[Alberta's Child]

Anyone who wants to get a remarkable look at the bad old days of the South Bronx should try to get their hands on two phenomenal books that were published in the 1970s: Fort Apache and Report from Engine Company 82.

The first was written by a retired police lieutenant from the 41st Precinct in the South Bronx, nicknamed "Fort Apache" because it was literally an outpost in the middle of a territory of savages. The second was written by a retired firefighter who spent most of his career at the fire house right around the corner from Fort Apache.

The two books are unrelated and were published separately, but the story they tell is the same.

Anyone who gets offended by a "Ghetto Tour" in the Bronx might be interested to know that the 41st Precinct is now known affectionately as "Little House on the Prairie" -- because it is a quiet, pristine place compared to what it was 30-40 years ago.

[Roccus]

Late Buddy of mine transferred out of 82 Engine for Harlem in the late 80s. Wasn’t enough action for his taste.

[presidio9]

Anyone who gets offended by a "Ghetto Tour" in the Bronx might be interested to know that the 41st Precinct is now known affectionately as "Little House on the Prairie" -- because it is a quiet, pristine place compared to what it was 30-40 years ago.

So, if anything, the promoter of this tour is guilty of false advertising.

Those of us with close ties to the Bronx have a right to be at least annoyed by the perpetuation of false stereotypes. I believe you are aware that it is nothing like the hellhole most of the outside world perceives it to be. Some parts of Riverdale and Pelham Bay could easily be mistaken for Greenwich Ct.