Post Your Comments: Fire Chief Runs Blocker for Responding Unit

Here's a video from YouTube posted a while ago that someone on the Watch Desk just posted a link to. It's a chief's vehicle running as a blocker ahead at intersections for a responding unit.

Then he speeds up as the unit passes and then blocks the next one...and so on.

What is your department's policy on this type of situation? If the responding engine/truck is already going at or above the posted speed limit, what must the chief officer be doing to from full stop, to pass it, and then speed ahead to block the next intersection.

Curious everyone's thoughts on this one ..

Stay safe! Web Chief

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Comment by Chris Anderson on February 25, 2010 at 2:37pm: all I have to say is, great choice of music.

Comment by themocison on December 25, 2008 at 4:17am: but if u think about it, which would be better, get hit with a 60,000lb truck at 40 or a 4000lb crown vic at 40. ill take my chances with the vic, so it is a good idea. if u hit the truck, it will hurt a lil more and the truck dont make it to the scene

Comment by marktheemt on September 11, 2008 at 8:24pm: Nothing wrong with this we have done it hundreds of times in NYC, IF you have a class 1 Patient in the back of the bus or are going to a real bad fire. To do this on a routine basis would be a little crazy. Everyone be carefull oot there and of course continue your prayers and thoughts of our fallen brothers and sisters on this day on 9/11/01.

Comment by marktheemt on September 11, 2008 at 8:16pm: As a N.Y.C. EMT we have done this numerous times. Usualy when you have a class 1 Pt. in the back of the unit the other unit will run as a blocker. If it is a Fire Fighter or Police Officer the Chiefs car will run as a blocker or if it;s a P.O. the Sgt. does it. Nothing wrong with it and the unit can respond sooner and safer.

Comment by Erick on September 3, 2008 at 2:27pm: It's probly not the safest thing to do.But in these day's and times.People just don't pay attention to emergency vehicals anymore.Our trucks cost so much these day they are hard to replace.

Comment by Trisha Stanfield on August 28, 2008 at 5:39pm: Well, of course first off, it isnt very safe.. And then, it looks a bit confusing to those people that are driving the road.. Its like they dont know where to go! Go right for lights and sirens, but then the chiefs rig is all over the place... Dont think that would go over very well in our district.

Comment by Gary Dreyer on August 26, 2008 at 9:48pm: hmmm too many bad 1970's and early 80's movies.... unless thats the remake of smokey and the bandit??? remember the feds were watning us abtou stolen fire apparatus, maybe they saw they script?
Now truthfully, I have only seen this a few times and usually police escorting, although I can remember one time a fire suburban being involved at the PD's request and that was for a shooting victim who was under "protection" and that night they had 3 officers available to secure the scene and escort the patient.

Comment by Jim Dyson on August 25, 2008 at 11:46pm: not smart at all !!!!

Comment by Nancy Lankford McCain on August 25, 2008 at 11:06pm: OK, the Q was working in the truck, were their lights broken? Did they have brake problems? If so, then it should have been out of service.

What did chief drink with his lunch? I remember escorts; there is a reason they aren't done anymore.

remember you only have 1*

Comment by Gary Walker on August 25, 2008 at 10:46pm: This would certainly not be condoned in New Zealand. Blocking the intersection in that way is not so bad, but one emergency vehicle overtaking another like that is downright dangerous. Other drivers on the road would focus on the fire truck and would certainly not be expecting a smaller vehicle travelling at a higher speed to suddenly appear from behind it. We actually have a policy that no fire vehicle shall overtake another unless the front vehicle is experiencing problems such as mechanical failure.