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Cop Arrests Fireman Giving Aid - Jury Awards $18k watch!

youtube.com — http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/381CD87C49EA643F862573EF00177933?OpenDocument Hazelwood — Federal court jurors awarded $17,500 on Wednesday to a fire captain arrested by a Hazelwood police officer in a dispute over where a firetruck was parked during a 2003 car crash rescue.

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  • bamafun, on 03/10/2008, -7/+2135 years to go to court - wow - I had to submit this because I'm amazed it took that long to settle and that he got arrested in the first place.
    • shotgunefx, on 03/10/2008, -4/+17I'm more amazed at the reasonable settlement amount.
      • MWeather, on 03/10/2008, -1/+11$17,500 isn't reasonable. Reasonable would be an amount that deters this kind of crap from happening again, not the equivalent proceeds from the civil forfeiture of a single car.
        • seraph582, on 03/10/2008, -12/+3are you saying it's too high or too low an amount? If too low - can I borrow $17,500 from you?
          • MWeather, on 03/11/2008, -1/+1I would let you borrow the equivalent percentage of my income, but they dont make coins smaller than a penny.
      • ScottKeeler, on 03/10/2008, -5/+7THIS WAS JUST ON DIGG'S FRONT PAGE!

        http://digg.com/odd_stuff/Cop_has_to_pay_18_000_fo ...

        Digg is doing the best job on the internet of disproving that whole wisdom of crowds nonsense.
    • turkeyssr, on 03/10/2008, -0/+42What's sad is that the police officer is above reproach. He can't be reasoned with and refuses to understand the fireman's position so instead argues and arrests him when he doesn't get his way. Police officers need to remember they're there to SERVE and PROTECT. While I understand where the police officer is coming from, the traffic *was* moving well, hence the reason for putting the firetruck where it was in the first place.
      • shotgunefx, on 03/10/2008, -0/+8It's not just cops, it's people. Some years ago, there was a bunch of spates between Firefighters and EMTs in Boston over control of scenes. Not fires mind you, but heart attacks, etc. From what I recall there was at least one physical altercation.
        • Charlotte_Web, on 03/10/2008, -1/+4Was anybody hurt? Who responded to it?
          • shotgunefx, on 03/10/2008, -1/+1IIRC, my understanding of it was the firefighters handled it, but the point is, people shouldn't be wasting time crossing egos, but people do.

            I believe the resolution was codifying in policy the interaction when responding.
      • charlietuna, on 03/10/2008, -11/+1All too true:
        http://www.lewrockwell.com/grigg/15-transformers-2 ...
      • charlietuna, on 03/10/2008, -14/+2Lets try that again:
        http://tinyurl.com/2wtu9h
      • TypeEE, on 03/10/2008, -0/+10The main focus is, "There is a life to be saved", is any other thing as important?
        • RedDwarf83, on 03/11/2008, -0/+1Exactly my thoughts. If these firefighters and medics are on scene to help an injured person, what exactly is more important? Keeping traffic moving, or keeping the scene controlled and safe for the 5 to 10 minutes it will take to stabilize and package the patient?

          Can anyone honestly believe that avoiding a traffic jam is more important than someones life?
    • lfroker, on 03/10/2008, -14/+9I hate cops. Power hungry pieces of *****.
      • Timan, on 03/10/2008, -13/+12then don't dial 911 when you need help next time
        • lfroker, on 03/10/2008, -9/+5Ya and have the cop arrest me? Ill take care of it myself.
          • ArmandoM, on 03/10/2008, -3/+9Why would a cop arrest you if you called for help with something? Unless you needed help doing something illegal...
          • dragon76, on 03/10/2008, -5/+2OMG, ArmandoM , are you for real? Don't you read Digg?
        • microchp, on 03/10/2008, -1/+1I certainly don't. Lord help anyone that crosses my path, including a cop. They should hope an officer shows up to keep the peace.
    • kosser, on 03/10/2008, -17/+1well it's no surprise we see cops doing ***** like this. they think they're god and above all law. just look at people the police hire. Ex-Veterans from the military. The same people who have been so mentally damaged, and have no form of therapy. i wouldn't be surprised if this cop threw a puppy off a bridge.
    • mrhedges, on 03/10/2008, -0/+1You'd be surprised how many murderers and rapists manage to get out on bail and spend years having a great time before they're sent to prison.
  • keepitreal05, on 03/10/2008, -56/+23This was already dugg with the original video weeks ago.
    • theNazz, on 03/10/2008, -6/+33Yes, but the judgement was still pending.
      • bamafun, on 03/10/2008, -5/+20ty that's why I resubmitted -- because the judgment just came down! =)
        • zengonzo, on 03/10/2008, -11/+7Too busy for follow-ups! Submit new subjects! Can't hear about old ones! Too busy to RTFA!
        • techmonkey4u, on 03/10/2008, -3/+1If you feel that way, zengonzo, why don't you go to myspace or some other site that caters to your lack of attention span... or simply don't bother to click the link and/or comment on the story. Digg is a democracy.
        • acitcratnA, on 03/10/2008, -0/+3@techmonkey4u

          I think your sarcasm meter is broken.
    • jer2eydevil88, on 03/10/2008, -5/+8No it was on digg a couple weeks ago and judgement had already been awarded.
      http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/ ...
      Check the date on that (February 14th 2008)
    • Delphium226, on 03/10/2008, -4/+8who cares?
    • MrHappy123, on 03/10/2008, -2/+4Wow dude, you spend too much time on Digg.
    • popltree2, on 03/10/2008, -2/+6It's called "outside". You should visit it from time to time.
    • Jeffler, on 03/10/2008, -0/+2New to me so the dupe being up now has some purpose at the least.
  • GinsuGuy585, on 03/10/2008, -58/+16The article he linked to is dated 02/14/2008, the judgment did not 'just come down.' It was announced in the original.

    Burried as duplicate.
    • SeaweedWater, on 03/10/2008, -9/+21Im burying you as a duplicate.
      • Samas11, on 03/10/2008, -8/+7Ahhhhh, but will it blend?
      • h3lx, on 03/10/2008, -3/+8It's not a duplicate, it's a replicant. Go ahead and ask him about the turtle.
      • rayraym0fucka, on 03/10/2008, -2/+3Dugg for being a triplicate ;p
  • solidus636, on 03/10/2008, -36/+89This is precisely the reason why I hate cops.
    • willynilly, on 03/10/2008, -13/+52Because you're a fireman?
      • centerblack, on 03/10/2008, -17/+14No, because they make asses of themselves on a consistent basis.
        • centerblack, on 03/10/2008, -11/+6I'm glad digg has had a different experience than I have. You may continue burying me.
        • noahhoward, on 03/10/2008, -4/+15No you just don't hear about it when people get it right. There's no ratings gain when you publish a story about someone doing their job.
        • waspbr, on 03/10/2008, -4/+6So you should congratulate the cops for doing their job right, for the job they are paid to do without abusing their power?
          • noahhoward, on 03/10/2008, -4/+6You think it may be worthwile to thank the guy whose job consists of wondering if he will survive the next traffic stop? Not like they provide you a useful service or anything.
        • artliquide, on 03/10/2008, -2/+5look. Cops are human. This one was an ass. Many other cops have been asses. Many other cops want to help people.
      • ventralnet, on 03/10/2008, -9/+8no, because he is a retard
    • digid, on 03/10/2008, -23/+9you must hate soldier's too.

      don't let a few sour grapes spoil the bunch
      • Coven, on 03/10/2008, -2/+20he hates soldier's what?
      • radiopayola, on 03/10/2008, -12/+4Soldiers are young, vulnerable, and impressionable. It's hard to fault them for what they become as a result of the brainwashing they undergo. Cops choose it, and generally, it's more than a few in the deep south.
        • ventralnet, on 03/10/2008, -3/+8wtf are you talking about. Volunteer army
          • centerblack, on 03/10/2008, -0/+1Yea. That's why he mentioned brain washing.

            Or did you think it was an accident that 50% of the commercials on TV are for the marines?
        • Freaknik, on 03/10/2008, -7/+4Agreed, its hard to feel sorry for someone who know what they were getting in to and still jumped in.
          • noahhoward, on 03/10/2008, -3/+5Apparently equally hard to be appreciative.
        • Asianwaste, on 03/10/2008, -2/+1The irony of your statement radiopayola..... it hurts... your generalization military members... I wonder what could have made you think that?
        • Pittance, on 03/10/2008, -0/+4You are a new breed of dumb. The brainwashing of the military is damn near exactluy the same as the brainwashing of law enforcement. Its barely even brainwashing. Its conditioning to obey orders and to be able to think and react in times of extreme stress. I have seen large police academy's first hand. Unfortunetly, like the military, you always get people who join for the power trip instead of wanting to help people. And thats why the bad apples stand out so much.
    • Pittance, on 03/10/2008, -10/+23Don't be stupid. Almost all cops are good people who only want to help people and make the community safer. It's all of the backwoods and/or idiot cops that give the rest a bad name. I know many cops personally and I know of none of these bad apples. Cops are just doing their job. If you really want to hate something, hate the laws or the judicial system. Most cops are forced to uphold laws that they themselves do not believe in. But the system wouldn't work if their personal agenda got in the way.
      • apochcrypha, on 03/10/2008, -4/+1 That's a great point. In other words, don't hate the cop, hate the system instead.
      • NinjaBoy, on 03/10/2008, -3/+2"it's all of the backwoods and/or idiot cops "
        This is Missouri, they are all backwoods AND idiot cops here...
      • microchp, on 03/10/2008, -2/+1Why is it then; that every city seems to have several inbreed cops? Why is it that not a single day can pass without several dozen stories about a cop doing something even more stupid than the citizens they complain about are performing?

        Sorry, I disagree. Even in the little town I grew up in, cops have turned into corrupt arrogant assholes. Just as one of many examples, I had to get city hall and the media involved to expose a parking ticket scam they were committing and even then, then went back to doing it once I had moved away. Now others are having to take up the battle over their scam. (They were making about $2/day on that scam and that was just one of many). This was in a small town with a very moderate crime rate.
        • BinaryFragger, on 03/10/2008, -0/+2Why is it that not a single day can pass without several dozen stories about politicians, soldiers, retail workers, lawyers, students, etc, doing something even more stupid than the citizens they complain about are performing?

          The people in city hall are probably more corrupt than the cops you're complaining about.
          • microchp, on 03/10/2008, -1/+1Agreed. They were only concerned that I got the media involved and it would impact their budget. ...and it did.
    • aikimann, on 03/10/2008, -8/+25That's like seeing a news report of a black man robbing a store and saying, "This is precisely the reason I hate black people"

      Most cops are good people.
      • buckrogers1965, on 03/10/2008, -6/+2Why do you hate black people?
      • Jookly, on 03/10/2008, -1/+2how is that generalization any different than the one you are responding to. Cops aren't usually one way or another, they are just people. They have the same capacity we all do as humans.
      • Elliuotatar, on 03/10/2008, -2/+2If that's true then how is it an entire precinct is refusing to pay their speeding tickets issued by city cameras? Guess all the bad ones must be in that city right?
    • Rizmaster, on 03/10/2008, -13/+15EVERY cop is a control freak. Even the nice ones. The nice ones may not overstep their bounds or the law in BEING control freaks but they still stick their nose into every ***** thing like they're always on duty. The only ones who don't are crooked as hell and probably not getting involved because they'd be equally indictable. Just because someone is nice to you doesn't make them a nice person.
      • artliquide, on 03/10/2008, -1/+4Not true. Not saying that there aren't cops like that, but the ones I know are just regular people when off duty.
      • JMScheib, on 03/10/2008, -0/+3Every Cop?

        Reality Check: WRONG.
      • TheFinaleofSeem, on 03/11/2008, -2/+1Yeah, all of them, just like all Diggers are generalizing imbeciles who like to paint everything with a real broad brush. Think long and hard on that one, pal.
    • Malevolant, on 03/10/2008, -0/+2OJ, is that you?
    • stilesja, on 03/11/2008, -1/+1***** Pigs....
    • wicketr, on 03/11/2008, -0/+1Holy *****! Was that Officer Farva from Super Troopers!? Looks and acts just like him.
  • getrealnow, on 03/10/2008, -13/+142Using a fire truck to block traffic on a highway is wise.
    • lostdiggacct, on 03/10/2008, -31/+7Do you even know what happened?
      • DangerMouse9, on 03/10/2008, -23/+5No, he was too busy having a real life.
    • zaxroom, on 03/10/2008, -0/+24maybe the cop should go out there in his highly contrastable uniform and direct highway traffic.
    • mllawso, on 03/10/2008, -1/+31I can't tell if you're being serious or sarcastic.
      • Chassit, on 03/10/2008, -0/+5He isn't. SOP to block traffic with the truck.
    • rwburroughs, on 03/10/2008, -0/+6It's not just wise, we are trained to park apparatus to protect us and the scene
    • CONTRiC, on 03/10/2008, -0/+17Not 100% sure of the traffic laws in the USA, but in Canada emergency personnel have higher precedence on the road than law enforcement (Police/RCMP). Technically, if one of our team is driving our pump (or any of our apparatus responding with lights and sirens as per traffic law), RCMP and Police have to give us right of way. We can shutdown a highway 100% if we deem it to be a safety measure to protect ourselves as well as the patient we’re tending to. Even though we’re responding to an emergency, our safety comes first. We’ve shutdown a highway for several hours following a fatality to assist law enforcement with their investigation (to aid in cleanup, to provide scene lighting at night, etc). Both law enforcement and emergency personnel (Fire Fighters, EMTs, etc) should be working together. It's shameful when we lose sight of why we are on that scene in the first place... to help the patient.
      • centran, on 03/11/2008, -0/+1It might vary state by state. The only way I see that this is possible is if the Police Officer that arrested him has a state sheriff.... which he was not. My sister's finance is an Ambulance driver and here is how the right of way goes.
        All Federal vehicles(cia, fbi, Postal vehicles) -> State vehicles (sheriffs) -> Ambulances -> Firetrucks -> Local Police

        As for who has "authority" in an emergency situation. Whoever arrives on scene first is the person in charge until a superior officer arrives or authority is handed over to the more appropriate unit. If the police officer was first to arrive then he is in charge until he is relieved or hands over his authority. Being that this was an accident and the Chief fire officer was there then the police officer should have been handed over command of the situation to the fire department.
    • ajadoniz, on 03/10/2008, -0/+2im not sure of the situation, but sometimes they have to close a lane (or all of them) in order to assess situation and clean up.
  • dinostabOMG, on 03/10/2008, -60/+65I'm conflicted. The fireman was doing the right thing, but he was violating traffic law, and disobeying a policeman. I am all for doing the right thing, regardless of the law. But how come it takes a fireman to be treated wrongly by a policeman for justice to prevail? What about all the cases when it's ordinary citizens? In this kind of case we are always hearing about judges who sympathize with police and hand flaunt civil protections in the law in their judgments. But when it's a fireman, it's another type of hero, so the judge has to go with the law on that one?
    • willynilly, on 03/10/2008, -11/+47"he was violating traffic law"
      You don't know that. It's an emergency vehicle with lights on, which is allowed to do things like go through red lights and the wrong way down one-way streets. He may very well have the right to stop where he deems necessary.
      That said, blocking half a highway is a major pain in the ass. It seems that stopping farther back in the right lane would have provided ample protection from cars coming from the rear.
      • dinostabOMG, on 03/10/2008, -14/+4Okay, granted. Still, we can agree that he was arrested when he shouldn't have been, and technically broke the law by not heeding a cop.
        • Shizlanski, on 03/10/2008, -2/+62He didnt break the law by not listening to the cop. By law when he arrived he is in charge of the scene, not the cop, because its a rescue.
        • centerblack, on 03/10/2008, -1/+67The cop should have been putting out flares and warning traffic instead of acting like a ***** moron.
        • frappe987, on 03/10/2008, -0/+12When there is an accident on a busy freeway firemen will use their truck/vehicle as a shield from passing cars, there are many instances when firemen/policemen are helping curbside accidents and on coming cars hit them, by leaving his truck in one of the lanes with lights flashing he created a barrier and created space to help the victim. The policeman wanted the truck off the lane (it was a multi-lane freeway) but the fire captain explained why the truck needed to be there, thats when policeman's ego got bruised. Have you not seen police car videos where a policeman is issuing a ticket then suddenly he is sideswiped by an on coming car? It happens a lot. I hope this helped.
        • artliquide, on 03/10/2008, -0/+4Regardless of whether or not he broke the law, when a person's life is in danger, should anyone refrain from using common sense to make sure that everyone, including rescue workers, survives? If a major disaster occurs, should people stand by and wait for rescue workers to take charge rather than try to help people survive? Common sense and human decency is the ultimate law when things go wrong, in my opinion.
          • dinostabOMG, on 03/10/2008, -0/+1That's what I was getting at - but I guess I misunderstood the situation.
        • mikebaldwin67, on 03/10/2008, -1/+5I'm pretty sure 'you have to do whatever a cop tells you' isn't a law.
      • MbgFire2067, on 03/10/2008, -0/+25Technically, he did not break the law. When a piece of fire apparatus is responding to a call and has it's emergency warning devices in operation, that apparatus is exempt from some traffic laws and regulations. As a firefighter who has run calls on interstates, it is imperative that the apparatus block as much traffic as is necessary to provide for safety of the crew operating the scene.
      • Rizmaster, on 03/10/2008, -1/+13Further back on the freeway wouldn't have been safe. In that situation eventually some ***** swoops around the firetruck and winds up bearing down on the accident. The way the firetruck stopped was THE safest position for it to be in to protect all parties involved. There was no other option that wouldn't have created some greater danger.
    • PhilMoskowitz, on 03/10/2008, -3/+37It's an emergency vehicle you numbskull.
    • martyf, on 03/10/2008, -3/+240As a firefighter, I have direct experience with this exact situation.
      When I'm cutting some broken person out of a car, the last thing I need to do is worry about a drunk turning me into a victim. Not only is blocking the scene with a fire truck good practice - in most fire companies it's REQUIRED practice. And, in case you forgot, as an emergency responder, not only do I have the legal authority to do things like go through red lights (after a stop), I'm allowed to close any road I see fit to close if it is necessary for scene safety.
      Fortunately, where I respond the cops are exceedingly helpful and I enjoy a good collaborative working relationship with the police. This is not always the case, because in some jurisdictions the cops and firefighters get into pissing matches over who "controls" the scene and all that. It's *****, it does not help the public, and it leads to situations like this. I would have liked to see the cop in question do a weekend in jail.

      • 4rch, on 03/10/2008, -18/+3Chaotic Good IMO
      • Tehrooni, on 03/10/2008, -64/+3I don't know buddy...
        When I am going home from work hungry and tired, the last thing I need is sitting in my car an extra hour because some emergency worker has decided to take EXTRA safety precautions. In this case, one lane was already closed, so blocking a second lane was obviously not necessary. I think that fireman was trying to show off and "taking charge" by being obnoxious. Maybe the law was on his side, and all, but still blocking traffic is bad, because it makes people impatient causing more accidents a little ways down the road. As a firefighter, you're paid to risk your life, so don't block the traffic to play it safe.

        • Nougat, on 03/10/2008, -1/+45Yeah, because a shorter commute time for you is worth risking the lives of people who would rescue you if you were trapped in a car.

          I bet you drive around train crossing gates, too, because five minutes of sitting still is just too much to bear.
          • Tehrooni, on 03/10/2008, -28/+1That's the whole point. If traffic is not blocked, then people won't be getting impatient and having accidents. If they don't have accidents they are not trapped in cars, so no need for rescue workers to begin with! See?
            This accident was probably caused by some other firefighter blocking the traffic to show off.
            Keep the roads of America open. I bet it is our constitutional right to have open roads, unhindered by firetrucks for no good reason.
          • ApokalypseNow, on 03/10/2008, -0/+19Slower roads don't cause accidents, impatient drivers cause accidents. Don't lay the blame on the emergency personnel because you're road-raging and get into a fender bender.
          • mikebaldwin67, on 03/10/2008, -0/+5haha please tell me youre just trolling and not serious Tehrooni. If you are serious please sterilize yourself.
          • frappe987, on 03/10/2008, -0/+1Tehrooni tell mikebaldwin your just trolling...............that is just so wrong........don't look both ways before crossing the street please, thank you. Keep up the good work emergency people, I may need you one day (knocks on wood!)
        • martyf, on 03/10/2008, -0/+34I'm a volunteer, lik e80% of the firefighters in the USA. I get no monetary compensation whatsovever for the firefighting work I do. Sorry if we made you late. Maybe we'll cut you out one day.
          • Trykt, on 03/10/2008, -1/+9Thank you. Very seriously, thank you for your service and thank you for your comment.

            Tehrooni, you are either a successful troll or an incredible douchebag.
          • stugster, on 03/10/2008, -0/+4I think we know which one :)
        • MasterPain, on 03/10/2008, -1/+5It does not matter if no lanes are closed there is still gonna be a huge traffic jam because all the dip ***** stopping and rubber necking. I have been in 30 min long traffic jams because someone got pulled over and got a ticket & people slowing down to look.
          • dinostabOMG, on 03/10/2008, -0/+1Amen. I think rubbernecking is one of the most vile things human beings do. But apart from just being repugnant, it also is the cause of most traffic slowdown around accidents - if there were an effective way to ticket people for rubbernecking, I would love to see that.
        • pyro789x, on 03/10/2008, -0/+5Wow... Usually I bury people for flaming but I'll make an exception in this case. You are an idiot.
        • artliquide, on 03/10/2008, -1/+6So, in your opinion, an hour of your life is worth more than the potential loss of life of another? That's really sad.
          When I get stuck in those situations, I wonder if everyone is alright. I don't get myself all wound up because I'm hungry.
        • hokie47, on 03/10/2008, -0/+2Dude chill out nothing is better than being stuck in traffic while Sean Hannity is on.
        • buckrogers1965, on 03/10/2008, -0/+1Dude, take an extra ham sandwich to eat on your way home, and get off the roids.
      • artliquide, on 03/10/2008, -0/+5It angers me to hear about such idiotic immaturity (fighting over a rescue scene). The law or debates over power should not supersede human life.
      • Obzerva, on 03/10/2008, -0/+2well said, agreed!
      • badenglishihave, on 03/10/2008, -0/+1I'm glad you're a firefighter.
    • vanguardanon, on 03/10/2008, -16/+1FWIW, fireman that have conflicts with police are really common. It usually comes down to who is in charge of the situation. Fireman want to be the boss but the police are used to being the boss everywhere they go. In this case, the policeman already blocked the lane next to the accident but the firemen choose to block an additional lane. When the cop told him to move the firetruck he refused and got arrested.

      My opinion: The cop was right but he only arrested the fireman in some kind of effort to prove his penis was longer.
      • frappe987, on 03/10/2008, -1/+0The policeman would be wrong twice in this case, he should be proving a larger girth of his penis not the length.
    • rot13ubercrypto, on 03/10/2008, -2/+29Traffic law is a means to an end. Obeying officers is a means to an end. That end is public safety. Public safety exists to safeguard individuals' lives and property (and liberty, but I guess that's not real high on the list right now.)
      When obeying an officer and respecting traffic laws conflict with public safety (for example, when using a fire truck to protect an injured crash victim from traffic, and refusing to move it when some INBRED ***** orders you to get it out of the way), traffic laws and the officer's authority take a definite second place.
      • Tehrooni, on 03/10/2008, -15/+1Every thing's relative. Safety is good, but when you over do it at the cost of blocking the traffic, then you're contributing to more accidents a little later down the road. Blocking one lane of traffic is already debatable, blocking TWO LANES in the name of safety? Common, the guy was obviously just showing off.
        • ApokalypseNow, on 03/10/2008, -1/+10Your commute time is less important than scene safety. Blocking traffic causes traffic slowdown, not accidents - ACCIDENTS happen because of road-raging douchebags like yourself who get impatient.
      • microchp, on 03/10/2008, -0/+1Not to mention, the fire chief has the authority to stop that from happening in the first place... They can even detain the cop if he is posing a hazard. A highway patrolman or state officer can also temporarily restrain that officer until his department reviews the situation.
    • chris9902, on 03/10/2008, -2/+21Saving people's life > laws

      That's the only thing you need to know.
      • dinostabOMG, on 03/10/2008, -0/+1I dugg you up... but then I thought about it. I'm not sticking up for any warrantless wiretapping ***** or anything.
      • xaxxon, on 03/10/2008, -0/+1yeah, NO. In this case, yes. I'm not willing to go with that generalization, however.
      • .Steven, on 03/11/2008, -0/+1Saving people's life & Saving people's life the Savers of the Savee's life (eg. Firemen) > Being 20 minutes late.
    • oldhick, on 03/10/2008, -6/+11How could any dumb ass begin to defend these cops? They are in the wrong, period. We are the bosses, the public. Not the cops, not the firemen.
      • Tehrooni, on 03/10/2008, -12/+2Cops are there to serve and protect. They can't serve and protect your dumb ass if you are in charge moron.
        • oldhick, on 03/10/2008, -0/+6Why not? I fail to see how showing the civilian population respect leads to unsafe conditions.
        • callit, on 03/10/2008, -0/+4Do you even know the meaning of the word serve? Quit name calling if you can't form a coherent sentence.
    • pingwax, on 03/10/2008, -1/+5I asked a firefighter about this. I assume rules about this are different from one municipality to the next, but (in the city of the firefighter I asked) they are required to get permission before shutting down a state or federal highway completely. They do not require any permission to shutdown one or more lanes of traffic as long as at least one lane remains open.

      This cop was more interested in being right than in doing right and he's lucky it didn't cost someone their life.
      • slevit1, on 03/10/2008, -0/+3The laws are different depending on where you're located. I am a firefighter and we do not ever need permission to shut down any road. I have either made the decision to, or been on scenes where the Baltimore Beltway and I-95 were totally shut down because we deemed it necessary for scene safety.
    • BonziBUDDY, on 03/10/2008, -1/+0As a firefighter, were can do things police are not able to do.
      Example. We are allowed to go down a 1 way street, going the opposite way on a rescue run. A police officer can Not.
    • thecatcantalk, on 03/11/2008, -0/+1He was NOT breaking any traffic laws, the cop was being a jackass; which is why a Federal court sentenced him to pay nearly $18,000 in punitive damages to the fireman he'd terrorized. Blocking a lane with the fire truck was standard operating procedure, in a situation where there's a real danger of both cops and firemen/EMTs being struck by speeding cars. That's why the cop lost the case, Q.E.D. he's been spanked in front of his entire department for being an ***** bully. Next time he'll think twice before he ***** with people.
    • .Steven, on 03/11/2008, -0/+1Wrong! He was just following procedure, it is the same thing when I cop tickets you for speeding etc. that he asks you to come out of your car... and parks his car behind yours with HIS LIGHTS ON! Use some sense... I would rather know that those people who risk their lives enough going in and out of fires, can continue to protect me, even if it means I have to travel at 20mph less.

      Woop.. the poster above "blocking the scene with a fire truck good practice - in most fire companies it's REQUIRED practice." beat me to it. Cheers to him/her!
      • daviangel, on 06/07/2008, -0/+1Sure that's why the cop that pulled me over for speeding the other day let me go without giving me a ticket eh?
        He told me today was my lucky day and he was only giving tickets to everyother person this day and I wasn't one of them-LOL!
  • MrDash001, on 03/10/2008, -40/+28I'm sorry to say, but "most" cops are loosers. They were picked on as little kids so they grow up and make it there duty to harrass everyone.
    • willynilly, on 03/10/2008, -6/+43I wonder if, on average, they can spell "loser" though.
      • centerblack, on 03/10/2008, -4/+7Probably not.
      • unr8d, on 03/10/2008, -7/+9MrDash001, you are a loser. To come out with a statement like that is just retarded. Although there are tons of cops that are fairly wrong, not all of them are.
    • noahhoward, on 03/10/2008, -4/+8Thanks for the link to your bountiful studies on the personalities and childhood of every cop alive.
    • proliance, on 03/10/2008, -2/+18Looser than what?
    • wbeavis, on 03/10/2008, -1/+5Your assessment is likely to be wrong. I would guess that the ones doing the bullying are, in fact, the ones who go on to law enforcement. They crave the dominant position.
    • Pittance, on 03/10/2008, -5/+2No, that would be you. Most cops are people who get into law enforcement because they want to help people. If you think differently, then go back to your cave with your M16s and tin foil hats.
      • buckrogers1965, on 03/10/2008, -0/+2No, people get into nursing because they want to help people. People become cops because they want the authority, the badge, the gun and the oh so snazzy black uniforms.
  • cnot3, on 03/10/2008, -16/+24This has been on digg before, but it is still a good case of police abusing their authority.
    • KrayzieKyd, on 03/10/2008, -1/+3This isn't abuse of authority. It's ignorance of the protocols that ensure public safety. Police "protect and serve", yet this cop arrests a fire fighter that has probably saved more lives than the cop ever will in his entire life.
    • pyg13, on 03/10/2008, -0/+2May be different there than from where I worked for over 25 years as an officer, but it was common practice for the POLICE to set up such a blockade to create a zone of safety for all to work, much less the more immovable fire truck. Either this officer was just plain dumb, or the policy (due to past negative press) was to 'do everything possible to not interfere with normal traffic.'
  • btm4k, on 03/10/2008, -5/+7Anyone know what song plays at the end of the video? It sounds SO familiar
    • D4V1S, on 03/10/2008, -0/+11i'm not completely sure, but i think it's All these thing that I've Done - The Killers
    • D4V1S, on 03/10/2008, -5/+15ok now i'm completely sure : ) as sure as i am that this comment will be dugg down into oblivion.
  • secondwheel2, on 03/10/2008, -33/+33***** the police!!
    • JoshuaH, on 03/10/2008, -0/+20Are you comin’ straight from the underground?
    • Samas11, on 03/10/2008, -3/+2That's what she said.
    • ThankTheCheese, on 03/10/2008, -8/+13* except when you're in trouble and need them?
      • centerblack, on 03/10/2008, -4/+9So they can arrive on the scene 20 minutes late and take a police report?

        "I mean when I first joined the force, I assumed there was semen on everything! And there was some sort of semen database that had every bad guy's semen in it. There isn't! That doesn't exist! It'd be nice. Like that crime scene to today. If the man had ejaculated and then punched you in the face, we would have a real good shot at catching him! But no.. just a punch in the face, no semen. Story of my life..."
        • twisterrust, on 03/10/2008, -0/+1dude, I have not seen someone use "semen" in one paragraph, so many times ...
        • acitcratnA, on 03/10/2008, -0/+1What's this about sailors?
      • mocisme, on 03/10/2008, -0/+1your comment only reminded me of strawberry shortcakes......
      • microchp, on 03/10/2008, -2/+2You don't need them. I never have and don't foresee ever needing them. The costs and risks of having them around are not worth the small amount of gains people get from them. Discuss.
        • Gregus1032, on 03/11/2008, -0/+1That's you.

          There are millions of people a year the benefit from them... but that stuff never gets publicized. only the bad stuff. (face it, bad news is better news.) Cops benefit the community more than damages it, regardless of what you and the minority believes.

          /discussion
    • joshhan, on 03/10/2008, -1/+3You know what's funny about those hardcore gangsta rappers from the 80's and 90's? They all sold out and are on TV playing cops (Ice T) or playing silly comedic roles (Ice Cube). I mean, what happened to those guys?
      • republicker, on 03/10/2008, -0/+3They grew up.
        • joshhan, on 03/10/2008, -0/+1Then the OP should do the same. That was kind of the point.
    • Pittance, on 03/10/2008, -1/+6Where do you live exactly? Cause when I come shoot up your house and kick your dog, who you gonna call? Gangbangers?
      • microchp, on 03/10/2008, -0/+1You wouldn't last 10 seconds in my neighborhood.
    • TexTurboesq, on 03/10/2008, -1/+1You spend all night thinking of that one?
  • jjive, on 03/10/2008, -30/+23Firemen save lives.
    Cops destroy them.
    Yes..I'm bias.
    • unr8d, on 03/10/2008, -6/+10jjive, how so? There are tons of cops that risk their lives to save others. Don't group all cops into one category. Also, don't echo what you hear.
    • bigfruitbasket, on 03/10/2008, -1/+13No jjive, you are not 'bias," you are "biased." Let's get the grammar right.
    • Pittance, on 03/10/2008, -0/+5Know any fireman? I know a few and a lot of them are assholes, just like a lot of cops. But they still put in their 40+ hours a week to save your ass when you set your kitchen on fire or piss off a heavy-handed pimp.
    • TexTurboesq, on 03/10/2008, -0/+2Firemen save your cellar.
  • ronjohn, on 03/10/2008, -14/+8That cop should be on ratemycop.com
    • ronjohn, on 03/11/2008, -0/+1Why am I getting dugg down that's legitimate site!
  • centerblack, on 03/10/2008, -6/+96Some cops think they deserve respect just because they carry a gun. They need to earn respect just like everyone else... power trips like this one just make them look bad.

    TY FOIA/Subpoena Power of the Court + Squad Car Cameras + YouTube.
    • flashingcurser, on 03/10/2008, -2/+12Just a side note...
      Our base behavior should be that we should have courtesy for one another. Only with bad behavior would someone "earn" contempt. The concept that we should have contempt for one another and then "earn" respect is wrong. This leaves people with the notion that others owe them respect or conversely that other don't deserve courtesy because they haven't "earned" respect.

      As for this cop? not very courteous at all.
    • Pittance, on 03/10/2008, -7/+1Agree with flashingcurser. You dont have to have respect for people if you dont want to. But you damn sure have to have respect for a cops uniform, and yes, their gun. Its their JOB that you should respect outright, because its their JOB to protect you and to protect others FROM you. Bad apples do not ruin an entire orchard.
      • Capital86, on 03/10/2008, -1/+0You both have very good points. I agree with both of them. Police officers do need and deserve respect. BUT they need to make people want to respect them. People think police are ignorant b/c every time something goes wrong in their job it makes the media and makes them look horrible. And the news is going to twist it every bit they can to make it look 10 times worse then it really is. People can talk trash all they want about Police Officers but when someone comes in your house and hurts you or a family member or steals your new $5,000 plasma. The first thing they are gonna do is call...............the police.
  • AhronZombi, on 03/10/2008, -46/+6***** the police. thank god for cop killers
    • dcshiderly, on 03/10/2008, -4/+28That's a bit harsh. My brother works very hard in his job, and is an honest officer whose only concern is to see justice served. There are slacking jerks in all walks of life. To wish death on people whom you've never met is a really low thing to desire.
      • AhronZombi, on 03/10/2008, -14/+4but if your brother abused his authority in order too hurt a child, do you think he would let you know? your a bit bias
        • unr8d, on 03/10/2008, -0/+3AhronZombi, I can not believe you have said such a harsh comment. On the other hand, karma is a bitch....AhronZombi.
        • dcshiderly, on 03/10/2008, -6/+3Having known the man his entire life, I can guarantee you that he would not act so as to willingly cause harm unless the situation demanded it to subdue a dangerous individual.
          People: there are rules to interacting with the police. At the time and place of said interaction, the officers on scene are ext to god in their authority. It may not be fair at the time, but if you don't make trouble for them, they won't make trouble for you. If you are genuinely busted, and get arrested as a result, simply cool your heels for however long it takes. Getting arrested is a process, and if you simply let it run it's course, you will come out relatively unscathed, especially if you've done nothing wrong. Getting in the face of an officer is a great way to guarantee pain and suffering.
          • oldhick, on 03/10/2008, -1/+4See this is where your you lose all credibility. There ARE NOT rules for interacting with cops. The fact that you even believe that is fundamentally contrary to freedom and liberty. WE the people who pay their salaries and have asked for their services should be treated with respect at all times, not the other way around.
          • dcshiderly, on 03/10/2008, -2/+2This is where you fail. If you are rude or belligerent to an officer, unlike a normal person, who has little recourse to your poor behavior, the officer can arrest you for disorderly conduct. This is especially true if you are the subject of the officer's investigation, for example during a traffic stop. It's not wise to be a jerk to someone who can directly make your life difficult.
          • republicker, on 03/10/2008, -0/+1Death to cops is a bit harsh unless they are the ones trying to kill you but to say that if a cop wants to arrest you for no reason that you should jst go along with it is ridiculous. People have rights and if mine get violated I'm putting up a fight all the way to court. Did you miss the last little quote at the end of the video? "I'd rather die on my feet that live on my knees."
    • Ridgedog, on 03/10/2008, -6/+6police are a necessity, however idiots like you are not. I hope you overdose on whatever flavor of the week drug you are doing to die hopeless and alone.
    • Pittance, on 03/10/2008, -1/+2And when you get shot in the head by your gang "buddies" for being a pussy, who gets to clean up your dumb ass off the pavement?
  • HonestAbe, on 03/10/2008, -2/+78I'm not one to criticize the police in every thread and make jokes about bacon, but this cop looks like a douche. Parking a fire truck in the middle of a road during an EMERGENCY is perfectly fine.
  • b04rdr1d3r, on 03/10/2008, -0/+18Is there any limit to the human stupidity ? Protecting a site and the rescuers is the prime thing to do... Accidents where drivers crash into the rescuers vehicle and/or the already crashed car DO happen very frequently... I thought that this fact was taught to policemen, but apparently not... What the cop was trying to do is very unsafe...
    • sky24, on 03/10/2008, -4/+0To answer your question on the limits to human stupidity...It's sad to say that the stupidity of "today" is spreading like wildfire. People lack the common sense that once existed. NO brains. Glad the firefighter won!
  • sdigroup, on 03/10/2008, -4/+103That cop should have been fired
    • thugok, on 03/10/2008, -0/+23I'm sure he was given a paid vacaction.
    • TypeEE, on 03/10/2008, -4/+2I doubt he would be, he will have all the law books to back him up. In this world, following the book is better off than following morality or human instinct.
    • CedEx, on 03/10/2008, -2/+2If anything, karma will serve him later. If he ever needs firefighters to extract him from his wrecked car, I'm *SO SURE* the arrested firefighter will be doing his *BEST* at the time.
    • BedPost, on 03/10/2008, -0/+4...out of a cannon... into the sun.
  • carnag3aus, on 03/10/2008, -3/+24It's funny, there are so many good cops, and so many bad cops, but never any bad ambulance officers or firefighters. no power trips for them, just a genuine heart for serving the community. Oh and that cop is a wanker.
    • Lyph5, on 03/10/2008, -1/+15In my town, our Ambulance and Fire Fighter squads are all volunteer, and they're some of the nicest people you could ever meet. The police, on the other hand, are pretty corrupt. Selling drugs they confiscate from kids, forcing minors to report on their friends without the minors parent even knowing about any of it, writing tickets because your license plate is from some other state... It's too bad, there were two cops who weren't too bad, but they were forced out because they wouldn't go along with the rest of 'em.
      • michael43, on 03/10/2008, -0/+9Your description would fit any small town in America....sadly
        • carnag3aus, on 03/10/2008, -1/+1good to be an Aussie i guess. wankers are highway patrol, the rest are good guys.
      • Pittance, on 03/10/2008, -0/+3It probably wont do anything, but get as many details, evidence and testimonials/witnesses as possible to agree to testify. Then call the SBI (state bureau of investigation) and the FBI. IAD (internal affairs department) if there is one for that department. Those are the guys who handle corruption. Corrupt cops are VERY hard to pin down, but it happens. Usually the investigators get years of evidence on the whole unit before coming forward, they want to be damn sure people get off the force and in jail. There was a recent case with the SBI in NC about a corrupt department. Real bad stuff, but they got a lot of them. Getting the authorities aware and the public is the first step, even if it seems like nothing is being done.
        • Lyph5, on 03/10/2008, -0/+1IAD? It's a town of 4500 people. It's sad when the Staties are nicer than the Townies.
          They actually did force one to retire early a year or two back, since he left his cruiser in gear when he went in to get a bagel and the car took off. Into the building. But anything less than that and you keep your job. Odd coincidence, most of them are related to the town selectmen.
    • ApokalypseNow, on 03/10/2008, -0/+6Firefighters and ambulance drivers don't get to pull people over, give tickets, and wear guns - aside from the ability to break normal traffic laws under emergency conditions, there's nothing there to power-trip over.
    • xDibblerx, on 03/10/2008, -1/+6The guy who lives next door to me is a firefighter and I've never meet a bigger ***** in my life. He has 9/11 syndrome and believes all the hype about him being a national hero and deserving of RESPECT!
    • mikebaldwin67, on 03/10/2008, -0/+6pretty sure wherever you go in life you'll find assholes. Career doesn't change that.
      • Lyph5, on 03/10/2008, -0/+2The question is: Do assholes become cops or do cops become assholes?
      • barkus, on 03/11/2008, -0/+1Very true. But career choice can amplify ones assholishness. Because ***** cops are given the power to be bullies (essentially) they can be more effective at being assholes than your run of the mill *****.
  • friendlyman, on 03/10/2008, -9/+0Don't arrest me bro! What did i do? What did i do?
    • TexTurboesq, on 03/10/2008, -0/+2You wasted my time with this comment.
  • vector66, on 03/10/2008, -0/+17It seems that what the fireman did is one of their standard operating procedures(SOP), so I'm thinking that the national firefighters corps would be sure their SOP's are compliant with all local and federal laws. SOOO, not only the policeman laking any common sense but quite probably ignorant of the fireman's duty and common practices. Shame!!!
    • ventralnet, on 03/10/2008, -0/+10I'm actually thinking the cop and the fireman have had some past issues and the cop was flexing his nuts.
  • nxxm, on 03/10/2008, -5/+21hah crazy stupid cop....

    its not like the firefighter truck was "parking" for real and the firefighters were having a bbq or going to the movies or having a party on the two lanes, but they were working.....

    what in gods name was that stupid cop thinking he was arresting the firefighter chief.... stupid moronish coptard....

    the firefighters put their truck near the scene to be able to give maximum help. they have machinery, tools and hardware on that truck, so why park it like hundred yards away from where the action is.

    additionally it blocks the traffic if someone of the highway drivers was accidentally crashing into the site, creating a protective layer to the accident site.

    people must me really dumb to arrest others while helping. even if the cop had a point, suppose the victim was bleeding, or in a risky state and injured, why not arresting the whole bunch of helpers, medics, firefighters and just anyone because they are walking on the highway and pedestrians are not allowed or some ***** ideas like that...

    crzy moronish cop i can only say again. wonder why this took them so long. the cop needs to be removed long ago and put into some mental detention center instead. hes inarguably totally ***** stupid.
  • ceruleanocte, on 03/10/2008, -14/+103C'mon guys, they were both just doing their jobs. The fireman had to protect lives and the policeman had to endanger/hassle others. It's all in the line of duty...
  • Thrilltone, on 03/10/2008, -4/+35I'm more afraid of the police, than of the criminals.
    I don't feel like they will protect me. At best, they will simply make a report of my suffering.
    • prleet, on 03/10/2008, -2/+9You are correct my friend.
    • ventralnet, on 03/10/2008, -2/+7Oh man you are totally right.. IW oudl rather have the guy with the knife over for dinner any day
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VwxB89hJ5o
    • TexTurboesq, on 03/10/2008, -8/+1Boo ***** Hoo
    • Pittance, on 03/10/2008, -8/+1Then dont call them when you are in trouble. But dont be surprised when they arrest/shoot you as they try to protect other people from your vigilante justice.
    • ProjectGSX, on 03/10/2008, -0/+6Welcome to 20, 30 years ago. KRS One posed the question back in 88: "You were put here to protect us, but who protects us from you?". Today cops run around with tasers and zap anyone who argues with them.

      Of course, some one will come through here and say that only a small percentage of cops are bad - and thats true. The problem is those bad cops are protected like child molesting priests. The system doesnt weed them out until something ridiculous as body slamming a 10 year old skateboarder gets plastered all over the internet.
    • mikebaldwin67, on 03/10/2008, -0/+3really true in a face value sort of way. When driving down the road I don't worry about criminals or getting into car accidents, I worry about getting pulled over and harassed by the police. And there are very few things in life that set off my primal 'fight or flight' urges like seeing flashing blues in the rear-view mirror.
    • BingoPower, on 03/10/2008, -0/+2I've met many cops and criminals in my time.

      I find the criminals more approachable...
  • harry8227, on 03/10/2008, -10/+3Very old story
  • drunkinbda, on 03/10/2008, -0/+10i would love to have heard the victims reaction to this. It seemed like the victim wasnt in too bad a condition, so i couldn't imagine what he/she would be thinking while watching a cop arrest the man trying to help them....thats pretty bad.
  • joeanon, on 03/10/2008, -6/+8The incompetence of the police state runneth over.
  • oxphantomxo, on 03/10/2008, -11/+6This place is getting repetitive.
    • berfmurret, on 03/10/2008, -1/+8This place is getting repetitive?
    • xlneoMAXlx, on 03/10/2008, -4/+1this story has been posted before.
    • Assassa, on 03/10/2008, -3/+1First time I saw it. We can't all live vicariously through Digg, ya know.
    • lcaldas, on 03/10/2008, -0/+4The comment "This place is getting repetitive." is getting repetitive.
  • prleet, on 03/10/2008, -10/+1In United States of Mexico, police is a donut.
  • michael43, on 03/10/2008, -0/+57That is precisely why stupid people shouldn't be cops. I think police enforcement should be a high paying profession and that all officers should pass a multitude of psychological tests before being allowed to serve. It's to important a job to put in the hands of a gung ho idiot.
    • coustoe, on 03/10/2008, -2/+6would be nice right? But the cold hard facts/logic say eoonomics don't support your vision of utopia.

      It would be nice if Everyone had a PHD and was 100% competant in their jobs? wrong this isn't human nature, highly competant and intelligent people maybe comprise a small portion of the population, these people become doctors, managers, CEO etc. Also if you are 100% competant and highly intelligent motivated you will either 1. get promoted out of your job 2. find another job that pays a lot more with less stress and less chance of dying.

      So are there good cops, yes but if they're any good they probably got promoted to a desk job or left the force to make more money doing something else.
    • sombrerero, on 03/10/2008, -2/+3Most police departments have increased their testing and qualifications for hiring. I am currently 4 1/2 months into the hiring process. My next step is a full day of psych testing and formal interview in front of a Dr. All that is before I am officially hired. They seem to be weeding out more of the idiots before this. From a pool of 72 applicants back in November down to 6 qualified hirees.

      Now... Back to reading how bad the police are.
      • michael43, on 03/10/2008, -0/+1Good for you. Tell us why you want to be a cop? Seriously, I'm not being a smart ass, I just wonder what your motivation is, it certainly can't be the money.
        • sombrerero, on 03/10/2008, -0/+4I used to work in public service, but got out of it for the money. I am now fed up with the profit only option and want to get back into public service. I have had great experiences with my local police department. I have three friends who are currently serving in two other departments. They are making a difference. I want to be a part of it. We had some bad characters a few years ago that gave local PD a black eye. Maybe I can help. Who knows-
      • zspeed78, on 03/10/2008, -1/+1The money is some states isnt even that bad. California CHP makes more than an entry level mechanical engineer. Its not uncommon for cops/chp to make $90k. So unless your a top notch CS major, they just may be making more money than you.
      • agentbad, on 03/10/2008, -0/+2That's a great starting pay but how many different gangs operate in California?
    • Dbeneath, on 03/11/2008, -0/+1Being a cop isn't a very low paying job...cop in my town made 70-80k
  • auntazalea, on 03/10/2008, -3/+2looks like too much testosterone to me!
  • moxley, on 03/10/2008, -0/+8I used to live in St Louis - and while there are good cops everywhere, there weren't many there....the majority of the ones I encountered there were ignorant *****.
    • Hobbers10, on 03/10/2008, -1/+3I come from a long line of ignorant *****. I wonder if they are hiring....I'm maxed out in pay at Taco Bell
    • prleet, on 03/10/2008, -0/+0Wow, so similar to the police in Rockville, Maryland. You got psychic ability my friend.
  • bsmang, on 03/10/2008, -3/+10This is why everyone, even paramedics on a firetruck, should carry a taser.
  • Spartan61, on 03/10/2008, -1/+43good 'ol law enforcement! good to see they're arresting the real crooks and not wasting everyone's tax dollars!
  • ubitendo, on 03/10/2008, -4/+8The fireman should've listened to that stupid pig -- he's lucky he didn't get tasered.

    Every time another posting on Digg comes up that puts a police officer in a bad light the Police Benevolent Association starts posting and defends the actions of the cops, no matter how immoral they are. Now I wonder if any PBA reps can defend this incident.
  • Delphium226, on 03/10/2008, -0/+22I wouldn't want to be that cop if his house catches fire and he tries to get the FD to come out.
    • jazduck, on 03/11/2008, -0/+3They'd still turn up, the FD unlike the police are actually interested in helping people.
  • BuzzFriendly, on 03/10/2008, -1/+5Just another example that common sense is dead in America. Makes one wonder how the police would have reacted if it was a cop getting help from the fireman.
  • alpha94, on 03/10/2008, -1/+5I'm surprised the cop didn't get suspended for jeopardizing the safety of the injured man because he removed the primary rescue worker off the scene.
  • 91004, on 03/10/2008, -0/+24Being a firefighter and having worked in public safety for 20+ years I can tell you that sometimes all of this results from internal turmoil within the public safety agencies. I don't know what occurred in this situation but the way the cop reacted it makes me think that he was just jumping on a opportunity to push his weight around a little bit. It could be as simple as the cop was dating a girl that a firefighter was dating at the same time, or maybe the police officer was told to go f*ck himself at the scene of another incident by a firefighter. Who knows, but I agree 100% that scene safety is very important.

    On the PA Turnpike I know this occurs on a regular basis as the PA State Police try to enforce the laws, and fire departments have taken the position that the safety of themselves and the victims is of upmost importance first. Threats of being cited and arrested by the PSP are taken with a grain of salt.
    • prleet, on 03/10/2008, -7/+2POLICE IS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY FOR CRYING OUT LOUD> IF YOU ***** CAN"T DO IT THEN FIND A ***** NEW PROFESSION> WHAT THAT FAGGIT COP SHOULD HAVE DONE IS TO TAKEN CARE OF THE TRAFFIC< SINCE THAT FAT PIECE OF ***** FAILED TO DO SO< THE COMMON LOGIC OF HUMANITY PREVAILED>>AND IT WAS THE CAPTAINS> THE END
      • wicketr, on 03/11/2008, -0/+1This isn't a mainframe message board. The End.
  • DSM1Love, on 03/10/2008, -3/+5oink oink!!! what an idiot the firetruck was parked there for their safety and protection. he deserves to get hit by a car.
  • steveoco, on 03/10/2008, -1/+5The cop looks exactly as I pictured in my head, chubby, black aviators and a mustache. It is strange, who has authority in that situation? if it is th emergency team (fire in this case) than the cop should have listened. Seems strange that the arrest happened on the spot. i think the cop was just pissed off that his authority was questioned and had to act to save face.
  • starphish, on 03/10/2008, -0/+17I was in a bad car accident that left me lying on the ground in the center of an interstate, unable to move due to several hip and pelvis breaks. A cop parked his car behind me so nobody would run me over. I was grateful. That's what the fireman was trying to do. It's the smart thing to do, noble, and kind. And as the judge stated, the fireman had state law on his side.
  • eastlondoner, on 03/10/2008, -17/+2ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ONLY IN AMERICA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH< OH MY ***** GOD. LOL OL OL OL
    • stugster, on 03/10/2008, -4/+1People are digging you down for making a ***** valid point. This kind of crap would only ever happen in the States. Glad that Declaration of Independence was written ;)
      • JT114881, on 03/10/2008, -1/+3Valid points are fine as long as you don't write them like you are 2 years old.
    • Scheissen, on 03/10/2008, -1/+2Only America has more than two lane highways.
      • mithi, on 03/10/2008, -1/+2In the UK we have 3 and 4 lane motorways
  • dddavid, on 03/10/2008, -4/+2what an idiot! I guess stupid people need jobs too.
  • Techchef, on 03/10/2008, -4/+2There's no "i" in T-E-A-M...We can't make a difference unless we work as a TEAM! Police + Fire = TEAM
  • coustoe, on 03/10/2008, -1/+7The best police officers I've met have been the ones just starting out their careers (younger cops), I guess if they're any good with time they get promoted out of patrolman to management or some desk job.

    The worst ones ones were the older guys still doing patrol duty. Guess they couldn't get promoted, because they suck so much.
    • leaknoil, on 03/11/2008, -0/+1It's all about ego. The police officers I've dealt with without huge egos have been amazing. Honestly, I've found the older officers better in that regard. Seems like when they get close to retirement they have a very different view of the world and less to prove. They are relaxed and really want to make things better. When they are just starting out they tend to have a bit of a chip on their shoulder.
  • KyleYankan, on 03/10/2008, -0/+40I'm a Firefighter, and I ride on a heavy rescue unit that covers the south end of I-476, and parts of I-95. I've personally seen how drunk drivers can risk lives, and how rubberneckers can swerve unknowingly, because they were staring at the wreck. I would park my ambulance, or my rescue there everytime, even if it was illegal. My fellow firefighters, and the patients safety are much more important. Now that being said, IT'S NOT ILLEGAL! We are allowed to shut down any roadway, or highway we see fit, for our safety, as well as the safety of our patients. This cop was being a douchebag. Even if he wanted that highway open, for whatever reason, he shouldn't have arrested that Captain. Now, if he *HAD* to arrest the Captain, he should have waited until after the extrication.

    -FFEMT Yankanich
    • dmourati, on 03/10/2008, -0/+2Word. If that rent-a-cop had a beef with the fireman, he should have waited till after the victim was rescued from the vehicle. To act otherwise is simply immoral given the circumstances.
  • RabidAngel, on 03/10/2008, -0/+13I asked a family member, who is a firefighter and paramedic, what the general rule is about situations like this. He said that he wasn't sure what the written rule was, but in the smaller city where he works, police basically show up asking "What can we do to help you guys out?" He said that everyone's primary concern is keeping people from being hurt while helping those who already are. Seems like simple logic to me.
  • zzt711, on 03/10/2008, -2/+5The A$$WIPE of an officer should be fired also, or at the least relegated to being a paper pusher, he shouldn't be on the street.
  • Ethos79, on 03/10/2008, -6/+3Don't Taze Him Bro........ !
    I hate stupid cops...
  • kahakauai, on 03/10/2008, -1/+3On a lighter note... At least he didn't get tazered
    • mrhaines, on 03/10/2008, -1/+1Yeah I wouldn't be shocked if he had been.
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