There's been some pretty intense rioting in Belfast. According to one report, 34 policemen have been injured. Has anyone heard from Vince?

Hope he's OK.

Nick

Sorry, haven't been up on my feet and back online much yet. This is the first I've heard of it. Seems like our tv news folks know of nothing beyond New Orleans right now. Horrible as that situation is, I am amazed that I haven't heard of this yet. I know Vince is a week or more from retiring from the police, so I hope he's out of harms way.

Vince, may you and those you care about be safe. I know you have many friends in the force there.

Vince has called me each day the last couple days since my surgery, including yesterday. I'll try to contact him and make sure he is alright.

Here is a news article on reuters uk that has more info about the riots.

Hi Guys,

Things are pretty bad here at the moment, and the level and intensity of violence and malice is grim....and spreading as the days go on over the weekend to many areas. Iam not involved...I retire in 3 days and have no intention of getting involved. I have been through this type of situation countless times particularly in my current area an rank over the last 5 years. Luckily despite desperate situations neither me or any of those close to me suffered serious injury, I ran a tight ship, did what had to be done but looked after my officers.

So thanks for the thoughts for my well being, they are greatly appreciated, but I am well,as are my family and intend...not ...to get involved.


Love....and cheerio for now..Vincent

It goes without saying that I am relieved, dear. Yes, you have done your share of this kind of work, more than anyone should have to. I knew you said you were behind a desk mostly these days with the retirement coming soon. I'm just glad that emergency situations didn't change that.

Thanks for getting back to us so quickly. I wish peace to your city, as many have been wishing for so very long.

much love

Behind a desk...lol ...I'm at home darlin and have no intention of going back except to say good bye!!! My station and area of command is smack dab in the middle of some of the worst of this current mess in East Belfast....I am hosting a lunch time farewell get together on Wedenesday in my conference room, hopefully it will be able to go a head despite the troubles. It's my party and I intend to have my final say to all concerned and my bosses too!!!

Again thanks Nick and David for your thoughts, whilst part of me wishes I was there helping the police do a better job....I have let go and accept my future now lies elsewhere and there is no point getting hurt at this late stage in the game!!

Vince,

Hurray! I'm so happy to hear you are OK. I was worried there for a time and could picture Vince in the middle of a mob wielding his billy club with abandon. (Buddy, you know just when to "retire.")

Have a great party! And best wishes on any new endeavors you undertake.

Best wishes to your partner and son.

Nick

LMAO....I was clearing out my office a couple of days ago and found a pick axe handle and baseball bat( billy sticks!?)...what fond memories they brought back of the guys that tried without success to beat me sensless with them...Now I have them as trophies of times I over came adversity and survived to fight another day...ahhh happy times ....I now keep one at the front door and one at the back....you never know when they might come in handy...we getv v v big spiders this time of the year and David ,my partner needs something to defend himself with...chuckle.