in season 1, episode 2). They originally met during a court trial when Furillo was recently divorced and still a Lieutenant; their first date was to a (free) classical music concert, followed by pizza. Though the relationship is initially hidden, Davenport reveals the relationship in season 2 and they are married near the end of season 3. They have no children, as they learn in season 4 that she is medically unable to bear children (to the dismay of Furillo's mother). Sergeant Philip "Phil" Freemason Esterhaus (Michael Conrad, 1981–84) Esterhaus is the desk sergeant, in charge of the uniformed officers, and is rarely seen outside of the station house. Until season 4, each show opens with Esterhaus's morning briefing during roll call, which always ends with his catchphrase "Let's be careful out there." His speech is filled with complex syntax but his kindly and warm manner endears him to the officers who deeply respect him. While on duty, he maintains a calm and professional demeanor, but has lost his temper in a few extreme cases (such as when his treasured Buick was stolen). He passed the lieutenant examination four times, but never advanced in rank — three times due to budget limitations, and the fourth without explanation. Divorced from his first wife, he nearly marries his 18-year-old girlfriend at the end of season 1, until the appearance of Grace Gardner causes him to call off the marriage. He then begins a passionate relationship with Grace. Three seasons later, he dies during a romantic tryst with Grace; this was written due to Michael Conrad's death from urethral cancer on November 22, 1983. Detective Michael "Mick" Belker (Bruce Weitz, 1981–87) An extremely capable undercover detective, Belker is small in stature yet strong, wiry, and very fast. He is Jewish. He exhibits a number of eccentricities, such as usually dressing in torn and dirty clothing, rarely shaving and frequently consuming onions, sardines and other pungent foods. Belker often growls and sometimes bites suspects (usually after they have attacked him first); he revealed that his father, a tailor who was also short of stature, tended to bite people during fights. Belker cares deeply for his parents; many episodes show Belker answering his station phone curtly with "Belker!" then softening as he says "Hi, Ma." Belker suffers the death of both his father (season 3, "Life in the Minors") and his mother (season 6, "Blues