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By Tim Baldy. |
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Chicago’s Finest |
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Leonard Baldy |
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Email:#tbaldy@aol.com |
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Top Row; left, Officer Baldy demonstrates the first radar gun in 1954. Right; Baldy entertains a crowd at Kiwanis Club (at one point Leonard made 10 –15 public appearances per week). Second row; left, directing traffic with whistle His animated antics landed him on a TV commercial. Center, a postcard distributed by the department. Right, Preparing to climb aboard the copter. Third row; left, department portrait. Right, advertisement for “Stop or Go” TV quiz program which Leonard co-hosted with personality Ned Locke. Bottom row; left, Copter in flight. Center, 2146 N. Hamlin avenue where Leonard was born and grew up. Right, This simple headstone at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, Illinois marks the final resting place of Chicago’s Finest, Flying Officer Leonard Baldy. |
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“People who couldn’t name the police superintendent knew who Len Baldy was.” - Chicago Police Superintendent Phillip Cline |
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At left: Author Tim Baldy (left ) next to Chicago Police Superintendent Phillip Cline as the city unveils the street re-naming of Leonard Baldy Way on Chicago’s north side May 20, 2006 |
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The life of Flying Officer Leonard Baldy, the first Chicago helicopter police officer, could not have been told better or with more integrity than by his own son Tim Baldy. Anyone living in the Chicago area during the late fifties and early sixties knew of the legendary Officer Baldy. He was a pioneer in traffic safety and community service work, second to none. He single-handedly brought back the dignity and respect of the Chicago police force, which had been in a tailspin from previous departmental scandals. This story is a must-read, not only for Chicagoans, but also for anyone who has ambitions in public service. This reader was once again reminded that when a person seeks to perform real, meaningful work; a career with the sole purpose of helping their fellow man, these people will always and forever be our heroes. Rest in peace and thank you Officer Leonard Baldy. |
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Photo album |
