ABOUT
AL SHEPPARD
I
was raised on the west side of Manhattan, NYC. A place
called "Hell's Kitchen". There are several
stories how it received it's name. The most popular
one is that during the Civil War New York City was the
scene of largest civil disturbance in America history.
It was the week of July 4, 1863. The Irish had taken
over most of NYC. This was known as
"The Draft
Riots". They were actually firing artillery in
the streets. The police were calling for reinforcements
to area. The telegraph to the Police Headquarters on
Mulberry Street was "Send help, "It's hotter
then Hells Kitchen up here". This was a neighborhood
in the 1950's that little to offer it's youth. Either
you became a cop, fireman, or a priest. The other choice
was to become a hoodlum or gangster. I took the first of the pick.
I have never regretted it.
I
joined the NYPD in 1969 after serving two years in the
US Army during the Viet-Nam War. I was assigned to the
NYPD Emergency Service Unit in 1974 through 1984. Our
mission was Heavy Rescue and Special Weapons and Tactics.
As a member of the original Anti-Terrorist Team formed by
the NYPD (A-Team). I was the first NYPD Officer to repel
out of a helicopter. In addition ESU performed Hostage
Recovery, Explosive Identification, and Removal.
In 1984 I was assigned to the NYPD Intelligence Division.
Our duties were to protect foreign and domestic officials.
Some of my assignments were protection of Fidel Castro
and the Shah of Iran. This also included providing security
for the President of The United States while working
with the U.S. Secret Service. I was also responsible
for conducting investigations into international criminal
and terrorist organizations.
In 1985 I was assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration,
and designated a U.S. Marshal in addition to my NYPD
rank of Detective. The case I was assigned to was an
international investigation. When the case was over,
all members were "Sworn to a Non-disclosure"
Never to speak about the assignment.
In 1988 I was reassigned to the Major Case Squad of
the Special Investigations Division. My assignments
included Bank Robbery, Kidnappings, and confidential
assignments from the Chief of Detectives Office. My
last case was my most challenging the serial murderer
"Zodiac" in 1991.
My
Awards:
