USS Laffey License Plate Story
by Chris Kirhagis, SK3

 


Being a Police Officer with the Baltimore City Police Department, I have investigated, charged, and put away thousands of criminals in my 32 year career, (1974-2006).  Some of these bad guys received long prison sentences.  So one could only wonder if and when one would ever cross paths with these criminals after their retirement.  I have been retired for a little over five years.

This past Friday, June 17th, approximately 8:30 am, I was stopped in my pick-up truck at a red light, in the curb lane.  Being retired, I am always taking cognizant of my surroundings at all times.  There was an older model green Ford Explorer that pulled up behind me in a fast motion.  The driver was a black male, mid to late 30's who exited his vehicle and started to walk toward my driver window.  The aforementioned police facts was my first assumption.  So I reached under the seat between my legs, and pulled out my 9mm Beretta and placed it on the seat to my right, still holding onto it. 

I kept an eye on the subjects hand, who at this time had nothing in them.  When the subject approached my window which was rolled down, he stated to me: "Who in your family served aboard the Laffey".

I immediately had a smile on my face for three reasons; one I did not have to blow this guy away, two, he was under the impressions that I was too young to have served on the USS Laffey, and three, I was proud to the fact that he had recognized my truck license plate frame.

At this point I advised him that I served aboard the Laffey in the very early 70's.  This person then extended his hand and said, "Congratulations, she went through hell on April 16th, Thank You for your service."

With that said, he hurriedly went back to his vehicle as the light turned green.  When I took off, I instantly felt goose bumps all over and very proud to the point I had a tear come out of my right eye.  I can only assume because of his age, that he was a naval war buff, and that he studied about the Laffey, and saw my license frame.  That just goes to teach us that one should never judge a book by its cover.
 
 
Thanks,

Chris Kirhagis, SK3
USS Laffey / DD-724
 71' - 73'




 

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