"Work in partnership to fight crime, reduce fear, and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods," not only paraphrases the Boston Police Department's mission statement, but describes the work and accomplishments of Officer Daniel Long. Also known to children as "Officer Dan" or "Officer Friendly," he has gone above and beyond his duties as a youth service officer. He believes in teaching children important principles by being a role model and by showing them positive options in life.

As a youth service officer, he has to maintain proactive relations between the Boston Police Department and the youth of East Boston. Areas of responsibility include in-school drug and gang resistance education, positive alternatives to crime and violence, and neighborhood outreach. In this role, Office Long has thrust himself upon the youth of East Boston, and in doing so, has become a part of their lives and has greatly influenced a generation of youngsters.

Officer Long understands that reaching children with positive messages directly impacts the community and the future. He has established a working relationship to maintain feelings of trust and mutual respect between youth, police and the community. As a result, the Boston Police Department has been better able to address these needs and work with youth to decrease juvenile crime and make Boston a safer place.

In the department, endorsed programs are required of all youth service officers. However, it is the programs that he has created on his own that have set him apart. Having held many boxing titles himself, Office Long started a boxing clinic for the East Boston neighborhood youth. He also began an after-school basketball program, where for 36 weeks a year he teaches more than 200 local children about basketball.

Office Long is often utilized by his colleagues for his expertise and as a resource when it involves youth. And he is always willing to take the time to ensure that a child's quality of life is preserved and protected.

The Boston Municipal Research Bureau is a nonprofit, member-supported public policy research organization established in 1932 to study Boston's fiscal, management and administrative issues. Independent and nonpartisan, the Bureau develops objective, timely analysis of city and school problems and provides factual information in an effort to promote more efficient, economical and responsible government for Boston.

The Bureau's Public Service Awards are named in honor of Henry Lee Shattuck, Chairman of the Research Bureau for 17 years, from 1942 to 1958 and a guiding force behind the establishment of the Bureau in 1932. Mr. Shattuck was a lawyer, businessman, State legislator and City Councilor. He personified integrity, exceptional initiative, outstanding leadership and sincere commitment to public service.

*culled from BMRB material

04/25/2018