Here is the letter:
Linn County News
Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor:
On February 1, 2010, I was sitting at home listening to my scanner. A call came in for emergency response near Centerville. A female had lost control of her vehicle and slipped off the road. She was unable to exit her car and it was still sliding. Injuries were unknown.
Days later, I was informed that the firefighter and first responder Larry Thompson was handcuffed and ticketed by a Sheriffs officer. This happened in plain sight of the victim and other volunteer firefighters before the accident scene was cleared. Where is the common sense in this?
Time was of the essence in this accident and response time was quicker by Mr. Thompson's ability to respond with his personally owned vehicle.
I do not have personal knowledge of all the tickets issued. The Sherrif Deputy demanded proof of an Emergency Vehicle Permit as the firefighters personally owned vehicle displayed a red light with no siren at the scene.
A portion of Kansas State Statue 8-2010 states: "The designation shall be in writing and the written designation shall be carried in the vehicle at all times, but failure to carry the written designation shall not affect the status of the vehicle as an authorized emergency vehicle."
These past few weeks, I have heard many rumors and hearsay from those that were not present at the scene. The following, with thanks to those that helped, are a few facts.
It is a fact that Larry Thompson had been legally issued an emergency vehicle permit. A portion of the Linn County Commissioners Minutes meeting of June 5, 2000, copy and pasted reads: "Marty Read motioned to approve an emergency vehicle permit for Larry Thompson, Centerville Fire Department. Herb Pemberton seconded the motion. The motion passed 2-0."
It is a fact that state law, 8-2010a, authorizes the County Commissioners to have the authority of issue such permit and that privately owned vehicles of firefighters or volunteer firefighters qualify.
8-2010a
Chapter 8.--AUTOMOBILES AND OTHER VEHICLES
Article 20.--UNIFORM ACT REGULATING TRAFFIC; POWERS OF STATE AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES
There is no expiration date placed within this law as long as the ownership of the vehicle remains unchanged, and the use of the vehicle for authorized emergency use does not change. This was the case until after this incident, when Mr. Thompson left his fire gear at the scene after being handcuffed and issued tickets.
There is also the possibility that the Sheriff Deputy that interrupted the fire scene on this occasion could possibly be culpable, as it is unlawful to interfer with a firefighter while engaged in the performance of his duties.
21-3416
Chapter 21.--CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS
PART II.--PROHIBITED CONDUCT
Article 34.--CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS
You can find the statue's mention in completion at:
http://www.kslegislature.org/legsrv-statutes/index.doLarry Thompson has pled innocent and his court date is set for March 29, 2000 and all the facts will be presented.
Glenda J. Findley
