Nearly 1,000 participants showed up on this hot and humid Sunday morning to honor NYPD Hero, Sergeant Keith Ferguson. His mom, Sonia, was in attendance and was thrilled that I stopped by to honor her son.
The NYPD Running Club put together this 8th annual 5K walk/run. Which raises money for scholarships for individuals.
48th Precinct Sergeant, Jose Benitez breezed to victory. He and I talked afterward and he invited me for a visit to his Precinct in a few weeks. Also in attendance was an enthusiastic group of women from Men & Women Who Workout. They cheered for me when I met them and I returned the favor as they crossed the finish line.
Sergeant Ferguson was on patrol in lower Manhattan in January 2004 as part of the NYPD anti-terrorism unit when he heard a foot patrol officer calling for assistance. The officer was chasing a suspect who he had attempted to arrest. Sergeant Ferguson was responding to the scene when his vehicle got stuck in heavy traffic. Sergeant Ferguson exited his vehicle and began to run to the location where the officer needed assistance. When Sergeant Ferguson arrived on the corner of Broadway and Grand Street, with several other officers who had responded to the call, he collapsed on the trunk of a vehicle.
We need to always remember Heroes like Sergeant Ferguson and the sacrifices made to protect our liberties and freedom.

New York City streets free of traffic? Today and for the next two Saturdays, many streets are closed to vehicle traffic, making this city a bicyclist’s dream.
New York City’s streets are open for everyone to play, run, walk and bike. From the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, along Park Avenue and connecting streets you can rock climb at Spring Street, receive a free bike helmet at 51st Street, soar through the air on a zip line at Foley Square or just stroll along and experience the city’s streets in a new way—all for free. I took advantage of this and talked with hundreds of people and had The Kindness Bicycle viewed by thousands. I am often times asked about Bogart and where he is. I can assure you he is being well cared for in Cleveland, Ohio, as attested to, by today’s photo.

Any day that has a heat index of over 100 degrees, I like to get out early and ride so I can be finished by early afternoon. This always is my intention and for once it proved true today.
Firefighter Mark from the Bergen Street Firehouse had loads of questions for me and was helpful with directions in the neighborhood. He even had me relay well-wishes to some of his firefighting family at the St. Johns Place Firehouse.  There is a lot of camaraderie that takes place between these guys.
I made a short visit to the Park Slope Volunteer Ambulance Corps. This group of over 70 active volunteers helps with the overload of going on calls for those in need of assistance.
Jimmy and Herbert were two locals who had a lot to share about how The Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes is important in their community.

The following is a letter I received on the One Million Acts Of Kindness fan page of FaceBook. I am honored to have received such a wonderful letter.
The words “Dedicate your life to a charity,” which are written in two places on The Kindness Bus, are having a profound impact in many lives.

Bob!   How are you?   How is the tour going?   I just wanted to let you know how I am fulfilling my promise to One Million Acts of Kindness.   Last week I moved to Port-au-Prince, Haiti to serve as a volunteer coordinator for 12 months.   I am here now and am loving it.  I am committed to giving myself to the people of the world as a symbol of our united journey.  Thank you for your contribution for my life and the lives of so many.
Matt Woosley

In mid-October, I will begin a bicycle ride around the perimeter of the United States, addressing school bullying, cyber bullying and adolescent suicide. This one year long ride will begin and end in New York City. I will visit five to ten schools per week talking about the need for kindness.

The Firehouse on Hicks Street in Brooklyn, New York is a very busy place, or maybe my timing has just been very bad. I stopped by to pay a visit 5 previous times at this Firehouse, only to find it empty. Not today!
Joe, a Firefighter of 13 years, who was on House watch, answered the door. Joe expressed his gratitude for this ride to honor the Heroes across the country. This Firehouse is in a great neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights. I had more interactions with pedestrians who were out and about on this perfect summer day. I decided that was my cue for the day, to “cruise” the streets on The Kindness Bicycle. The day was filled with conversations with people of all backgrounds. It was one of the days that unfolded on its own to wherever the side streets took me. It was a great way to spend a day.

Since arriving in New York City in early June and visiting over 100 Firehouses and Police Precincts in the neighborhoods they serve, I must have heard from a dozen individuals that I need to visit the New York City Fire Museum. I decided today would be that day.
Damon Campagna, the Executive Director, invited me to his office to share some history on the museum which houses some of the most important firefighting art and artifacts dating back to the late 1700s. Damon showed me around a bit, leaving me time to be alone in their 9/11 memorial. It reinforced my beliefs on who the Heroes and role models are in our society.
The Museum, in conjunction with the New York City Fire Department, also operates a world-class fire safety education program designed to teach participants how to prevent fires within the home and how to protect themselves and escape should a fire occur.
The website www.nycfiremuseum.org is very informative and well worth a visit. The museum is a must-see when visiting New York City.