The beam of this month's 'Spotlight' falls on FABIAN BLACHE. Fabian was born March 27, 1943 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is a graduate of St. Augustine's High School in New Orleans, and of St. Francis College in Brooklyn, New York, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. He joined the NYC Transit Police Department in April, 1965, and worked in Districts #2, #12, #20, #22 and the Planning Division. He served as the Commanding Officer of the Transit Police Applicant Investigations Unit (AIU), retiring in January, 1988, in the rank of Sergeant (Special Assignment).

Many who were familiar with Fabian as a police officer, were aware of his sometimes outrageous sense of humor. Invariably, he was quick with a quip or a joke, with nothing or no one 'out of bounds'. So it may come as a surprise that he has a 'serious' side. On the top of his list of the accomplishments he is most proud of, is his activities with the Bridge Club of Baton Rouge. He is the co-founder and presently Chairman of this organization that promotes racial equality. The Bridge Club focuses on those persons in the leadership positions, such as CEO's, company presidents, and various other high executives. Fabian's thoughts were that changes in racial attitudes must start at the top of any organization. The Bridge Cub membership now includes the Mayor, the Chief of Police, the Sheriff's Department Colonel, members of the Governor's staff, a state Legislature Representative, CEO of Baton Rouge Medical Center, CEO of Blue Cross/Blue Shield-Louisiana, and many others. Since the inception of the Bridge Club, Fabian has seen major changes in the opportunities and attitudes shown to the minorities in Baton Rouge in the banking community, the Police Department, in Social Services, and in the Mayor's office, to name just a few. This is truly "heavy stuff" , coming from one many thought of as just a funny guy! Fabian's attempts to promote racial harmony and equality is outstanding, and deserving of accolades from the city of Baton Rouge.

Fabian has been married for 40 years to Marilyn, and they have two sons and five grandchildren. He lives in Baton Rouge and can be reached via E-mail at FPB2@BellSouth.Net

Fabian, serenading the crowd with a song at the 2003 Transit Police Reunion at St. Pete Beach, Florida