Comments on: Sgt. Curtis Massey Was 41

By: Larry

Larry — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 00:28:46 +0000

I managed an office in West Los Angeles where Curtis Massey worked while he was going to college 20 years ago. He was such a focused young man who knew what he wanted to do with his life. I was so proud when I heard 17 years ago that he had become a police officer with Culver City Police Dept. I had lost contact with him but never forgot him. He was a true honest caring young man and from what I have been reading he remained true to himself. I also worked indirectly with Curtis’ Dad, Steve. To the family please know how sorry I am for your loss, I do not know your pain but I understand. Rest in Peace Curt.!

By: Millie Bragado

Millie Bragado — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 23:55:55 +0000

I met Curt when he was still in high school. He came to visit his father at work who was then the senior vice president of a life insurance company. Even at that young age, he knew
he wanted to serve. He was contemplating of becoming a paramedic. I thought then that he was just being a young idealist and would change his mind and would have a more “illustrious career”.

I just learned of his passing away today and found that he did not become a paramedic, but an equally noble one.

My condolences to Steve and Jan and to Curt’s wife and children. May he find eternal rest in the comforting arms of God.

By: Retired Highwayman

Retired Highwayman — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:26:09 +0000

It’s not how he died that makes Sgt Massey a hero.. I was how he lived his life that did. Rest In Peace Sarge ..God Bless All

By: Richard

Richard — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:24:48 +0000

Thank you Orson and RIP Sgt.

By: TMGinDAL

TMGinDAL — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 04:34:07 +0000

SOL – Next time you’re a victim of a crime feel free to call the Department of Sanitation and see where that gets you. Otherwise, be thankful that there are people on this planet brave enough to step up to take the job of keeping you safe, even when you are totally unaware it’s taking place. Just because he didn’t die in a blaze of gun fire, makes him no less a hero. Just a hero taken far too soon.

SENILE – Save you drivel for another post…you are just accentuating that fact that you’re an idiot.

By: George Spink

George Spink — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 21:41:02 +0000

Thank you for your thoughtful comments about Sgt. Curtis Massey, Orson. I live in this area, too, and I know every place you mentioned in your article. I feel so, so sorry for his family and friends.

The accident that killed Sgt. Massey and the driver of the other car that was going the wrong way on I-10 should remind all of us that life it too short, too precious, and it can end when we least expect it.

By the way, we have a mutual friend, my roommate. Her name is Cleta. She has known you for a long time.

When I told her I remembered you from the late 1950’s, she was surprised. You played a psychiatrist in one of my favorite movies, “Anatomy of a Murder” (1959). Being a jazz fan, I love Duke Ellington’s soundtrack for that film. I also enjoyed Irv Kupcinet’s brief appearance when he gets off the train. James Stewart’s role in that film is one of his finest. And I still have a crush on Lee Remick. That film also introduced me to Ben Gazzara and George C. Scott.

Living in Chicago, I was familiar with Rush Street, Mr. Kelly’s, Figaro’s, The Gate of Horn, and the Second City. I lived in Old Town from 1964 until I moved to California in 1986. In fact, I worked at a blues club in Old Town in the mid-1960’s. It was called Big John’s. I believe you knew the manager, Bobby Wettlaufer, who earlier managed the Gate of Horn.

Someday I hope to meet you, Orson.

George Spink
Los Angeles
Email: georgespink@gmail.com

By: Bean's Senile

Bean's Senile — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 20:43:57 +0000

Alley Mills married to this fool. Now that’s a tragedy.

By: Max Bean

Max Bean — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 20:32:10 +0000

SOL,
I think the thing here is that you rarely hear any griping about their garbage man, shop keep or bartender (unless s/he cuts you off) and that we don’t stop to thank our first responders enough.
If a mailman or garbageman was killed in such a senseless way, I’d be just as upset – especially if I had gone to high school with them, as I did Curt.

By: Z

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 17:01:51 +0000

SOL, it is ‘noble’ to be in that line of work…that he worked every day protecting others from harm only to be killed in such a senseless accident seems ’sacrificial’ to me. And meaningful, and even more tragic.
Thanks for this wonderful piece….a reminder that we all need to better appreciate those who put their lives on the line every day…and to remember one man’s inconvenience can be the biggest tragedy in another man’s family’s life. I hope people contribute to the fund.. Because of this piece, we’ll never forget Sgt. Massey. Seems to me like he deserves that. May God bless his family.

By: Karen

Karen — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 13:36:50 +0000

As the wife of a police officer with 4 young children, stories like this are heartbreaking. God bless the Massey family, and you, Mr. Bean for a beautifully written tribute.