In September 2000, the Reverend Betty Neal of the Ministers of Harlem organization and Webmaster J. R. de Szigethy created “Operation: Thumbs Up!” to express support by the residents of Harlem to those Professionals whom on a daily basis risked their lives to protect them.  This program is now being re-launched nationwide.   

Occhipinti, Reverend Neal, and quadriplegic Detective Steven McDonald, who famously forgave the Harlem teen who shot him.      

Whenever you  encounter a Cop, Firefighter, or U. S. Military member, please greet them with a friendly “Thumbs Up” salute. The center photo shows Reverend Neal with Joe Occhipinti, Director of the National Police Defense Foundation and NYPD  Detective Steven McDonald at the original launch of Operation: Thumbs Up!

At 2 a.m. on 9/11, Police Officer John W. Perry could not sleep.  His life was about to change; he would apply later that day for early Retirement  to pursue a second career championing American's Civil Rights. Perry's father was African-American, and he regarded the African-American Reverend Betty Neal as his Spiritual Advisor.  As she always did, Reverend Neal enjoined Perry at the end of their conversation in Prayer.   

9/11 Hero Officer John W. Perry   

Later at NYPD Headquarters, Perry heard the sound of the first hijacked airliner crashed into the World Trade Center.  Perry rushed there where he saved many lives, before losing his own.  Perry was the only one of the numerous members of America's law enforcement community who died that day who was “Off-Duty.”  For America's Cops, there is no such thing as being “Off-Duty;” they all work 24/7!

Download the "We Support Operation: Thumbs Up!" poster onto paper or cardstock for display at your business location.  Let your Clients, Customers, Community, and First Responders know you are Cop-friendly, Firefighter-friendly, and U. S. Military-friendly!  Go to the Thumbs Up! Poster link at the top of this website!

For the viewing of this Feature story, click on the button by this name at the top of this website.  

If you are Cop, Firefighter, or U. S. Military person, and you are in need of support services, click on the Wellness Page button at the head of this website.

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J. R. de Szigethy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Health Education.  He can be reached at: writer10021@aol.com

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