I served in the Patrol Division, Investigative Units, Community Relations and ultimately promoted to Detective in the Homicide Squad. I retired from that office in January 1986. Those years touched many phases of Police work. But there was one occasion that is forever fixed in my memory to this day.
Late in the fall of 1968 or 1969, I was at Southside Hospital in Bay Shore when I was given a small cooler with instructions to deliver it to Huntington Hospital "forthwith". In Police jargon that means "right now''. The only information I was given was not to "dilly-dally' and don't wreck the Police unit during the trip. I was told the contents in the cooler had time crucial constraints and every minute counted. During my 15-mile drive from Bay Shore to Huntington Hospital I encountered tons of traffic and people who ignored the wailing or my Police siren. I was half a wreck as I sped as quickly as circumstances would allow without endangering a lot of other people or yours truly.
Upon arrival at Huntington Hospital my "cargo was taken immediately by a nurse who disappeared running with it down a hallway. After she was gone another nurse invited me to share a cup of coffee and relax the anxiety I exhibited. It was she who disclosed that the cooler had contained the eyes of a patient who had passed at Southside and whose family was donating same to a waiting recipient. Those days were the early efforts of transplants. I never was to learn the success or failure of that day as happens frequently in Police work.
When the "job" you are assigned is completed you move on to the next assignment. Suffice it to say, I was pleased and proud in my small way to participate in what was done that day. I also learned this is another area Police Officer's get involved in which is unknown and/or little noticed by the public we serve. I strived thereafter to alert people who would listen that the Police blasting sirens must be yielded to. The Officer is likely answering a serious call for assistance. An emergency requiring a speedy response. The motoring public has to assist them by silently getting out of the way. Then, as the Officer passes quietly convey "God Speed" to them as they do their work. We are making progress in transplanting organs, like a whole eye from one Human to another or a heart from a Pig to a Human and who knows what's next? Whatever the technology and research speed is always an important factor. Louis Rodriguez, PO shield 744 and Det. shield 521, SCPD Ret'd
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