Badge #1:: True Stories from a Boston Cop

by Frankie Desario

Mobsters. Corruption. The Winter Hill Gang. Informants. The life of a Boston Cop.

Frank DeSario offers a vivid account of his forty-year career in the Boston Police Department. From true stories of the Mafia and gangland slayings, to bussing, race riots, thugs and corruption, Frank reveals what it was like to have a ringside seat at events that made history; the TPF, the Boston Busing Crisis, Barboza and Whitey Bulger.

Along the way, he also touches on the more glamorous side of the job--including acting as the trusted protector and escort to celebrities, religious and political leaders, and other high-profile visitors to the city of The Pope, Miss Shirley McLaine and Tony DeMarco. Engrossing and revealing from the first page to the last, here is a real-world look at life on the beat and behind the badge.

128 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 2007

Reviews

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This won't win the Pulitzer, but it was an engaging, quick read. I enjoyed reading his memories of Boston from an officer's perspective!

[Jerimy Stoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a memoir-style collection of stories written by the police officer who lived the events. The book is about being a Boston Police Officer in the 60's, and continues through the beginning of the 2000's. Some of the stories are funny, and others are very serious. The author puts his own Italian-American voice in the pages, and it is easy to imagine him sitting in a restaurant spinning his yarns while snacking on bruschetta. I really enjoyed learning more about what policemen went through in the 60's and how things changed as time marched on.

[Lisa Feltz · Rating 1 out of 5]

I bought this book curious as to the accuracy of his accounts and I was disappointed that there’s a litany of misinformation. Not even a fact check as to correct street names of the people involved. Its unfortunate that everyone believes its truth if its printed but this book has become my new proof that you cant believe everything you read!!

I am related to two people mentioned in the book and have know many more so I do know what he is talking about and know many of his facts are wrong . Im not informing you of this for any other reason

[Israr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank DeSario was a member of the Boston Police department from the 1950's to sometime in the early 1990's and this book is a recount of his experience serving his city. He was involved in the investigation of criminals such as the likes of Joe "The Animal" Barboza and was caught in the middle of the Busing Crisis. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about police work, crime, the history of the city of Boston or all of the above.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Frankie DeSario for giving us a look into the bravery and sacrifices police officers make. This book was so interesting and I recommend it to anyone who likes books about crime.