Interviews

INTERVIEW: MORIAH RHAME   
    "What first got you interested in the paranormal?

I have been noticing and feeling things differently about the world since childhood. I personally don't believe anything is paranormal, I feel all it is all quite normal. I personally believe that souls exist beyond the material plane. I know that humans are transcendent and that we are not able to rationalize all that is around us. My ability to help people heal, live better lives and become better people is what fuels my passion in the paranormal field."
    "What is the most interesting or disturbing case you've ever encountered?

We investigated a restaurant in Galena, Illinois. The restaurant happens to be located in the building that housed the first mortuary and casket company in the state. The building has a very eerie atmosphere and is downright creepy in the dark. We were on an investigation with the restaurant owner and chef. The team earlier in the night made sure the ceiling lights were turned off. Around three in the morning I was sitting on the floor with the team and chef on the restaurant floor. The guys were actively involved in a provoking session in hopes to create paranormal activity. A canister light suddenly turned on above my head and the chef who was sitting next to me began to shake and speak in a very different voice and said, ""I'm not the one you're looking for."" The chef went into shock and was escorted downstairs by Austin and myself, it was a very bizarre and creepy moment for sure."
    "How would you convince a skeptic that what you deal with is the real thing?

We all have people in our lives that will not accept or believe things we feel or know for one reason or another. If our faith is challenged, the underlying reason is usually because we do not believe passionately enough in what we know to be true. If we truly believe in what we feel or hear, then nothing people say should affect us. It does not matter what your religious or personal beliefs are, or if you are an atheist. If you say the sky is blue, some guy will say it's green. Humans will disagree with you, no matter what. What your personal truth is may not my personal truth. We all experience life differently. If you believe in anything pro or con that is your belief and your truth. Whatever you believe with certainty and emotion becomes your reality. What someone else believes is really none of my business."
    "What is the most rewarding aspect of your job with the CPD?

I see each team member as family. They are the most dedicated and compassionate individuals I could hope to work with. I love working with them on the common goal of bringing people peace. We all do our highest good to help others have closure and answers in their lives that they desperately seek. My favorite part of the job is that the team is my extended family."
    "What is your personal opinion about what it's like on the other side?

I believe that whatever your belief system was here on earth follows you to the other side. I personally believe that the universe is a loving and compassionate place full of miracles, forgiveness, and wisdom. I believe the other side is beyond human comprehension and is without beginning or end."
    "Why do you think some spirits need to communicate with the living?

A minister once argued with me that, if she died, her family would know that she loved them, and there would be no need to tell them so. That statement is true sometimes for people. I did a reading once for a woman whose husband had been killed on his way to work. He wanted to apologize for an argument they had had a week prior to his death. Evidently they had not spoken to each other for that week and were quite hurt by one another. It was truly important for him to tell his wife that he loved her, and that he was sorry. Life is not always perfect, nor do things work out the way we think they will sometimes. Closure for many people is extremely important.
Communicating with the dead can allow us to let go of our fears, by respecting death and not fearing it can free us from suffering. We can become more compassionate to the needs and hurts of others while we are alive. We can all use spiritual assistance to help ourselves to be happy and at peace with the people we loved. When we are truly happy with our lives we are less likely to harm others and cause suffering for the living."
INTERVIEW: RON FABIANI   
    "What first got you interested in the paranormal?

Growing up hearing stories about supposed haunted locations from relatives intrigued me. I think it was because these were people I knew vs. unknown people and locations. I was more intrigued than intimidated by the concept. I found it quite fascinating at a young age."
    "How do you use the skills you learned as a cop to solve paranormal cases?

We secure the perimeter in order to maintain the integrity of the scene. We do this with exterior stationary cameras, police line tape and we seal all exterior doors with evidence tape. If a door is opened, the ripped tape reveals that we have had a breach. We want to prevent contamination to our scene. Our video cameras and audio recorders are packaged, sealed and inventoried at the end of an investigation. We document the chain of custody to insure nothing is tampered with. Just like interviewing a suspect that I want to talk to me, I try to establish a rapport with any would be spirits rather than provoke."
    "What is the most interesting or disturbing case you’ve ever encountered?

We did an investigation at a banquet hall. The things that unfolded were over the top. We had a lot of things occur but when we connected the dots, the overall understanding of what took place was overwhelming. Cases like these are what force me to re-think everything that I thought I knew."
    "How would you convince a skeptic that what you deal with is the real thing?

I would not try to convince anyone to change their views. I might invite a skeptic to attend an investigation, be present for the review and our results. And ask him/her to explain what took place.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job with the CPD?

We are in a field where we can give people answers where nobody would think any answers exist. We can put someones mind at ease one way or another based on our results. Helping people with closure. Showing people there is nothing to fear."
    "What do your fellow cops think about your night job as a paranormal investigator?

We say within the CPD that there are 3 categories of people. Believers, non-believers and the largest percentage, concealed believers. I'd say that most cops fall into the concealed category. We have gotten nothing but support from our co-workers. Of course the locker room humor exists but we are grateful for the support we have.

Can you tell us about a time where your experience with the paranormal has helped you with one of your police investigations?

I haven't had any examples of this, yet."
    "What is your personal opinion about what it’s like on the other side?

Of course I have no idea but I have questioned, ""who is afraid of who?"" I wonder why apparent ‘spirits” seem reluctant at times to interact. Im not sure why certain people return and others don’t. Through our experiences, it does seem that “spirits” are somewhat intimidated by us as well.

Why do you think some spirits need to communicate with the living?

Rather than speculate, we try to find these answers from them."
    "What do you hope viewers will take away from Paranormal Cops?

I hope that people understand that we are not hobbyists. We are investigators by profession. We approach things differently, we use our medium differently, we have a lot at stake which is also very different. Evidence is crucial. We are realists who tell it like it is. If we have some substantial evidence which we conclude to be paranormal, we tell people, if they cant deal with this then move away. Although Moriah may have ways of comforting people etc. CPD as a whole does not claim to “cleanse houses”. If it cant be recorded, its not evidence.
We don’t really react as one would think given the situations we are in, and there is a reason. As cops, we disconnect from our emotions every day in order to successfully perform our duties. This makes us appear emotionless or cold at times. It is a survival instinct and our protection. A shield we put up. We do the same thing with investigating the paranormal. Our instinct is to remain in the environment and perform our duties. We have to be professional and provide a service for the people who requested us. If we want to be upset, it has to be done at a later time elsewhere. But while we are in the moment, freaking out is not an option."
INTERVIEW: TOM FROELICH   
    "What first got you interested in the paranormal?

I became interested in the paranormal after watching a television special on the topic over 13 years ago. This caused me to visit a location in Alton, Illinois claiming to be the most haunted in America. That is where I, along with other Police Officers, witnessed an apparition dancing in front of us during our visit."
    "How do you use the skills you learned as a cop to solve paranormal cases?

As police officers, we are trained in analytically examining each crime scene, investigation and calls for service. Our specialized training in interview techniques gives us the edge when interviewing complainants. It allows us to separate fact from fiction and make a reasonable assessment of the allegation. Only after a thorough investigation is completed and any evidence is collected and reviewed, can we make a determination whether paranormal activity exists or a more logical and natural explanation can be applied. "
    "What is the most interesting or disturbing case you’ve ever encountered?

Our group conducted an investigation at a popular restaurant in Galena, Illinois where paranormal activity was reported. During the investigation objects were thrown at two investigators and a lighting fixture that wasn't connected to an electrical source was activated while we were provoking a response. Most disturbing were the EVP's (electronic voice phenomenon) that were collected as evidence. The EVP's were insulting and angry."
    "How would you convince a skeptic that what you deal with is the real thing?

I would have to take them into an environment with known paranormal activity and have them participate in the collection and review of evidence. When unexplainable evidence is collected is usually produces remarkable responses.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job with the CPD?

Working with true professionals in the business and being able to provide complainants with credible answers to their worries and concerns."
    "What do your fellow cops think about your night job as a paranormal investigator?

Some have told me that they are skeptics but then usually share and experience they once had that they cannot explain. Most fellow officers want to take a ""ride-a-long"" and have a true interest in the paranormal.

Can you tell us about a time where your experience with the paranormal has helped you with one of your police investigations?

I can tell you that I look at calls where people are hearing noises in their homes a little closer. Most can be explained through environmental reasons, but some leave you wondering."
    "What is your personal opinion about what it's like on the other side?

Being religious, I believe that when you allow your soul to cross over into what I call heaven, it is filled with compassion, forgiveness and unequivocal love. I do believe that some souls, for whatever reason don't cross over. This energy remains on earth and carries the personality of the individual when they were alive.

Why do you think some spirits need to communicate with the living?

Rather than speculate, we try to find these answers from them.

What do you hope viewers will take away from Paranormal Cops?

I hope that viewers will see a credible, analytical and believable approach to paranormal investigating."
INTERVIEW: SCOT ZIARKO   
    "What first got you interested in the paranormal?

A personal experience when I was a child.

What is the most interesting or disturbing case you've ever encountered?

We did a case in Galena, Illinois at a location that used to be a funeral home or morgue and is now a restaurant. The complainant said they had seen an apparition of an old woman and some type of bird as well as other happenings. We interviewed some of the people who had worked in the building as well as customers who told us stories about hearing voices, seeing people who disappeared and items being taking off their person and thrown down on the table."
    "How would you convince a skeptic that what you deal with is the real thing?

Some people will never believe you simply out of fear. If a person wants to believe, they will. If they're on the fence, I would show them the evidence we captured and explain to them why it isn't fake.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job with the CPD?

Helping the people who are plagued by some type of paranormal activity and seeing them get back to a normal life without the fear of what is or is not going on around them."
    "What is your personal opinion about what it's like on the other side?

If I had to guess, I would say that it may not be like what we've taught when we were growing up. When we die, we are supposed to go to heaven and all things are supposed to be wonderful. Since working in the field of the paranormal, I've started to think the ""other side"" may be a pit stop before we get to go to heaven where spirits go when we haven't had a chance to finish the things we needed to while we were alive. In the end, it could be different for each of us."
    "Why do you think some spirits need to communicate with the living?

I think spirits communicate with us when they need to wrap up things with the living world before they move on to the next plane of existence. Or they may still be trying to be part of the living world and don't know or want to believe they are dead.

What do you hope viewers will take away from Paranormal Cops?

I hope that people will learn that it's ok to believe in that which they don't understand."
INTERVIEW: PETE SCHELICH   
    "What first got you interested in the paranormal?

I was interested in the possibility of something else being out there and then having the ability to collect proof that something else exists. I wanted to gather some type of proof that is beyond all reasonable doubt. As the skeptic, it will take a lot to convince me and to a certain degree I guess I want to see if I can be proven wrong."
    "How do you use the skills you learned as a cop to solve paranormal cases?

We apply the same skills to the paranormal investigations as we do to crime scenes. First and foremost, we secure the area. Only the people involved with the investigation are allowed in and all the doors are sealed with evidence tape to ensure no one else enters. Should something extraordinary occur, (i.e. something appears to have been thrown, all the lights go on) I then proceed to collect all evidence I can and analyze the scene. Still photos are taken and when we've collected all the evidence, the lights go out and we continue on. Logic and factual data take precedence over emotions and feelings."
    "What is the most interesting or disturbing case you've ever encountered?

We investigated a women's college and that was the first place out of all of the investigations that creeped me out. The things we saw and caught on tape I have not been able to explain. However as I always say, just because I can't explain something, doesn't mean that it can't be explained.

How would you convince a skeptic that what you deal with is the real thing?

Well, since I am the skeptic, we are still working on that. So, when I figure it out I will be sure to pass it along. Until then I still need to be convinced."
    "What is the most rewarding aspect of your job with the CPD?

Aside from the great people I work with, the fact that there is the possibility that we may be able to some day prove beyond all reasonable doubt that something else does exist and help people in the process.

What do your fellow cops think about your night job as a paranormal investigator?

Everyone I have talked to from a patrolman all the way up to my Chief have all been extremely supportive and are all very eager to see the show. That doesn't mean that I don't get my fair amount of teasing, but if you aren't being teased then you aren't really liked, so I welcome it all."
    "What is your personal opinion about what it's like on the other side?

To me this is a very loaded question. I am not sure that I truly have a strong opinion on this one way or another. There are times that I think we move on in some fashion resembling reincarnation and then there are other times that I think there is nothing and your life on this earth is the one shot you get. I can say though that I do not believe in a heaven or hell but for right now I am still trying to sort that out for myself.

Why do you think some spirits need to communicate with the living?

I am not sure that this even occurs. Again, remember I am the skeptic and so I am trying to see if anything even exists first, then we can move on to figuring out the communication aspect. We will have to wait and see."
    "What do you hope viewers will take away from Paranormal Cops?

I hope people see that we take this very seriously. That is not to say that we don't have a good time while we go on these investigations, but all the policies and procedures that we follow are virtually the same ones we follow in our police careers. I hope they see all the steps we take to ensure that the data and evidence we collect is unquestionable and therefore should we collect definitive evidence on an investigation, there will be no doubt as to whether or not it is accurate.

I would really like for our show to allow people to see paranormal investigations through the eyes of a detective. By doing this, I hope to raise the bar and set higher standards throughout the paranormal investigation field as to how paranormal investigations are conducted. If we as a group can provide guidance for better investigations resulting in better evidence collected, I think that would benefit the field of paranormal investigating overall."
AUSTIN WEINSTOCK   
    "What first got you interested in the paranormal?

My interest in the paranormal began in Oct. of 2000 when I experienced what I now believe to be a paranormal encounter. This encounter left me with countless interrogatories. In fact, I was facing an experience that demanded me to question my understanding and beliefs of what we interpret to be the afterlife."
    "How do you use the skills you learned as a cop to solve paranormal cases?

Whether it is interview or interrogation techniques or securing the scene of an investigation, we take our day-to-day experience and knowledge and apply it to our paranormal investigations. A major difference in a paranormal investigation compared to a criminal investigation is when we are dealing with a criminal and we are face to face, we are able to read body language. When dealing with a possible paranormal encounter, we are left to interpret what is being felt and or displayed through evidence capturing techniques such as EMF detectors and/or Digital Audio Recorders. "
    "What is the most interesting or disturbing case you've ever encountered?

Any investigation which yields evidence is both interesting and disturbing; interesting in the sense that we are being shown evidence that things are not always as we have believed them to be and disturbing in the sense there are still more unanswered questions. Every investigation is unique in nature and therefore it is difficult to single out one particular investigation. I would have to say however, that my own personal experience in 2000 has not been repeated since."
    "How would you convince a skeptic that what you deal with is the real thing?

I have no desire to ""convince"" someone to believe something. In my opinion, evidence speaks for itself. After viewing evidence captured during an investigation, one must decide whether they feel as though they may personally accept and understand what they have seen and heard. As a Police Officer, I simply present and interpret the facts to make a determination to the best of my ability what is probable and reasonable in order separate fact from fiction."
    "What is the most rewarding aspect of your job with the CPD?

Helping others is what we have chosen as our primary profession. Having the ability to stand up for those who are unable to stand up for themselves has always been a priority in my life. Being an investigator with CPD, I have an opportunity to help in a different manner. Our complainants are asking us to alleviate a problematic situation in where an ""offender"" is not on the same playing field as we are. I find it challenging and rewarding when we are presented with a difficult case and are able to offer closure."
    "What do your fellow cops think about your night job as a paranormal investigator?

The relationship between fellow officers is something only another officer can understand. Having said this, those who are open believers in the paranormal are 100% supportive in our investigations. Those who are concealed believers are 90% supportive in front of others and 150% supportive when talking one on one.

What is your personal opinion about what it's like on the other side?

At this time, I would have to say that my opinions vary from investigation to investigation. I have seen evidence that pulls me in many directions. However, I am dedicated to capture enough evidence to establish my own personal belief without question."
    "Why do you think some spirits need to communicate with the living?

It is my belief that sometimes it is as simple as a story to be told, a memory to be remembered, a message to be conveyed, or just a presence to be known. Unfortunately, we are discussing a field which has little facts and many opinions. We are simply facing the unknown.

What do you hope viewers will take away from Paranormal Cops?

As police officers, our careers are based upon our integrity and credibility. We hope that the viewers of our show will know that what they see is real, un-tampered, and factual evidence which will in turn raise the level of awareness and possibilities of what may be out there beyond our vision and hearing. There is something beyond what we currently know. It is begging us to discover it. Where will you be when you learn that communication with the other side is not only possible but easily attainable? The Chicago Paranormal Detectives / Paranormal Cops WILL set a new standard for paranormal investigations."
INTERVIEW: BRIAN JONES   
    "What first got you interested in the paranormal?

Out of nowhere Tom Froelich invited me to come out for an investigation. Initially I declined as I was never a fan of ghosts, scary movies, paranormal television shows or anything that has to do with fear-induced adrenaline. But before I hung up the phone Tom convinced me to attend an investigation with the understanding that it was okay for me to run out of the building if I so chose. The investigation turned out to be more intriguing than terrifying so I continued to do them."
    "What is the most interesting or disturbing case you've ever encountered?

For me the most interesting case was an investigation we conducted at a two-bedroom condo in Lombard. While there have been other investigations that have yielded results that were far more bizarre and perhaps darker, the Lombard investigation was the first time that I had ever seen active and continuous EMF interaction with the disembodied. It was the first time that I was ever in the presence of active paranormal activity.

How would you convince a skeptic that what you deal with is the real thing?

Honestly, I don't think you can convince a skeptic. I think it's solely up to the skeptic to change his or her mind; they just have to be willing to challenge themselves."
    "What is the most rewarding aspect of your job with the CPD?

Getting the opportunity to go into locations that the general public is not allowed to go into, condemned buildings, historical locations, etc.

What is your personal opinion about what it's like on the other side?

I have no set opinion; my thoughts on the afterlife are constantly in flux, especially since I joined CPD. I would guess it would be years before I could give you an opinion that I would feel strongly about. "
    "Why do you think some spirits need to communicate with the living?

Based on the evidence and interaction that we've had in investigations, the reasons for communication have ranged from comforting loved ones left behind to a simple desire to have their presence acknowledged.

What do you hope viewers will take away from Paranormal Cops?

That the guys don't do the investigations for fame, or fortune, or television ratings but they do it for the same reason as every other paranormal investigator, they want to find answers, they want to find the truth. I also hope the audience comes away from the show knowing that, yes, Fabs really does smoke that much!"