In a NYPD State of mind --

So, here's the deal.  There are a LOT of photos from this visit, and our first stop was, as ever, Fort Wadsworth.  we stay in the US Coast Guard barracks and then head over to see our NYPD friends down on the piers for Fleet Week, in Staten Island.

So, courtesy of Chief "D" DiTrani, we once again stayed at Ft Wadsworth.  This is a great chance to see how the troops do it.  We don't get fancy handling here, it is a no stuff, for real barracks room ... With the most secure laundry facility in the country.  lol

But they are always helpful and friendly and a most welcome sight when we roll in in the middle of the night, exhausted from the road.

We want to thank Chief D for making this happen for us again this year.  You rock, bud!  Oh, and we stopped by the deli ... so good!

When we leave the Fort, we always head down to the big ships at the pier.  You need only follow the uniforms to get there during Fleet Week.  Everyone looks so pressed and polished, and they are always polite and helpful to us.

Detective Joe B. was our host at the water this time.  He stood with us as they "swept" our van ... next time we hold out for a vacuuming and wax, too.  ( ;  Once we were cleared, we had the guys assume the position for their Bad*ss shot, and they looked pretty danged good.

And then we were off.  More familiar faces greeted us, as I got to hug Vanessa and all the others who played with us last year.

And just to clear the record here ... Rookie wants it stated up front that no NYPD K-9s were harmed in the shooting of this photo op.  And other than the dog drool, he had a great time!

Thank you to all of the NYPD heroes who came out to join us again this year.  Same time next year?  ( ;  Special thanks to Joe!

lj & the road crew