Numerous police and fire departments came together to surprise a Kingston veteran for his 90th birthday.
Dennis Reddy, a decorated Korean War veteran, was told by family they were going to have a small picnic at the Silver Lake High School.
When he arrived, so did a parade of first responders and the Boston Police Gaelic Column of Pipes and Drums.
“I’m overwhelmed, I really didn’t expect this,” Reddy said as he wiped away tears. “I don’t deserve it, but I think it’s for everybody. Any veteran that makes 90, I feel like they’re here.”
Reddy enlisted in the Army in 1951 and was discharged in 1953 with the rank of Sergeant. In 10 months in Korea, he earned the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, and an Overseas Bar and Combat Cross.
After the Army, he served 30 years in the C-11 District for the Boston Police.
“I grew up in South Boston and we roughed it, maybe that did it,” Reddy said on his secret to staying young.
Many of his Boston Police friends wished him well, including Herbie Spellman. They all described Reddy as someone who loves to help others.
“He has always been involved in the community,” said Spellman. “The Knights of Columbus, he does the Senior Center, he’ll take people out for their doctor’s appointments, stuff like that. When we have our retired Boston Police meeting, he picks up a couple of guys, takes them to the meeting.”
Reddy and his family wanted to meet for a picnic, but have not been able due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. They wanted to do something special for Pa, as they affectionately call him.
Family members reached out to Kingston K9 Officer Michael LaNatra, who organized the parade.
“My belief is, veterans and retired police officers, they’re basically the foundation of what we have today. There’s no reason why they should not be recognized for accomplishments, achievements, what they’ve done for us because of what we have today,” said LaNatra. “A big thing in my family, and my wife says it all the time. It’s all about making memories. It’s something that’s going to last with you the rest of your life, as well as for your family and grandkids.”
Numerous towns and the Boston Police came out to surprise Kingston veteran Dennis Reddy for his 90th birthday at Silver Lake High School @959watdfm pic.twitter.com/riQUtTFzaj
— Lenny Rowe (@LennyRoweWATD) July 6, 2020
Ret. Boston Police Officer Joseph Ensko joins cruisers from C-11, where Dennis Reddy worked for 30 years. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
The Plymouth FD Ladder 3 joined the parade at Silver Lake. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
Kingston K9 Officer Michael LaNatra wishes Dennis Reddy a happy 90th birthday. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
Kingston K9 Officer Michael LaNatra, Dennis Reddy, and State Rep. Kathy LaNatra pose for a picture. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
Dozens of vehicles staged at the Pembroke Community Middle School. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
The Boston Police Gaelic Column of Pipes and Drums marched out as soon as Dennis Reddy arrived. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
The Plymouth PD and MetroLEC SWAT joined the parade. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
Dennis Reddy stands with the Boston Police Gaelic Column of Pipes and Drums. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
Dennis Reddy was all smiles with his friends from the Boston Police. On the motorcycle is Ret. Officer Joseph Ensko, on the far right is Ret. Detective Herbie Spellman. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
