This month’s “Spotlight” shines it’s beam on one of the Retired Transit Guardians most dedicated members, Brother FREDERICK BODIE.

Fred was born in Brooklyn, NY on April 11, 1923. He attended Dewitt Clinton High School and later attended Brooklyn College where he completed his studied as a paralegal. He was subsequently licensed as a Real Estate agent by the State of New York.

Fred is a combat veteran of World War II. He enlisted in the US. Army (369th Regiment) and served in the Pacific Theater in Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands where he gained a Battle Star. He was honorably discharged in 1945. While in the Army, in Hawaii, Fred learned to swim. Of his many accomplishments, Fred is most proud of having been able to become a member of the “Shark Club”, in the early 50’s. This Harlem based YMCA club was a swimming group with a very high qualifying standard.

In May 1955, Fred was appointed to the NYC Transit Police Department. In that same year he became a member of the Cerberean Society. Fred holds the distinction of being one of the 50 Original Members. In that same year Fred served as Financial Secretary. He remained a loyal and active member until his retirement, in 1976, with the rank of Lieutenant. In 1976, Fred was one of the original founders of the NYC Police Fraternal Association, the forerunner of today’s Retired Guardian Fraternal Association. He was elected Treasurer and Trip Coordinator in 1977, a position he was to hold for 16 years. Those who attended will always remember the Fred Bodie trips to such places as Madrid, Tangier, Mexico, Aruba, Hawaii, Torremolines, the Casbah, the Jolly Roger in Barbados and the Oceanic Cruise. Fred was also the Treasurer of the NYC Retired Transit Police Officers Association for 10 years.

Currently Fred is, and has been serving as the President of the Transit Police Officers Foundation since its inception in 1982. And in addition to all of these duties, Fred is the Chairperson of the Board of Directors serving the 95 preschool and 44 after-school children enrolled at John Edward Bruce Day Care Center # 2, in Brooklyn, and has held that position since 1984! With all of these accomplishments and continuous record of service, it was no surprise when Frederick Bodie was named as the first Retired Guardians Fraternal Associations “Man of The Year” in 1991.

Fred is the father of a daughter, has four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He resides in Brooklyn and can be reached via e-mail at Fbodie@aol.com