MY FIRST YEAR IN MARCH FOR DIMES

Written by Larry Davis Jr. (NYC Correction Officer)

This year was my first experience and I must say it was a
wonderfull experience. We all met at Lincoln Square to enjoy refreshments and listen to guest speakers before the start of our marching.

The morning showers disappeared 5 minutes after we started marching and as we continued the sun began to shine. Along the way there were check points that afforded us free samples of beverages and snacks . Positioned at different points of the march were motivation groups cheering for us to continue marching. I interacted and greeted many fellow correction officers with each street we passed.

At the finish line, I witnessed two live marching bands and we regrouped to take our final picture. I promised myself if I was ever lucky enough to have this job I would seek out every opportunity to make a difference. I recommend anyone willing to participate in the near future.

It was a pleasure meeting you Ralph E Smith,

Larry Davis Jr

A PROUD DAY TO MARCH FOR DIMES

Written by Vincent Fuxa ( NYC Correction Officer)

April 27th, 2008 at approximately 9am the NYC DOC employees gathered on Columbus Ave in front of Lincoln Center.  The rain tried to break our spirits but we new that was not going to happen. I found some familiar faces from the correction academy and met some new people from various commands.  I really felt as though I was part of a team seeing all of the blue and yellow shirts of the DOC and friends.  After the New York City Department of Corrections Ceremonial Color guard sang the national anthem and there were some inspirational words from the Super bowl MVP quarterback, Eli Manning, we began “The March For Babies.” 

With the sounds of the DOC Bagpipe band echoing the buildings around Lincoln Center we made our way down 65th street into Central Park.  Cheers arose as we walked through the park and were given a break from the rain as we walked under the many overpasses.   Madison Avenue was full of various checkpoints where volunteers handed out Chap Stick, backpacks with water and granola bars.  The rain finally gave up and this only help quicken the pace.  The volunteers armed with pom poms and stop signs offered words of encouragement like “Your half way there,” or “You can do it.” 

When we got back to the starting point we were met with battling marching bands that thundered back an forth.  NYCD employees of all ranks smiled and mingled waiting for all of us to complete the March. Walking with fellow recruits made it a lot easier and we all vowed to return again next year. It was an honor for me to be a part of the March as well as a department who’s Leaders and Chiefs are out there marching with us.