Maximum Carnage
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I'm trying to find the video online.. I just caught this on my local news. LOL! I'm embarassed for them. :P
http://www.fox4now.com/global/story.asp?s=12490770
Guardian Angels step up patrols
Fort Myers - Some call them vigilantes, others say they're heroes.
The Guardian Angels - best known for patrolling New York's subways 30 years ago - has chapters all across the country, including here in southwest Florida. After a rocky run in Fort Myers, the group's looking to make some changes.
The Guardian Angels have been patrolling Fort Myers for the past three years, acting as the eyes and ears for police.
For residents, like Terolyn who has lived on the edge of downtown Fort Myers for over 40 years and has seen crime go up, having a watchdog group like this is comforting.
The crime "gets you nervous," she said. "We're used to doing things with our kids so when crimes and things happen you can't do that. You start to be more careful."
Terolyn, who has a 9-year-old daughter, says she knows police can't be everywhere. The Guardian Angels are trying to fill that gap.
Walking the streets, armed only with their cell phones, they act as the eyes and ears for the police - whether calling in crimes or breaking up fights.
"When we're out there to help the community we don't want them to think we're vigilantes," said Vincent Cataldo, the chapter leader. "We're not the police department we're just a volunteer group that does this on our own time."
The Fort Myers chapter has six members who are given background checks. They're trained in martial arts, CPR and first aid.
So what do the police think? "Well we're still trying to get the support of the police department right now," said Cataldo.
For Sarina Lasko, a volunteer, this is her only job.
"I just want the crime to stop," said Lasko. "It's terrible. That's why I'm here. So I can do what I can [for] the community to keep it safe."
The Guardian Angels have patrolled Fort Myers for three years but now say they're ready to move on. The group says other areas, like Lehigh Acres, are in more need of help.
"I think all communities should have" the Guardian Angels, said Terolyn from her driveway. "All counties really. If it's something that's going to help the people that need help."
The group says they are looking to get more exposure, which is why these angels are looking to spread their wings.
Matt Grant
Reporter
http://www.fox4now.com/global/story.asp?s=12490770
Guardian Angels step up patrols
Fort Myers - Some call them vigilantes, others say they're heroes.
The Guardian Angels - best known for patrolling New York's subways 30 years ago - has chapters all across the country, including here in southwest Florida. After a rocky run in Fort Myers, the group's looking to make some changes.
The Guardian Angels have been patrolling Fort Myers for the past three years, acting as the eyes and ears for police.
For residents, like Terolyn who has lived on the edge of downtown Fort Myers for over 40 years and has seen crime go up, having a watchdog group like this is comforting.
The crime "gets you nervous," she said. "We're used to doing things with our kids so when crimes and things happen you can't do that. You start to be more careful."
Terolyn, who has a 9-year-old daughter, says she knows police can't be everywhere. The Guardian Angels are trying to fill that gap.
Walking the streets, armed only with their cell phones, they act as the eyes and ears for the police - whether calling in crimes or breaking up fights.
"When we're out there to help the community we don't want them to think we're vigilantes," said Vincent Cataldo, the chapter leader. "We're not the police department we're just a volunteer group that does this on our own time."
The Fort Myers chapter has six members who are given background checks. They're trained in martial arts, CPR and first aid.
So what do the police think? "Well we're still trying to get the support of the police department right now," said Cataldo.
For Sarina Lasko, a volunteer, this is her only job.
"I just want the crime to stop," said Lasko. "It's terrible. That's why I'm here. So I can do what I can [for] the community to keep it safe."
The Guardian Angels have patrolled Fort Myers for three years but now say they're ready to move on. The group says other areas, like Lehigh Acres, are in more need of help.
"I think all communities should have" the Guardian Angels, said Terolyn from her driveway. "All counties really. If it's something that's going to help the people that need help."
The group says they are looking to get more exposure, which is why these angels are looking to spread their wings.
Matt Grant
Reporter
