So we left off at Benny twirling his night stick while walking the beat and now the real action starts.
He’s been a walking the beat for about 7 months along with another rookie cop Robert Briganti, both being city boys they are keenly aware of their surroundings. They are on foot patrol on a cold winter night in February when they observed some unusual behavior from the shoppers and store clerks at the A & P Supermarket. The people in the store were all motionless with the look of fear on their faces. Both rookies feared that if a hold-up was in progress there could be serious injuries if weapons were involved. Benny went into the store while his partner stayed outside . As soon as he entered the store a store clerk knowing Benny spoke Italian, yelled out in Italian that the men just robbed them at gun point. He quickly ran out after them and then heard 3 shots fired towards his partner. He was aware that his partner was not hit and he had a clear target of one of the suspects running into an alley way, he pulled the trigger of his .38 revolver and hit the robber in the buttocks sending him down to the ground. He then apprehending the robber who was holding a .45 caliber revolver and the stolen money. The other suspect was chased and apprehended on a rooftop by the responding police officers.
He and his partner were both given a Medal of Honor for their courage in the face of extreme danger and their concern for the lives of many innocent citizens as they refrained from using their weapons until an opportunity prevailed.
They were also awarded a Certificate of Merit- Police Officer of the Month for the commendable service performed.
This is only in the beginning…He has a long career with many dangerous criminals just waiting to get caught by this true life character Benny who fights for TRUTH-JUSTICE and THE AMERICAN WAY.
Oh and by the way, he still has dreams of chasing bad guys as I often witness him thrashing in his sleep. He always catches the bad guy even in his dreams.
aboutbenny 
That’s Benny!
These stories are absolutely fascinating! I am thoroughly entertained and look forward to each new post!
This is my dad on the left, Robert Briganti! Back in the day as a police officer in Newark, NJ.
Very Cool!
Hi Cheryl, Benny remembers your Dad as they both shared in a heroic day. Benny wanted to know how your Dad is doing. Very best to you and your family.
The “car” was a 1949 Plymouth, which was also extensively used to ‘push’ in the park, while wearing sand bags.