Parki

I was saddened by the news today that Duane Parkison had been killed in a vehicle accident.  He was riding his bicycle and was struck by a car.  Parki was an amazing man.  He was always smiling no matter where/when I saw him.  He had an aire of happiness and positivity that exuded from his person. 

I called a friend of mine whom I knew was close with Parki to see if he had gotten the news.  My friend was sobbing on the other end of the line.  I knew he had heard.  I met with my friend and several others who had gathered at the workplace.  We caravaned down to the hospital to pay our respects.  His body was guarded by a sentry who had not left his side.  What an amazing honor this man did as a service to the profession for a man he did not know.  The Irvine Police Department showed an amazing amount of character in their actions with Parki and the department.  A professional organization I hope each one of my friends can/will live up to.  After seeing the mangled body and saying goodbye.  We escorted him to the Coroner's office where he will remain pending his travels to his final resting spot.  We paid him honor and respect while standing at attention and giving a salute.  But we were only repaying a small fraction of the love and respect he had shown each of us day in and day out. 

After leaving his body we travelled to his home to meet and console his family.  Babies screams, mother's cries. a widows tears are all sounds and images that will take a while to vanish.  His 4 year was loud and active and unknowing of what had occurred.  His 12 and 15 year olds were somewhat stoic and very quiet.  We then went to the scene...he crashed and was struck by a passing motorist.  A motorist who was probably goin to soccer pracice to pick up/drop off some of her children.  As the investigation will reveal later, she turned to her children in her back seat who were in need of attention/discipline.  In the brief second she turned, Parki had fallen off of his bike into the street and the motorist ran him over without even realizing at first.  That poor lady.  What a horrific experience. 

We went to the scene.  As luck would have it the accident occurred about 100feet from the fire station.  We spoke to the FF's who said they were dispatched to a call one minute prior tot he accident.  They did not respond to the accident.

All of my respect goes out to the OCFA's 47's for offering their station house to us, Santa Ana PD for provided unsolicited escort/traffic control, and the Irvine PD who were nothing short of amazing in every respect.  These guys set teh bar on honor and etiquette.

An unfortunate series of events that led up tot he final disposition.  In the end we reflect on our lives, the way we treat out spouses, the way we treat our children.  But Parki is resting now in Heaven.