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 Firechief2411 on August 25, 2008 at 8:37am: This guy thinks he is a cop i guess. However beside his speed, I can find no fault in blocking for traffic. We can sit here and comment all day, however we do not know the background on the call. They could have been taking a down firefighter to the hospital, there could have been something we don't know about the call.

Comment by WhiteLightning on August 25, 2008 at 8:14am: Yeah.... what Mark Montgomery said!

Comment by Lawrence W on August 25, 2008 at 5:45am: A procedure like the one shown here creates more hazard for the responding unit and for the chief than is necessary. How many times have we discussed here the need to control your speed, stop at red lights, due regard, etc.? The chief is putting himself and the engine crew at undue risk. If the chief were to be involved in a collision, the engine wouldn't make it to the scene anyway...

Comment by Mark Montgomery on August 25, 2008 at 5:38am: Interesting but completely illegal where I am.
If even the Police tried to assist like this they could end up in trouble. As an officer I would continue to instruct my driver to keep obeying the rules set down. Stop for red lights, stop for STOP signs, stop for give ways!

Comment by Greenman on August 25, 2008 at 5:28am: Hey, let's start putting a couple of FFs on BMW motorcycles every time we roll and they can block intersections for the Rig....just like Motorcycle Police in Germany, or th Netherlands. We could even call them "little friends" liek the B-17/B-24 crews called fighters in WWII.

GM

Comment by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on August 25, 2008 at 3:43am: If the chief wants to be a cop, then he should be a cop. This is not appropriate and actually creates more potential for an accident caused by an emergency vehicle. The fact that a video was produced and shared on YouTube pretty much sums up the attitude of the Chief's firefighters... Aren't Chief's supposed to be setting a good example anyways...?

Comment by Erika Asst Fire Chief on August 25, 2008 at 3:43am: I don't have to worry about something like that in my city or county......We don't have any traffic lights,,,,for real, we don't

Comment by Beans on August 25, 2008 at 3:38am: i totally agree with firechief 911 on this one...if you look at the traffic lights, most of them are green for the engine anyway...hmmm, jut seems like a accident waititng to happen..

Comment by César León on August 25, 2008 at 2:55am: Nice Job!!!!!....giving full support to his Guys!!!!!

Comment by Doug on August 25, 2008 at 2:37am: Departments in my area doe not do this, but area police departments are pretty good at clearing intersections ahead of fire apparatus if they have the man power