A little over a week ago Officer Michael Snock in Security came in early before his shift and stopped to say hello to fellow Officer Allen Hamilton. As the two were chatting they noticed a homeless gentleman who came into the ED complaining of foot pain and bleeding. When Officer Snock came back to officially relieve Officer Hamilton of his post shortly before midnight, he caught Hamilton trying to slip out unnoticed. But Snock did notice…and he also noticed that Hamilton was wearing hospital issued footies. His practically brand new boots were gone.
Photo by Barry Ogburn
Snock asked Hamilton about his state of shoelessness and inquired, “What’s going on? What are you doing?" Hamilton blew him off saying, “Just let me out the door!” It wasn’t until Snock got outside the ED and saw the homeless man again did he discover what really happened. “The homeless man said to me, ‘He’s a nice man. My other boots were too small and that’s why my feet were bleeding…and so he gave me his boots.'”
As it turns out, once the shoe-size issue was resolved, the man didn’t need medical attention after all.
“I just couldn’t believe it,” said Snock. “I never saw anyone so caring or humble. Many people talk the talk, but Officer Hamilton walked the walk.” Well put Officer Snock and thank you for spotlighting a fellow co-worker and making sure he gets the recognition he deserves.
As for Officer Hamilton – it’s wonderful people like you who make PAH shine. You are a, stellar example of kindness and generosity in action.
