Irealize for most people, contact with police involves getting a speeding ticket or some other traft c violation.
Luckily for me, that has generally been the case.
However, I think there is an overlooked service the police offer to our community.
On July 11, my father called 911 because my mother had passed away at their home, in his arms. Although no one wants to deal with such circumstances, I wanted to applaud the police department, the EMS andfire department for their service. As the EMS and fire personnel dealt with my mother, and I am very thankful for their help, the police department had a thankless job in this situation. They tried to comfort my father as best they could. They called all three of his children to inform them. They were kind, understanding, considerate and reverent.
They stayed with him until my nephew could arrive to offer some help. They even remembered our family from a story involving a peeping tom (over 20 yearsago) and tried to help dad laugh a little in the pain of the moment. I must say I didn’t think to thank the department as a teenager, but would like to make sure that they are thanked now.
They have always been quick to respond, professional yet human.
I personally spoke with Oft cer Reed and appreciated his words and understanding as I broke down over the phone. I have no idea how you train a human for such a job, but I thank the Lord that they do. Although I hope no one else has to go throughsuch an ordeal, I also know people die, so I hope that the Fayetteville police, fi re and EMS services continue to hire quality people that accept the rather grim task of being the communication link and comforter in such situations.
So the next time you are getting a ticket, remember to be gracious; you never know what situation you may find yourself in in the future.
Opinion, Pages 5 on 09/23/2013