Funeral in the Rain
Timothy Brenton was a modest man, the kind of guy who would shrug off praise by cracking a joke. He also was an excellent police officer — intelligent, tough, dedicated — but a terrible driver, often driving the wrong direction while chasing down a suspect, according to the officers who knew him best. Seattle Mourns a Fallen Officer
Being a loyal Coast-to-Coast subscriber, I can download the shows that sound interesting, reduce them to powder, and snort them at my leisure, the way Hoh River Boy taught me. "Strange Police Encounters" was broadcast on October 8, 2009. It features Ingrid Dean's book, Spirit of the Badge: 60 True Police Stories of Divine Guidance, Miracles & Intuition.
Because of my last 25 years, I have met every variety of government functionary: stupid, ingenious, honest, creepy, thorough, lazy. You name it. I've seen it.
Last year I was devestated to learn that a very fine human being I personally knew -- Officer Christine Fairbanks -- was killed in the line of duty. I knew both she and her husband -- true persons of integrity and honor. This was a tragedy that still disturbs me. Christine was a loving, brave, gracious human being, and I'm not just saying that. As a callous ex-prosecutor, I have no trouble saying what I think -- even if someone has passed on.
I'll tell you what: there is a certain kind of cop who serves the greater power, the Higher Source. This is the true archetypal knight, as in the case of officers Brenton and Fairbanks who, I'm proud to say, sported humor and humility under their badges.
Folks with humor can be trusted with power.
Remember that. It's an absolute guide.
God Bless these souls and their families.
And God help the rest of us, as we'll continue to need it more than ever.
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