I have a heartwarming story that almost ended my short career. On February 17, 1964, at approximately 5:00 AM, I was dispatched to 89 Brooklawn Circle in regard to a sick person. Upon arrival, a lady dressed in night clothes, was frantically waving to me from her front lawn. I parked my police car and got out and spoke to her. She was hysterical and trying to tell me her husband was in bed fighting for breath. I quickly followed her into the bedroom. Mr. Greenhouse was grabbing his chest. Knowing that the two or three Ambulance Companies in the New Haven area were miles away, I picked up Mr. Greenhouse and carried him to my police car. I put him in the front passenger seat and put Mrs. Greenhouse in back just behind him with instructions to hold his shoulders tight. (no seat belts then) I radioed St. Raphaels that I was en route with a 55 year old male who was now unresponsive. I arrived in less than 5 minutes to a team with a gurney outside. They wheeled in Mr Greenhouse and I escorted Mrs. Greenhouse to the waiting room. I sat with her for about one hour at times holding her hand. At my age of 28, I could see my own mom and dad. Finally a Doctor came out. Mrs Greenhouse, he asked? Yes, she responded. I have your husband stable but still in very serious condition. Officer, he asked me? Yes Doctor. Did you bring this man here in your police car? Yes, I did Doctor. He only had minutes to live so you in all probability saved his life. Good job Officer. One week later I got a call from Chief McManuss office. The Chief wants to see you tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM. Be in full uniform. I arrived the next morning in full uniform. I was called in. The Chief showed me a letter from Mrs. Greenhouse. Read this letter Officer Meyerholz. After reading it the Chief said, you are a hero to Mrs. Greenhouse. However, if Mr. Greenhouse had died in your police car or if he arrived DOA at the Emergency Room, you would be in serious trouble. Maybe lose your job. Did you realize that? Yes sir, I did. Before you leave my office I have one question, Officer Meyerholz. If this same thing happened tomorrow morning at 5:00 AM, what would you do different? Nothing Sir. He half smiled and said, get out of my office. Mr. Greenhouse lived for another 20 something years. Policeman must make split second decisions. Its part of doing the job you love.
Posted on: Sun, 06 Jul 2014 14:20:00 +0000
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