Harold's Old Time Radio
21st Precinct – “The Jet”
Original Airdate: 1954-10-06
Podcast Episode Release: February 25, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode Overview
This episode of 21st Precinct, "The Jet," delivers a gripping, fact-based dramatization of police work in 1950s New York City. The story follows Captain Frank Kennelly and his officers as they respond to a report of a gas leak, which leads to a rescue attempt of a woman found unconscious from apparent gas inhalation and sleeping pills—an apparent suicide attempt. The program thoroughly showcases the methods, compassion, and dilemma of law enforcement officers as they balance procedure with empathy in the midst of a tense emergency.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Life in the 21st Precinct (00:35–01:50)
- Opening Narrative: Captain Kennelly sets the scene, emphasizing the responsibility and scope of the 21st Precinct, serving 173,000 New Yorkers across a small but busy patch of Manhattan.
- A Busy Night: The precinct deals with multiple incidents, including a fire, mugging, car accident, and armed robbery—portraying the relentless nature of police work.
"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 home, their persons, and their property is the job of the men of the 21st Precinct."
— Captain Kennelly (01:00)
Response to the Gas Leak (02:45–08:30)
- The Emergency Call: Officers respond rapidly to a report of a gas leak (02:45), encountering building superintendent John Parazoni, who guides them.
- Evacuation: Precinct officers organize building evacuations and stress the dangers of causing sparks (doorbells, electrical switches), showing procedural caution.
- Search for Source: The officers methodically check apartments, finally forced to break down a door after identifying the source of the leak in the Happles’ apartment.
- Discovery: Mrs. Margaret Heppel is found unconscious with all burners on and the oven door open—indicative of a suicide attempt (08:20).
"I was going to say ring all the doorbells and get the people out—no, that's no good. A doorbell might cause a spark. Could be an explosion."
— Captain Kennelly (05:51)
The Rescue Effort (09:01–14:00)
- Immediate Aid: Emergency squad and ambulance respond; officers ventilate the apartment and attempt resuscitation.
- Phone Call: Mr. Heppel calls home just as police enter, and is urgently instructed to come back (09:17).
- Police Procedures: The officers demonstrate teamwork and calm under pressure as they work to save Mrs. Heppel.
- Detective Involvement: Lieutenant King and Detective Matt arrive to check if there is any evidence of foul play; the consensus is that all signs point to an attempted suicide, not an accident.
"You'd never think she'd go away with herself or try to."
— John Parazoni, superintendent (09:44)
Interview with Mr. Heppel (15:42–25:00)
- Family Dynamics Explored: While Mrs. Heppel fights for life, the Captain and detectives question her distraught husband about their home life, routine, and possible reasons for his wife's actions.
- Marriage Details: Mr. Heppel appears genuinely perplexed, detailing a routine evening with nothing out of the ordinary.
- Root Cause: Under questioning, he reveals his wife was worried about her only sister, who is in a sanitarium with tuberculosis—possibly a cause for her emotional distress.
- Emotional Tension: Dialogue highlights Mr. Heppel’s agony and confusion, and the officers’ patience and support.
"She's got a chance, Mr. Heppel. A good chance."
— Captain Kennelly (20:21)
"Why would anybody want to do something like this? That's what I can't figure out. What could be your reason?"
— John Parazoni (11:29)
"Wait a minute...she was worried about something...her only sister. Her sister's been in the sanitarium upstate...you think she might have been despondent over her sister?"
— Mr. Heppel (24:49)
The Rescue Succeeds (26:50–27:40)
- Revival: After persistent resuscitation efforts, Mrs. Heppel regains consciousness, disoriented and regretful, expressing vague reasons for her actions—mainly exhaustion and emotional fatigue.
- Next Steps: Emergency services prepare to transport her to the hospital; Captain Kennelly comforts Mr. Heppel.
"I'm sorry. Sorry."
— Mrs. Margaret Heppel in response to her husband (27:28)
"Oh, she was lucky. Very lucky."
— Captain Kennelly (27:40)
Night Moves On (27:40–29:15)
- Return to Business: As Mrs. Heppel is stabilized and taken to hospital, the precinct receives another urgent call—underscoring that, for the 21st Precinct, emergencies and human drama are never-ending.
- Closing Reflection: Narration reminds listeners of the ceaseless, human, and unpredictable nature of police work.
"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."
— Closing Narrator (29:15)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On the unpredictable lives touched by police:
- "Anyone can catch the brass ring, or the brass ring can catch anyone." (29:15)
- Atmosphere of High Stakes:
- "There was no explosion. Yeah. You're never thinking—from her. Nice woman. Very nice woman. You'd never think she'd go away with herself or try to." (09:44)
- On the challenges of family life:
- "You don't have any idea why she'd do something like this?" (24:38)
- On the relentlessness of the job:
- "And so it goes around the clock, through the week, every day, every year..." (29:15)
Timestamps of Key Segments
| Timestamp | Segment Description | |------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 00:35 | Introduction by Captain Kennelly—setting the scene | | 02:45 | The gas leak call is received | | 08:08 | Officers discover Mrs. Heppel’s body | | 09:17 | Call with Mr. Heppel; he is asked to return home | | 11:29 | Superintendent John discusses Mrs. Heppel’s demeanor| | 14:00 | Arrival of ambulance and detective; resuscitation | | 15:42 | Detailed questioning of Mr. Heppel | | 24:49 | Mr. Heppel shares the issue of his wife’s sister | | 26:53 | Mrs. Heppel regains consciousness | | 27:40 | Case resolution and reflection | | 29:15 | Narration—life goes on in the 21st Precinct |
Tone and Language
The episode balances concise police procedural language with moments of empathy, tension, and human vulnerability. The dialogue is direct, often clipped in moments of crisis, but also takes time to gently probe emotional undercurrents. The show’s realism and compassionate approach toward mental health, community responsibility, and the unpredictability of city life are consistently highlighted.
Final Thoughts
“21st Precinct – The Jet” exemplifies classic Golden Age radio drama at its finest: realistic, suspenseful, and deeply human. This episode’s deft portrayal of both professional procedure and private suffering remains resonant, reminding listeners of the countless personal crises quietly managed in the course of daily civic duty.