It was 4 a.m. The night air was still crisp and fresh. I was driving alone on the streets in the city of Pittsburgh, Penn. The stillness was very noticeable. Street and traffic lots seemed to be brighter. Lights inside the residences were not visible. Surely no one was awake. My thoughts were focusing on walking a midnight beat as a young, uniformed Pittsburgh police officer. This is a sight easily remembered, while walking neighborhood beats alone, on a chilly late night and early morning timeframe.

Recalling such a night in the Beechview Section of our #8 police district sparked a memory. Businesses were closed, the taverns had last call and patrons were leaving the area. Before long I was all alone.