14:33)

• Detective Interview with Creedy: Creedy insists he didn’t hear the siren. The questioning reveals he travels for work, drives extensively, and has had minor traffic issues in the past.
  • Revelation of Hearing Loss: Pressing further, Lieutenant King and Kennelly determine Creedy has some hearing trouble, which he had not reported when renewing his license.
  • Memorable Moment (19:09):

    Lieutenant King: "You've missed a lot of questions that have been asked you."
    Joseph Creedy: "Yeah, I have some trouble sometimes."

    • This exchange underscores the dangers of unreported disabilities for drivers.

Aftermath and Medical Updates (20:30–28:06)

• Hospital Scenes: Kennelly visits the hospital, where Egan is found to have three broken ribs and a concussion. Kennelly himself is assessed for a head injury.
• Emphasizing Duty and Care:

  "Ordinarily, when a police officer is injured on the job, the commanding officer is required to make a complete investigation of the facts involved to determine if the injury was in the line of duty."
  — Captain Frank Kennelly (21:30)

• Family Impacts: Efforts are made to notify Egan's wife, illustrating procedural thoroughness and the emotional toll on police families.
• Medical Humor and Realism:

  Doctor: "Why, Captain, do I tell you how to catch a thief?"
  Captain Kennelly: "Okay. Yeah. What's the matter?"
  — (24:16)

  • The doctor’s dry humor during Kennelly’s exam lightens the otherwise tense hospital scene.

Resolution and Reflection (28:06–End)

• Relief and Ongoing Uncertainty: Egan regains consciousness, to the relief of Kennelly and the entire precinct.
  • Quote (27:12):

    Doctor: "Oh, yeah. A blue streak, and he's hungry."
    Captain Kennelly: "Well, that's a good sign, usually."

• Final Procedures and Returning to Duty: As the doctor declares Kennelly “temporarily out of service,” the precinct's daily work resumes, underscoring the perpetual cycle of police calls and emergencies.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Police Work’s Scope and Anonymity

  "Most of the 173,000 people wedged into the 9/10 of a square mile...wouldn't know if you asked them that they lived or worked in the 21st."
  — Narrator (01:13)

• On the Risks of Emergency Response

  "Speed has its hazards, as many or more firemen and police officers are killed and injured while responding to alarms as in the course of the fires themselves."
  — Captain Frank Kennelly (14:33)

• On Responsibility and Culpability

  "He’s physically incapable of driving a car. He shouldn’t be driving one without wearing a hearing aid."
  — Captain Frank Kennelly (20:11)

• On the Value of Freedom

  "Every time we have our say in public or in private, we're exercising that law. And exercise is good."
  — Narrator, during the Freedom of Speech segment (13:21)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:34–01:33: Introduction to precinct; set-up of the day's events
• 02:58–03:53: Captain Kennelly speaks with theater manager about unruly youths
• 05:10–07:19: Collision occurs and immediate aftermath, including emergency response
• 13:02–14:29: Reflection on the toll of false alarms and danger of emergency runs
• 16:12–20:11: Interview with Joseph Creedy; discovery of his hearing loss
• 21:30–23:42: Hospital scenes, notification procedures for Egan’s family
• 24:03–27:18: Captain Kennelly’s medical exam and update on Egan’s condition
• 28:06–End: Return to business, closing credits

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Summary of Tone and Approach

The episode's tone is earnest, grounded, and procedural with occasional bursts of dry, wry humor—typical for 1950s police dramas. It remains focused on the teamwork and humanity of the officers, as well as the sometimes-unpredictable dangers of their profession. The dialogue is brisk and authentic, reflecting both the stressful and routine aspects of police work.

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For New Listeners

This episode of "21st Precinct" provides a gripping, realistic look at the inner workings of a mid-century urban police district, emphasizing technical accuracy and the emotional realities of public service. The story is not just about crime but the unforeseen risks that police officers face and the heavy responsibilities of command. It’s a sobering window on how a single false alarm can change lives—and a reminder of the importance of vigilance, honesty, and care within the community.

Transcript

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[Sergeant Waters]

Sergeant Waters. Where's this?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, yeah.

[Sergeant Waters]

Well, you need an ambulance there. Which car is involved and whose height

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

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.

[Sergeant Waters]

All right. There's an ambulance on the way. I heard the radio call. That's right. It's all taken care of. Okay, I'll make the notifications.

[Narrator]

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.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

The 21st. 160 patrolmen, 11 sergeants and four lieutenants, of whom I'm the boss. My name is Kennelly. Frank Connelly. I'm captain in Command of the 21st. I was working my night tour when I came into the Station House at 3:25pm I signed the blotter and went directly into my office where I changed a uniform. Then I sat down at my desk to sift through the volume of reports and communications that had accumulated since I was last on duty nearly 24 hours earlier. At two minutes before four, I walked out into the muster room where I went behind the desk and turned out the platoon for the 4 to 12 tour. After the 63 men who had patrolled the streets of the precinct on foot and in sector cars marched out the front door of the station house to take over their posts, I returned to my office for a conference with the precinct youth patrolman in regard to the problems he would face with the reopening of the Schools. A couple of weeks hence he outlined his program for the fall and I gave my approval to his plans. At 5:30pm I went on patrol of the precinct in sector car number two with patrolman Paul Egan as operator and myself as recorder. During the course of this patrol I had occasion to make a stop at a movie house on Lexington Avenue in regard to several complaints we had received. I found the manager in the back of the theater and spoke to him there while the newsreel was playing on the screen.

[Mr. Sokin (Theater Manager)]

Captain, believe me, I don't want a rowdies in here. I wish they wouldn't show up.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, they're certainly beginning to scare your regular patrons away.

[Mr. Sokin (Theater Manager)]

You're telling me.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Here.

[Mr. Sokin (Theater Manager)]

Here's the part of the newsreel I was telling you about. A flat look from Paris. How do you. How do you like those new st? That's a scream, isn't it? Pencil figure they call it. It's a shame there isn't more people here to enjoy it.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, there'll be even more of them. Stay away. Mr. Sokin, if you can't keep the

[Mr. Sokin (Theater Manager)]

disturbances down in here, what can I do? They seem like nice clean kids when they buy their tickets at the box office. They get in here, they start making a lot of noise and disturbing the patrons. There's usually five or six of them in a lump. I got myself and one usher. I try to calm them down, but there's some odds we're against.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, just call the station house, Mr. Sugan. We'll get them quiet or out or both.

[Mr. Sokin (Theater Manager)]

Well, that's something I'd like to avoid, Captain. You know, cops coming in here, that don't look good.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Situation like that doesn't look very good now does it?

[Mr. Sokin (Theater Manager)]

Got a big point, Captain.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Big point. I'll take your advice.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Is.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Is that cop looking for you? Oh, yes, egan here.

[Doctor]

Look, Captain McCall just came over.

[Narrator]

Alarm of a fire at 83rd street and First Avenue.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right, Egan. Keep in touch with us if you need us, Mr. Sokin.

[Mr. Sokin (Theater Manager)]

I will, Captain, I will.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You can depend on it. I hope so. Well, I'll see you, Captain.

[Narrator]

See ya.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Okay. What's burning there, Egan? Do you know the.

[Doctor]

Call it and say Captain.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Okay,

[Sergeant Waters]

go ahead.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh, was the call put out, ambulance responding?

[Doctor]

No, sir.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right, we'll take a look.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Yes, sir.

[Doctor]

Oh, get in, Captain. I'll go around.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Right.

[Narrator]

I hope it's not a dwelling there.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, if it's bad they'll hit the second alarm.

[Lieutenant King]

Okay, go ahead.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You're clear. Cut over and go up first. There'll be less traffic. Yes, sir. This looks clear. Okay, take it. Watch it.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Watch that car.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Get out of the way.

[Bystander/Witness]

Hold on, Captain.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh. Four, nine, one.

[Sergeant Waters]

Call your office.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

K. Egan. Egan.

[Bystander/Witness]

Officer, are you all right in there? Officer Egan. Officer,

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

can you open that door, lady, this one's jammed. I'll push from the inside and we'll. We'll try together, all right? All right, together.

[Bystander/Witness]

It won't work.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

There it goes. Are you all right, Egan?

[Bystander/Witness]

Oh. Oh, my goodness.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Is anybody hurt? You all right? All right, you. You folks better stay back.

[Bystander/Witness]

Oh, that poor man.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right, just. Just stand back a little. You weren't driving that car, were you?

[Bystander/Witness]

No, no, he's in there. He's still sitting in there.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

How is he?

[Mr. Sokin (Theater Manager)]

I don't know.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right, stand back, folks.

[Bystander/Witness]

Is he going to be all right, do you think?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Just. Just give us a little room here, huh? I heard what he said.

[Bystander/Witness]

Come on, there.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Give him a little room. Car 681 to Central. Car 681 at 78th street and Lexington Avenue. We were struck by another car while responding to the alarm of a fire. K681. K. The operator was injured and possibly the driver of the other car. K.

[Bystander/Witness]

Are you all right? You don't look so good.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh, I'll be all right.

[Bystander/Witness]

You want to get out?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, I'll. I'll get out. Just a second, Egan. Look, will one of you people grab hold of my hand? I. I've got to climb over some

[Bystander/Witness]

of you men help them. Don't stand.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Okay, lady.

[Doctor]

Come on.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

I got you.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Come on. Easy. Easy now.

[Bystander/Witness]

Are you all right?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, I'm okay.

[Bystander/Witness]

But you're sure now?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I'm all right, Egan.

[Bystander/Witness]

Oh, my goodness. Can I do something for him? What can I do?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

And the ambulance will be here right away. You better just let him stay there.

[Bystander/Witness]

Such a nice looking young man.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

If he comes around, will you let me know? I want to talk to the driver of the other car.

[Bystander/Witness]

But you're sure you're all right now? You don't look so good.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes, I'm all right. Are you hurt?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

No, I don't think so. I'm just a little bit shaken up, that's all, I think.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What's your name?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Creedy. Joseph L. Creedy.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Where do you live?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

33 West 79th Street.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You're supposed to pull over when you hear a siren. What? You're supposed to pull over and stop when you hear a siren.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

I didn't hear it. I'm sorry.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You were right on top of it.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

I didn't hear it.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Didn't you see the police car making the turn?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Yes, I saw it, but it was too late. I tried to stop it. It was just too late. Is the other policeman hurt?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

It looks like he's hurt, yes.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Oh, that's too bad. That's. That's very bad.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

There's an ambulance on the way. Were you heading home?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Yes, about 11 years.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I asked you if you were heading home.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Oh, I'm sorry. I misunderstood you. I thought you asked it. I've been driving long? No, I was. I was going to pick up a friend of mine. We were going out to dinner. Oh, she lives on East 66 Street.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Have you had anything to drink, Mr. Creedy?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Oh, no, I haven't had a thing to drink. Nothing. I. I don't drink much.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right, you stay right here.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

What'd you say, sir?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I said you stay right here. Stay in your car.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Yes, all right. I hope he's not hurt bad.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

So do I.

[Narrator]

Well, there.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

There's some more policemen.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes, I know.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

I'm sorry. I'm really awfully sorry.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right, all right. You just sit here.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Yes, I will.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Captain.

[Mr. Sokin (Theater Manager)]

Captain, are you all right?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Yes. Mercado?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I think so. The ambulance is on the way. Egan is hurt. Sergeant. Did you take a look at Egan?

[Sergeant Waters]

Okay. I think he's hurt pretty bad. Must have hit up against the wheel.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What happened, sir? Well, we were responding to the alarm of a fire siren open. Egan was making a turn into this street. This fellow didn't stop. He hit us broadside, knocked us against the light pole. Are you sure you're all right? Yeah, yeah. I got a little bump on the head, but I don't think it's anything. What is he drunk or something? He claims he hasn't had a thing to drink. He's on his way to pick up a friend. Claims he didn't hear the siren. His car's a mess. He's not hurt, is he?

[Narrator]

No.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Are you sure you're all right, Captain? I'm okay. Let's go over there. Yes, sir. Boy, it'll be a long time before this car's back in service. All right, come on, let's through there, will ya? Let's through. Let's move. There's nothing to see here. Give em a little air, huh? Did he come around, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Waters]

No, sir, he didn't.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right, move along.

[Sergeant Waters]

Are you all right?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, I think so. Mercado, would you reach in there and get my cap for me? Yes, sir. Egan. Egan. Here you are, Captain. Nice. Marcado. Get those People, back on a sidewalk. All right, folks, come on, let's go. Let's get back. Give the man a little air. He just rammed into us. If he didn't hear us, he should have seen us.

[Sergeant Waters]

Egan's not breathing very heavy. No, but he's breathing.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Would you go to the call box there, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Ring the desk officer and tell him what we've got.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Right away, Captain. Marcado. Yes, sir. Get ready to give him a hand. Right, sir.

[Bystander/Witness]

Hey, hey, hey. Do you think he's going to be all right?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes, I hope so.

[Bystander/Witness]

So do I. But he doesn't look very good to me. Not very good at all.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Now, look, you better stand back. Up on the sidewalk, lady.

[Bystander/Witness]

I'm sorry. I didn't realize.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, just. Just stand up.

[Mr. Sokin (Theater Manager)]

All right.

[Bystander/Witness]

All right.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Come on now. Let's have a little room in there. Little room. All right.

[Doctor]

All right. Open up right there, huh? Hello, Captain.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Hello, Doctor.

[Doctor]

Let's have a look at him. Yeah.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What's it look like, Doctor?

[Doctor]

It's hard to tell a thing here. All right, let's put him on.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You want me to get him on his feet?

[Doctor]

Let's take him out head first, all right?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Or however you want it.

[Narrator]

You.

[Doctor]

You grab his feet as he comes out. Yes, sir.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Okay, I'll do that.

[Doctor]

All right, Officer. Easy with him now.

[Narrator]

Easy.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I've got him.

[Lieutenant King]

Easy now.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Up, up.

[Doctor]

I get his feet. Don't let him fall.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Okay, Jack.

[Doctor]

Okay, I got him. All right, put him on. Put him on now.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

That's it.

[Sergeant Waters]

Easy.

[Doctor]

All right, now up into the ambulance, huh?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Come on. I got this end. Okay, grab that end down there, will you?

[Doctor]

That's it. Easy with him.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Doctor, I want you to take a look at the driver of the other car there. Yeah, he says he's all right.

[Doctor]

I'll look at him. Come on.

[Sergeant Waters]

Easy there.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Thanks, Doctor. Captain. Good, son.

[Doctor]

Excuse me, Captain.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes?

[Doctor]

You want the other driver to go to the hospital?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, if you think he should.

[Doctor]

All right, I'll have a look at him.

[Sergeant Waters]

What do you say about Egan?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

He can't tell a thing yet. Oh, did you tell the desk officer what we've got?

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir, and he told me something, too.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What?

[Sergeant Waters]

The fire you were responding to, Captain.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Waters]

It was a false alarm.

[Narrator]

You are listening to 21st Precinct, a factual account of the way police work in the world's largest city.

[Narrator (Freedom of Speech Segment)]

You have a horrible feeling that something is wrong. When the radio goes dead, you turn on the television set. Nothing there either. You walk out on the street to look for your Newspaper. But it isn't on your porch, your front lawn. No place. And then you notice the silence all around you. No voices.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Not a one.

[Narrator (Freedom of Speech Segment)]

The theater lights are off. The public auditorium is boarded up. You're frightened. You don't know what's wrong. I'll tell you what's wrong. You've just found out what it would be like to live under a system of government that controls the freedom of speech. There are such systems in the world today. But a group of men took care that it wouldn't happen to you. They did their work 165 years ago when they wrote the Constitution and the Bill of rights. In the first article of those 10 original amendments, they said, congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech or of the press. Those men, men like Franklin and Jefferson, made it official, made it a law. Every time we have our say in public or in private, we're exercising that law. And exercise is good. If someone else doesn't like what we say, he's entitled to his own opinion. And he's entitled to voice it just as loudly and clearly as he wants. That's guaranteed by our Constitution, by our Bill of Rights. Freedom of speech. It's one of our freedoms.

[Narrator]

Now back to 21st Precinct and Captain Kennelly.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

In any calendar year, there are more than 78,000 fire alarms in the City of New York. The essential factors in fighting a fire are promptness of discovery and the speed with which firemen arrive on the scene. To each of these alarms, no less than four pieces of fire department apparatus and two police cars respond with the required speed. But speed has its hazards, as many or more firemen and police officers are killed and injured while responding to alarms as in the course of the fires themselves. An accident while responding to a fire is bad enough. While making a run to a false alarm, it's more than tragic. And during the last year, there were 13,981 false alarms in the City of New York. After a determination was made by the ambulance surgeon that the driver of the car which collided with our automobile was not injured, the ambulance left for Bellevue with Patrolman Paul Egan. I remained on the scene until detectives arrived from the 21st squad of the Manhattan East Homicide Squad and which sends specialists to make technical investigations in all serious motor vehicular accidents. Sector car number four came by for me and took me back to the station house. There, Lieutenant Gorman, the desk officer, reported that he had been in touch with Bellevue Hospital in regard to the condition of Patrolman Egan. The officer had not yet regained consciousness and at 6:20pm was still in the X ray room. I went out for a meal and when I returned at 10 minutes after 7 I went directly upstairs to the 21st Detective Squad where Joseph L. Creedy, the driver of the other car had been brought for questioning by Lieutenant Matt King, the squad commander. Is Lieutenant King in his office?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Engineer, Captain, 21st quad. Call back about an hour. Captain Kelly. Hello, Matt. Captain Mercado. Captain.

[Lieutenant King]

Captain, you know Mr. Creedy.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh, yes, yes.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

How's the policeman, captain, did you hear anything?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, he's still unconscious.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Oh, you don't know how bad I feel about this.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

We all feel bad, Mr. Creedy.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Yes.

[Lieutenant King]

What's your occupation, Mr. Creedy?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

What'd you say?

[Lieutenant King]

What do you do for a living?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Oh, I'm a salesman.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What do you sell?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Light metal extrusions.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What's that?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Well, it's parts used by manufacturers in making almost anything. Usually aluminum or aluminum alloy. Instead of molding the metal, an extrusion is made by pushing a heated bar through a die. Comes out whatever shape is desired. You know, it's something like your wife does when she. When she makes cookies. Same principle.

[Lieutenant King]

Is it a New York farm you work for?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Oh, no, it's Chicago. I represent them in the middle Atlantic states. That's my territory.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You travel a lot, sir? I asked you if you traveled a lot.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Oh, yes, all through my territory. I'm in the New York metropolitan area one week out in my territory, the next.

[Lieutenant King]

Ever had an accident before?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

No.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Nothing serious. I banged up a fender once or twice getting in and out of tight parking spaces but nothing where anyone was hurt. I drive about 40,000 miles a year too. I travel in my car.

[Lieutenant King]

Ever been arrested for a traffic offense, Mr. Creeding?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Not in New York.

[Lieutenant King]

Where have you been arrested?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

I was given a ticket in Connecticut. In Ridgefield once for passing a stopped school bus. I. I thought it had started up again.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

When was that?

[Sergeant Waters]

Recently.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

$25.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I asked when it was, Mr. Creedy.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you asked how much I was fined. It was three years ago, about.

[Lieutenant King]

And that's the only time you were arrested on a traffic offense?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

I wasn't even arrested then. He just gave me a ticket to the state trooper.

[Lieutenant King]

You ever arrested on any other occasion for any other offense?

[Doctor]

No, never.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Never in my life.

[Lieutenant King]

Not even for another traffic offense?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

No, that was the only time.

[Lieutenant King]

Did you see the police car before you hit it, Mr. Creeding?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Yes, I saw it. It was too late to stop. I tried to, but it Was too late.

[Lieutenant King]

Captain, you were proceeding on Lexington Avenue with a siren wide open, is that right?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes, it had been open for about two blocks.

[Lieutenant King]

Didn't you Hear the siren, Mr. Creedy? Is that why you failed to pull over and give him the right of way?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

I didn't hear the siren.

[Lieutenant King]

You're aware that it's the law that you must pull to the right stop and give an emergency vehicle the right of way?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Absolutely.

[Lieutenant King]

Why didn't you do it this time?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

I didn't hear the siren, Mr. Creedy.

[Lieutenant King]

A siren is designed to be heard by everyone.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

I didn't hear it.

[Lieutenant King]

It's no excuse, you know.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

I'm not looking for any excuse, Lieutenant.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Mr. Creedy, are you hard of hearing? No. You are, aren't you?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

What gives you that idea?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I don't see how anyone could not hear the siren that close to it.

[Lieutenant King]

Have you ever had any trouble with your ears, Mr. Creeding?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You've missed a lot of questions that have been asked you.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Yeah, I have some trouble sometimes.

[Lieutenant King]

How are you able to get an operator's license?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Well, I had the license before I had any trouble. I just kept on getting renewals.

[Lieutenant King]

Aren't you aware of the fact that the renewal application inquires if you have any trouble hearing any new physical disability?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Yes, I'm aware of it.

[Lieutenant King]

You failed to tell the truth when you filed your renewal application, is that right?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

I hear all right most of the time. It's just on occasion that I have any trouble or I. Or I missed something.

[Lieutenant King]

It was a pretty big occasion when you missed hearing that siren, wasn't it, Mr. Creedy?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Yes, I. I suppose it was.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You don't have to suppose, Mr. Creedy.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Were you talking to me, sir?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

No, Mr. Creedy. I'm going down to the hospital, man.

[Lieutenant King]

I'll walk out with you, captain.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Okay, man.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

I hope he comes out of it all right.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

If I were you, Mr. Creedy, I'd not only hope, I'd pray that he does. Well, are you almost finished with him, man? Yeah.

[Lieutenant King]

I'm gonna have Mikado book him right away. Man really bought himself some trouble, didn't he?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, I don't feel sorry for him. He's physically incapable of driving a car. He shouldn't be driving one without wearing a hearing aid.

[Doctor]

Yes, sir.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

You're right.

[Lieutenant King]

How do you feel?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right.

[Lieutenant King]

You were lucky to come out of it okay.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Little bump on the head, that's all.

[Lieutenant King]

Did it bother you?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh, I had a headache. When I got back to the station house, I took a couple of aspirin

[Lieutenant King]

Maybe you ought to have it looked at, Captain.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

No, it's okay.

[Doctor]

Yes?

[Lieutenant King]

You going down to the hospital?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, right now. I want to be back by 10. The borough chief said he might visit the precinct tonight if there's any change in Egan's condition.

[Lieutenant King]

Will you call me direct, captain?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, Matt, I sure will. I went downstairs to the muster room where Lieutenant Gorman, the desk officer, told me that the 34th Precinct, in which Patrolman Egan resided, had been unable to reach his wife to notify her of the accident. A babysitter told the notifying officer that she had gone to the home of a friend in the Bronx and was not expected home until shortly before midnight. The babysitter gave the notifying patrolman the address of the friend, and the 44th Precinct was asked to make the notification. Sector car number three came by the house to drive me to Bellevue. Ordinarily, when a police officer is injured on the job, the commanding officer is required to make a complete investigation of the facts involved to determine if the injury was in the line of duty. In this case, I was aware of the facts of my own knowledge, and I entered them into the blotter at the hospital. It was my intention to see the injured member of my command to make sure he got proper care and. And to wait for his wife. Patrolman meister drove the RMP car into the hospital grounds at 30th street in Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive. He parked the car adjacent to K building, and I instructed him to wait. I walked into the emergency ward in I building and through the corridor where I saw Sergeant Waters waiting. Sergeant. Oh, hello, Captain Azegan. Did you hear?

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Waters]

The district surgeon is here. He told me he saw the X ray pictures. He's got three broken ribs from where he hit the steering wheel.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh. What about his head?

[Sergeant Waters]

It's a bad cut. No fracture. Possible concussion. That's why he hasn't come around yet, the way I understand it.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What are you doing down here?

[Sergeant Waters]

Well, I was over at the division, officer. I thought I'd check on Egan as long as I was nearby.

[Doctor]

Good.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, get rolling as soon as you can.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir. How do you feel?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right. A little headache before, but I took a couple of aspirin.

[Sergeant Waters]

Feeling all right now?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, I'm all right. Why?

[Sergeant Waters]

I was just wondering. The district surgeon wanted to see you when you got here. He asked me to tell you.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh, I want to see him too. Where is he?

[Sergeant Waters]

Down there in the office.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You know? Yeah. Oh, Sergeant, would you go out to the car and tell Meister to come in and wait around for Mrs. Egan. I don't want to miss her.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir, I'll tell him.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

It's that little office there, isn't it?

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right.

[Sergeant Waters]

Right past the light there.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh, all right. Yes, Captain Kelly. Come in. Hello, Doctor.

[Doctor]

Oh, Captain.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

How's Egan doing?

[Doctor]

He'll be all right. I think he's beginning to stir around some.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

That's good.

[Doctor]

Three fractured ribs. The head injury is a possible concussion, but I think he'll be okay. Sit down.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, I don't want to miss Egan's wife, Doctor.

[Doctor]

You won't miss her. Sit down.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, all right.

[Doctor]

How do you feel?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right.

[Narrator]

Pretty good.

[Doctor]

Which, all right or pretty good?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right.

[Doctor]

Now, let's see that bump on your head.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh, it's nothing.

[Doctor]

Then it won't hurt to look, will it?

[Sergeant Waters]

Watch it.

[Doctor]

Tender, huh?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, a little bit. Well, it's not bad. Wait a minute. What's that for?

[Doctor]

Nothing. I just want to shine this flashlight in your eye, look over my right shoulder and keep looking there even after I take the light away. Okay? Why, Captain, do I tell you how to catch a thief?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Okay. Yeah. What's the matter?

[Doctor]

Nothing. Now let's try the other eye.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What are you looking for?

[Doctor]

Just look over my left shoulder.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right, go ahead.

[Doctor]

Okay. Stand up.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What's the idea?

[Doctor]

We've got to wait anyway, don't we? Come on, stand up, Captain.

[Narrator]

All right.

[Doctor]

All right. Put both hands out in front of your, palms down. That's it. Now spread your fingers. Turn your hands over. Palms up. That's it. All right. Now back.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What are you looking for?

[Doctor]

You can't find anything until you look, can you?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

No.

[Doctor]

All right, put your feet together. Toes together, too. Now your hands down at your sides. Close your eyes. That's it. Now hold it there for a second. Hold it there. All right, you can look now.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

It's just a little bump on the head.

[Doctor]

Yeah. Sit down, Frank.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Look, I'm all right.

[Sergeant Waters]

I know.

[Doctor]

Cross your left leg over your right. That's it.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What are you doing? Testing my reflexes?

[Doctor]

Something like that.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

There, you see? I've still got a lot of bounce.

[Doctor]

But you don't know whether it's good or bad, do you? Cross your legs the other way. That's it.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I'm okay. There's nothing wrong with me.

[Doctor]

Okay. Now open your mouth. And very deeply breathe in and out until I tell you to stop.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Now look, Doctor. Go ahead.

[Doctor]

Okay.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Feel a little dizzy? No, not at all.

[Doctor]

You should excuse me. Hello? Yes. Yes, I see.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right.

[Doctor]

I'll be right back there. Yeah, in a minute. Well, Egan has regained consciousness.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh, good. Come on, then. You think he'd be all right?

[Narrator]

Oh.

[Doctor]

Oh, sure. Your headache's gone away.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I took a couple of aspirin

[Doctor]

that way. Captain.

[Joseph L. Creedy (Driver)]

Captain.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Waters]

I've got Eisen waiting down at the main desk for Mrs. Egan.

[Narrator]

Good.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

He regained consciousness.

[Sergeant Waters]

Oh, Is he going to be all right, Doctor?

[Doctor]

I think he'll be fine. This way.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You can't be too careful with these cases, can you?

[Doctor]

That's the point, Captain. We've got to be.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh, did they say he was talking?

[Doctor]

Oh, yeah. A blue streak, and he's hungry.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, that's a good sign, usually.

[Sergeant Waters]

This will be good news for his wife.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

It sure will, Sergeant. How many children does he have, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Waters]

You know, two, I think.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah. Yeah, that's right.

[Doctor]

Where'd his wife have to come from?

[Sergeant Waters]

Well, they live in Washington Heights, but she was visiting in the Bronx. She was notified there at a friend's house.

[Doctor]

That can be an awfully long trip downtown when you hear your husband's been hurt.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes, it sure can. A doctor.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Waters]

Don't they have Egan down there? Down that corridor?

[Doctor]

Yes, but I'm not going there yet. I want to get some X rays of that thing the captain carries around in his shoulders.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I'm all right. What are you talking about?

[Doctor]

I'm a skeptic, Captain. Sergeant, notify the desk officer that the captain is temporarily out of service.

[Sergeant Waters]

21st Precinct. Sergeant Waters. Wait a minute.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Just a second. Burglars?

[Sergeant Waters]

Where?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Sergeant Waters]

Well, what is that? An apartment house. Well, did you see them? What?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah. All right.

[Sergeant Waters]

Well, don't worry about that. We'll take care of it. No, you stay right there.

[Narrator]

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, City of New York. Everett Sloan in the role of Captain Kennelly. Ken lynch is Lieutenant King. Featured in tonight's cast were Anne Marie Geier, Harold Stone, Louis Nye, Frank Marth and Ralph Camargo. Written by Stanley Niss and directed by Howard G. Barnes. Produced for CBS Radio by John Ives. Art Hannah. Speaking.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television.