AND THE AWARDS GOES TO….

Boston Resident, Franklin Miller, Named CRIME FIGHTER OF THE YEAR!

Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Acting Police Commissioner Albert E. Goslin, members of the Boston Police command staff and representatives from other local law enforcement agencies are pleased to honor Boston resident, Franklin Miller, as Crime Fighter of the Year. Today’s ceremony took place at Fenway Park during the “Coffee with the Chiefs” event, an annual National Night Out festivity. 

Franklin Miller is the leader of the Wendover Street Neighborhood Crime Watch Group and has been involved in the Crime Watch program since 2003.

The following is the speech that was read about Mr. Miller:

They are three basic principles that guide Neighborhood Watch groups: Developing relationships with their neighbors, displacing negative activity with positive activity, and partnering with the Police.

Franklin Miller epitomizes these principles. Fed up with violence and drug activity on Wendover Street and in his neighborhood, he began organizing the Wendover Street Neighborhood Crime Watch in 2003.

In response to recent shootings, Franklin repeatedly reached out to his neighbors, taking the time to engage them in conversation and inspiring them to participate in the Neighborhood Crime Watch.  This group has worked to displace negative activity with positive activity.  Their partnerships with the Police and the City resulted in a change of traffic direction, repaving of sidewalks, erection of additional street signs and a Jersey barrier, a strong relationship with the B-2 district Police, and, most importantly, a can-do attitude among members of the group.

Rita, Franklin's wife, said he is "driven to make change happen and is committed to the inner city. . . . Franklin attends up to four community meetings a day; it's his calling, and he knows someone needs to do the work."

On the morning of May 18, Franklin witnessed suspects fleeing after a drive-by shooting and was able to catch the license plate of the vehicle.  He immediately called 911, and because of his quick and detailed response, which he learned at a Neighborhood Crime Watch meeting, the police were able to identify the vehicle involved in the crime and locate potential suspects.

Franklin Miller is named the 2006 Crime Fighter of the Year for his selfless contributions to his street, neighborhood, and our city. His actions state loudly and clearly, violence is no longer tolerated on Wendover Street.

Franklin requested that the residents of Boston "love each other and take action.

For results and pictures of the Top Ten Neighborhood Watch Groups Awards Receptions last night, please visit www.BostonCrimeWatch.com.

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