PAX Centurion - March / April 2015

Page 20 • PAX CENTURION • March/April 2015 617-989-BPPA (2772) Life is too short! O n March 30, 2015, the Boston Police Department retired one of their finest Police Officers. I know this publication is written for Patrolmen by Patrolmen, but Brian Fleming, (pictured center) although a Sergeant by rank, was always a Police Officer first and looked out for the welfare of Patrolmen first and always. I am one of the lucky ones, I first met Brian too many years ago to mention, in High School at CM. Let's just say those were wild and crazy times and who would have ever thought that he or I would have ever ended up wearing blue representing this Great City. Forgive me I digress, anyway as I was saying, Brian worked his last full tour as a Boston Police Officer on March 30, 2015. Brian had a pretty storied career; both downward and upward, those that know him are aware of which I speak. I count myself as one of the fortunate people that actually witnessed the rebirth of a human being which led to who this man is today. A Cop's Cop and a Gentleman always, this guy will take a secret to the grave and never give up on anyone! I could spend hours and write pages, but suffice it to say; he is a good guy! The Boston Police Department's loss will be McLean Hospital’s gain. Brian will not fade off into the sunset, he is taking a position with McLean Hospital. He along with the likes of, (two more stellar characters and good guys), Moe Smiddy and Tommy Famolare will continue to help and be of help to those within the public safety sector that need it. They have all been retained by the Hospital's ‘LEADER’ Program, (Law Enforcement Active Duty Emergency Respond- ers). I am very pleased that we have, as Law Enforcement Officers, By Patrick M. Rose, BPPA President these additional resources to add to our own heralded Boston Police Department Peer Support Unit. I have enclosed a brief farewell from Brian. On a personal note, Thank you Brian, from EVERYONE whose life you touched!… “32 years ago today, I entered the Boston Police Academy at the Mass. College of Art on Huntington Avenue. If you told me then how my career was going to unfold I would never have believed it. From my first walking beat in D-4 to MOP escorting President Reagan to the Eire Pub in 1984 to my downfall and termination in 1985. After three years of being coached by the officers at the “Stress Unit” on how to live right and being reinstated to the job I was on a new path. It was then that I began to learn what the important things in life were; family, health etc. After spending 11 combined years in MOP as a patrol officer and supervisor, I was transferred to the Range and against my better judgement as Director of the Peer Support Unit which was the most rewarding by far. Being able to help people with the resources available by virtue of the position was very valuable. I will never forget the experience of being at the Marathon staging area after the bombing and the weeks that followed working nearly around the clock. Since being transferred to the Academy a year ago, I have been able to get fit physically, mentally and spiritually and I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones, entering retirement and able to enjoy it. I want to thank all those who have helped me through my career and to those I have offended I apologize. Life is too short! Good Luck and stay safe….” – Sgt. Brian R. Fleming (BPD - Ret.)