At 34, Walter Clark becomes the youngest NYPD Commissioner in its 170 year history. He tells of his rise 'up the ranks' to a journalist, beginning with the day he saved his partner's life. Called 'hero', the then Commissioner offers him a gold shield and the assignment of his choice. He wants Homicide, which is unheard of after only being on the job 3 years, but gets it. His fellow detectives resent his youth, fame, and ability to do the job.
—SEARC