Chapter One
The Letter
Why does it take a minute to say hello and forever to say goodbye?
- Author Unknown
Elliot Stabler
4196 Ketcham Street
Elmhurst, NY 11373
May 25, 2007
Donald Cragen
Captain, Manhattan Special Victims Unit
New York City Police Department
133 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022
Dear Captain Cragen:
My thirteen years with the Special Victims Unit have been the most challenging and rewarding of my career, and I regret having to make this difficult announcement.
Due to personal and family circumstances, I feel compelled at this time to explore alternative employment possibilities and must reluctantly resign from my position as a detective in the SVU, effective immediately.
Both you and my fellow detectives have taught me a lot, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunities I have had to grow as a professional and as a human being. What's more, I've come to regard those with whom I work most closely as a second family. I will truly be sorry to go.
I hope you can understand my decision to leave the SVU and the NYPD at this time.
Sincerely,
Elliot M. Stabler
Detective, Manhattan SVU
