NAP- Neighborhood Alliance of Pawtucket

I will watch a bit more even as I sip a bit to the new year

It would be easier if we saw some results rather than pats on the butts with those light fines that they make up quicker than they pay them

Dear Big Allan and friends,

Happy New Year.

About 25 years ago, the Cumberland Police practiced a different type of therapy for young drivers who wrecked their cars while OUI/DUI or DWI.

When I was a young Pawtucket Times correspondent who worked the police stations for news stories every day, especially New Years Day, a distraught Cumberland Police officer told me an incredible story of the  tragedy of uncontrolled youth drinking.

On New Years Day, 1983, police were called to a one car accident in North Cumberland.  At the scene, police noticed the car was totally destroyed.  After searching the car for about one hour, police could not find the body.  Backup police  units from other communities immediately scoured the valley area for any remains of the youngster.   After searching the trees, police nearly gave up the search, until   police heard a groaning sound coming from the destroyed car.

Apparently, according the the Cumberland head officer,  the impact of the collision caused the car to be crushed, and the youngster was tossed into the trunk area.  Immediately, the teenager had passed out.   

When the youngster awoke, much to the shock of the cops, police noticed he had a broken leg, but no other injuries.  He immediately asked the Cumberland Police this important question.

"What time is the Miami Dolphins football game on today?"

When I read the police accident report,  the teenager was treated for a broken leg and a black eye.

Out of strange impulse, I asked the head Cumberland police officer about how the young man received the black eye.

He looked at me in his veteran policeman fashion and said, "How do you think?"

In the January 2 story, I did not write about the black eye.   

In conclusion, file this story under "How to Make a Police Cry in Frustration."

Peace,

JIm

Alas the youthful ideas are but wonder of a positive and negative, and we just need to tweak the youth into more positives and have adults help steer and watch youth out of harms way...but we all hope to keep walking one step at a time in most of the right directions