The support in the courtroom of traffic court in Hempstead for North Merrick Fire Chief James Allen was overwhelming, as volunteer firefighters from North Merrick and beyond filled the benches in support of their chief.
Allen was in court on account of the citation he was issued by a New York State trooper while attempting to close the southbound right hand lane of the Meadowbrook State Parkway because of an accident in the center lane.
Allen explained that the trooper did not want him to close the right lane of the parkway, insisting that he allow both the right and left lanes to handle the flow of traffic after the accident. The trooper, who threatened to arrest the chief, then issued a citation when Allen refused to move his vehicle, which was blocking traffic in the right lane.
The gathered supporters, which included the victim and her mother, waited on baited breath as Allen and his lawyer were called to see a judge. Within a few minutes, the chief returned to the room.
“Dismissed Jimmy?” asked one firefighter.
With a nod of Allen’s head, the room burst with applause for the chief.
Additionally, a traffic court employee pointed the gathered group out as volunteer firefighters and the entire assembly left to applause from those in the court.
The victim, identified only as Rebecca, expressed her relief for Allen as well as her thanks for his concern.
“I am so glad it was dismissed,” she said. “I was in so much pain and was so scared and there were cars coming at me and it was snowing.
"Chief Allen was so helpful and I am just so happy that it ended up getting dismissed,” she added as she left the courtroom.
Outside, Allen shook hands with everyone who came to support him before heading back to North Merrick.
“I am so happy that this is over,” Allen said. “It’s over, it’s done with and now we are going to move on.”
