(Ed. note; The following letter was sent to Sixth Precinct Commander George Morrish and is printed here at his request.)

It was New Year's Eve. It was also my birthday. Each year I celebrate both events with friends in Manhattan. Having watched the "ball" drop (from Penn Station), I got on the 12:49 train to Port Washington, gave the conductor my ticket to Great Neck and promptly fell asleep. The next thing I heard was "Manhasset" and I scrambled out the door, past some youngsters who were trying to explain to a non-English speaking rider the distinction between Manhattan and Manhasset. I did not wait to hear the outcome, but climbed to street level to consider my options. The street was proverbially rolled up. There were no taxis. A lady in a station wagon was there to pick up the kids and kindly explained to me that I had missed my stop. I did not wish her a happy New Year.

I know the walk from Manhasset to Great Neck and, on a sunny day, have often taken it. At 1:30 a.m. and in bitter cold I was not looking forward to it. I headed toward Northern Boulevard, hoping for the best. In less than a block, it appeared in the form of a police car complete with driver. At my tap, he rolled down his window and I told him my dilemma. With a quick look, he determined that I was neither drunk nor armed and said, "All right. Get in." Then he called in that he was transporting a woman from Manhasset and, without further ado, proceeded to do so. I jokingly asked him please to drive me around the back of our apartment building, lest some vigilant neighbor should see Mrs. Daniels arriving at 1:30 a.m. in a police car! He laughed and said, "sure, just direct me," and did exactly that. We exchanged names and New Year's wishes. He waited to see that I reached my door and drove off.

His name is Michael McCluskey. I want to thank him once more and to wish you and all your well-trained and efficient precinct a very happy, healthy and safe New Year and all the years to come.

Marion Daniels