Wednesday, October 31, 2007

"I see dead people"...

Happy Halloween. Just like in the movies, I see dead people. Only mine are really dead. Dead body calls are my least favorite. But just because I don't like them, doesn't mean I can avoid them.

I can't speak for anyone else, but when I'm in a house with someone who has passed, maybe waiting for the coroner or the funeral home, I try to treat the house as if the person is still living. I may search for their medications or their phone book, but I don't pry. I don't go through their personal items any more than I absolutely have to in order to identify them, or contact family members, or figure out why they died.

I don't step on their cat. I don't eat their food. I don't even eat or drink in their house. I don't use their telephone. I don't read their newspapers. If I move something, I put it back. I act as if I am a guest in their home, because I am. I don't care if they are white, black, Asian.... hell, they could be Martian for all I care. I am in their house. For all I know, this person could be watching me from wherever it is souls go after the body dies. I would hate to offend the person I am there to care for.

I'm sure some officers think, "They're dead, what the hell would they care". Not me. I just hope someday, when I'm old and withered and I pass away in my sleep, some police officer like me will come to my home. What goes around, comes around, ya' know?

3 comments:

Front Porch Society said...

Found your site while browsing. I will be adding a link to your site on mine, if you don't mind. I work in Law Enforcement, as well.
I know what you mean about showing respect even if they are dead. I am the same way. And when I die, I hope someone will have the same courtesy.
Stay safe out there!

Officer "Smith" said...

Feel free to add a link, and thanks for the comment.

Liz said...

I'll be adding a link on my site to. I love your posts.