Hey,
As you recall, North Merrick (Nassau County, NY) Fire Chief James Allen was issued a citation by a New York State Trooper a few weeks ago while attempting to close the southbound right-hand lane because of an accident in the center lane on the Meadowbrook State Parkway.
“It wasn’t safe," Chief Allen said. "The weather this morning wasn’t good and cars were slipping and sliding all over the place. I had a victim and I was trying to make it as safe as possible. I have to keep my guys safe too."
Chief 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.
When Chief Allen disagreed, the trooper threatened to have him arrested, according to Allen, but instead, the incident ended with the state trooper issuing the citation.
“As of January 1, there is a new law in effect that says that all cars have to move over a lane when they see a disabled vehicle," Allen said. "Now, in this case, no one could move over because the accident was in the center lane, but I had to make the scene secure."
Fortunately this morning, the case was dismissed in traffic court. This has been described as a rare incident as relations between the Nassau County fire departments and the various police agencies are usually very good.
Take Care-BE CAREFUL
BillyG
The Secret List 3-7-11 1057 hours
www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com
