Fire dispatcher thwarts robbery on Orange Line

Well Done Frank !!!!! We need more people like Frank Sullivan out there ~

Bravo!!

Great job. Happy that victim and 'hero firefighter' are both OK. Let's give this firefighter his just rewards. This is how many firefighters and policeman act. Too bad we mostly hear only the negative stories and not the ones such as this one.

Thank God for men like Mr. Sullivan. We need more people like him.

I don't believe my eyes. The Globe is posting a story that paints a firefighter in a good light?

The family of Frank Sullivan should be proud. He instinctively came to someone's aid that needed help and did the right thing. Good for him and good for us! Frank's a hero in my eyes.

It is really reassuring to hear about someone fighting back against crime. So many times crime is simply ignored around the city. The residents of Boston need to stand up all the criminals terrorizing the streets and even if they can't physically stand up they should provide police with information more often. The saying "snitches get stitches" really needs to be elliminated!

Thank you Mr. Sullivan! Nowadays it's risky to step up and get involved and you went way beyond that. The more we see stories like this, maybe non-hardened criminals will think twice. What a great example this dad is to his kids and to us.

So far from what I've seen of Suffolk University students behavior and attitudes, I'm NOT surprised!

This is my own personal experience dealing with those who have attended Suffolk University. You'd think with all the endowments and the President's salary, they could somehow instill some value and respect among the student body.

I'm sure there are some fine, wonderful students from SU but I have yet to encounter any at the workplace or socially.

Our very own Clint Eastwood (Gran Torino).

Teach these scum a lesson.

Thank you Frank Sullivan:
Its too bad you couldn't "slip in" a few shots to this punk while you had him down. Its good to see some people out there still care about whats right and wrong.

Thank You Frank Sullivan.

And still another dirt bag! Nice to see that we still have people who care for others. Way to go Mr. Sullivan!

I know Frank and this is just like him. He's a great guy. A real heroic act.

This guy is like Clint Eastwood. With the incident 29 years ago. Great Job.

Loss of street cred for the 22 year old. Not to be ageist but to be stopped by a guy more than twice your age.

10 points for bravery.
Another 10 points for fighting on a moving escalator.
-5 points for not considering worse case scenario.

Love ya, Frank! Smart thinking, right acting. We need more like you. God bless!!

Thanks Frank!

Maybe the next dope(Blackwell) will think twice.

Good for Sullivan......Blackwell lucked out yesterday. If it were me he'd be in a coma right now with two broken arms and legs. Why people prey on the weak instead of helping is always a mystery to me. Taking the orange line shouldn’t be about survival of the fittest. It’s a ride to school/work for cryin’ out loud!

Great going Frank

I know Frank from the MBTA and this act does not suprise me. We need more Frank Sullivan's in the world.

Frank... U da MAN!!!

Get some Sully!!!!!

Frank, you're a man after my own heart. Thank you for your strength and courage!

and I love the fact that this hero's 53, and the robber was 22. There's hope for all us middle-aged folks! Go, Frank!

Nice job Frank!

Great Job Frank...nice to see good Firer Fighter press. How come the news always report on Firefigters doing negitive stuff. Last week I read about a FF who was arrested for domestic violence...I wonder how many other men got arrested last week for domestic violence and did not get press. I can hear it now CAR SALESMAN ARRESTED FOR DV.....live at 11:00

This is a very good thing!!! We, the innocent ,should join together and make sure things like this no longer happen. Remember, they are one we are many. What would have happened if everyone from the train ran after the felon? That would send a big message to all criminals... Frank, thank you!!!
Others on the train, you should have helped your fellow commuter!!!!!

Post The Punk's Picture

Atta boy Frank. Hey, does the MBTA give out 'spot bonuses'?

Blackwell obviously hasn't heard that Saint Barry is now our preisdent-I was certain that fact would stop all crime.

A dispatcher is not a firefighter! Dispatchers don't go out on calls even if the rest of them call in sick. He is a hero for being a super-citizen and we definitely need more people like him.

Yes, guys like this put it on the line everyday. This was said before but actions like this really matter-not some guy who bounces and shoots a ball in a hoop...

Can you see what the world would be like if more people acted like Mr. Sullivan? What if everyday people just stopped being bystanders, and acted for the collective good of society? What if we did it every day? What if it became known as "Thats the way people are in Boston, they always look out for their fellow man."

good for him! Too many scumbags in this world. Too bad Blackwell, the waste of space looser will be back on the street in no time... I'm sure he'll get whats coming to him.

We could all learn a lesson from Mr. Sullivan. Fifty-plus years old and he didn't just sit there like a gaping ape. He chased the punk down and got it done. Thank you Mr. Sullivan!

of course...there were no Transit police around to help...are there really any Transit police around AT ALL????? Or are they all too busy checking bags at innocuous T stations? Ridiculous!

Thanks Frank! Because of folks like you Boston is still a great place to live.

Way to go Frank!!!

Mr Sullivan, well done!

The scary part is that someone is willing to start punching someone in the face on the T over an iPod. What kind of caves are these kids brought up in. I can only imagine what his parents are like. People like this don't happen by accident.

oh my god- this is news? Someone sees an attempted robbery and steps in to do the right thing. This happens all the time, but apparently if it involves someone from the fire department, it's shocking. Almost sends the message that people don't expect anyone from BFD to do the right thing, so when one does, it's news. Can hardly wait for next weeks breaking news "Firefighter files taxes on time", "Off Duty Firefighter shovels his sidewalk", "Off-duty Firefighter Doesn't Beat his Wife". Enough. And PS- this isn't a "firefighter"-- it's a civilian employee of the fire department who works in their dispatch center (another waste of taxpayer money-- why isn't police and fire dispatch combined??

too bad the jerk is likely to walk w/out punishment....

and too bad folks didn't help Sullivan so the punk was the one going to the hiospital.

Great job Frank, we need more people like you to get involved,I'm glad you thought about you family first,that is what gave you that extra push you needed to subdue himas its said alls well that ends well. 'thumbs up to you'

When all is said and done...it was just an iPod. It's replaceable. Mr. Sullivan had a very wonderful, honest, and human reaction, but what if Mr. Blackwell did have a weapon or if they had been seriously injured? Then the injury or even death would have just been for an iPod.

Don't get me wrong, crime and theft is taking over the world, especially Boston. And I agree with many of your comments about maybe criminals will "think twice" in the future if more people acted like this, but THINGS are replaceable.

I would not call Mr. Sullivan a hero. The word hero is being thrown around too much, it's losing its value--which comes in rarity.

Great Job Frank, as always your friends and your community are PROUD of you.

if we had mor people like this guy, wed be the happiest people on earth.
Well done sir, well done indeed

Nice job Frank, I guess timing is everything, the right place at the right time. There should be more people like you in this world.

congratulations Frank, It is rewarding to know that there are still some real men in this liberalized world that we are living in today. Your act of heroism was devoloped many years ago. Moral fiber is the biggest loss of our society today.You are a credit to your family and upbringing. God bless you.

What a freakin' piece of garbage the perp is. Thank God for Frank Sullivan!

God bless Frank, and keep him safe. And be careful out there!

Another Sullivan

Great story, though I was surprised the Globe carried a positive story about anyone having to do with the BFD.

nice going Mr Sullivan, they will be wating for you when you get home !!

Nice Job Sully. I'd like to buy you a drink

Mr. Sullivan, i bow in your honor. Thank you for standing up for what is good and true and right.

As the economy accelerates its decline there will be more and more stories like this. We are going to need a lot of heroes.

Mike,
This does not happen all the time. Don't be ridiculous. Frank Sullivan did something extraordinary, not because he works for the Fire Dept. but because he is a good and brave person. I bet no one could say the same for you.

Way to go, Frank. And ridiculously stoopid, too. You're very lucky that your actions had a good outcome, as I'd say the chances were against it. That guy could *easily* have had a knife or a gun and you'd have wound up dead or severly injured. Then where would your wife and two kids be?

Wisegirl -

If you think all the commenters here are cheering Frank because he saved someone's Ipod, you're deeply and widely missing the point.

You are right - things are replaceable. But did you miss the part about the victim being punched in the head? If it were you - would *you* want to be punched and robbed by a stranger and have *no one* come to help, even if they were standing right nearby? Not even look your way because they held your belief of "what if I get hurt?"

Don't get me wrong, it's fine to not want to get hurt, and it's human to be intimidated in this situation. This is why *I* appreciate what Frank did. He did what we all wish we would do. That's why I would call him a hero.

Find me a better definition.

"Then the injury or even death would have just been for an iPod." - Wisegal

I say again, if you think he did what he did to save someone's Ipod, you have absolutely no grasp of the situation or the commenters response to it.

Go Frank!

Oh and Surferbettygal, I think the article was saying the guy who was punched and had his ipod taken was from Suffolk University, not the thief.

I agree, Wisegirl. He risked not only his own life (very brave) but his family's well being (very stupid) over an relatively petty crime. As much as I admire someone who would/could do what Frank did and I celebrate the outcome, I cannot ignore the fact that he could easily have left this earth and - more importantly - his family over such low stakes.

Hey, Surferbettygal ....read the article again. The Suffolk University student was the VICTIM, not the perpetrator.

BRAVO Frank...

I only wish more folks that witnessed the incident train went with Frank to pursue and subdue this coward. If we all showed these punks that there are more of us than there are of them AND we are willing to stand up to them...perhaps they would do something else with their lives....get a JOB perhaps?

Surferbettygal - Darling did you read the story, the victim was a student at Suffolk University, not Blackwell. Further, where the man works is no reflection on the person he is. Good for you Mr. Sullivan.

Hey SurferbettyGal (#9)....I think you need to learn to read the article more carefully. The VICTIM was a Suffolk University student. In case you weren't aware, according to Websters, a victim is "a person who suffers from a destructive or injurious action or agency." The Suffolk University student was just trying to go about his business just like everybody else, when he was violated by this suspect.

In regard to comment #9 posted by Surferbettygal: I am a Suffolk Univ. alum and I think you are confusing the victim with the suspect. The victim is the person who had his/her ipod stolen and is also the Suffolk student. I think you thought the thief (suspect) went to Suffolk.
What a great story! I hope I respond in a similiar manner if I'm ever faced with that situation.

Thank you Frank Sullivan, the whole community applaudes and supports you. Your a real man. Its time to take the neighborhood back, and teach our children what real men are made of. Good people who care about others, like you. Thanks again, and God bless you.

In addition to his Fire Department Dispatcher job, Mr. Frank Sullivan contributes articles to the weekly Bulletin Newspapers. The incident at the Chinese Restaurant years ago, left Frank legally blind. How extraordinary is it for a man who possesses full sight to have the instinct and strength to stop an assault on another person, pursue and detain the criminal until the police can respond? It is extraordinary. By that standard, Mr. Frank Sullivan is beyond extraordinary! God Bless you Frank!

hey mike, i am so sure you would be one of those look the other way guys. what frank sullivan did has nothing to do with being a firefighter its about being a MAN> PS. I know frank personally and even if a hater like you were in trouble frank would be the first guy to help you out. WAY TO GO FRANK!!!!

You're a good man, Frank. Just saw you on TV and was struck by your compassion. Thank you!

thank you Mr. Sullivan. I would certainly feel safer on the T if threr were more people like you.

God Bless you Mr. Sullivan. Too bad we don't have more brave citizens out there like you. Maybe these "punks" might think twice before committing a crime.

You're like a cross between Bernie Getz and Ghandi. If there is a God, he, she or it digs you!

Surferbettygal - can't you read? the Suffolk University student was the victim.

An Ipod is definitely not worth risking your life, Mr. Sullivan. I wonder where the authorities were...

There is an old saying that goes, "Evil prevails when Good men stand by and do nothing". Thank you Mr. Sullivan for not standing by and doing nothing. May you be an example to others so that many more will not stand by and do nothing and the world will be a better place.

Frank Sullivan is a hero in every aspect of his life. When I had a really bad family issue with my wife not being allowed into America Frank was the man that stepped in and guided me in the right direction. He is truly a class act and he is an inspiration to all!!! God Bless you Frank... from the good doctor in Albany!

Surferbettygal--the victim was a Suffolk University student --were yousaying the accused robber was an SU student?
Are you a Surfer should we generalize about you--

Agree the robber could have had a gun, but its nice to see someone react. I doubt I would have, not sure why not, but not sure if I would have

Its no coincidence that it happend betwwen 9-5. when the people who dont work are the only ones on the train going where? I wonder...what they do all day on our hard earned money. oh yea they try to steal other peoples property and hurt innocent people. that firefitgher should have through him on the tracks and do society a favor.

Frank is a great guy that practices what he preaches.
Thank you Frank!

Frank,

As one of the most honorable men I have ever met, this is not the least bit surprising. Congratulations to you and your family.

Wow Frankie you are a true hero and an inspiration!!! Love and health to you and your family.

good job frank