Feb 2024. Blues Vol 40 No. 2

must begin by reviewing our
training methods.
Emergency vehicle operator
training begins with a short
classroom discussion on vehicle
dynamics and the law
that authorizes patrol vehicles
to exceed the speed limit, disregard
stop signs and lights,
to stop, stand or park, where
necessary, and move against the
normal flow of traffic. I teach a
paraphrase for this “Emergency
vehicles are not bound by signs,
signals and road markings”.
During this classroom discussion
instructors will identify when an
operator may use this authorization.
As I reflect on my initial
EVO training, I remember very
little of when I was authorized
to drive in contrast with the law.
I do, however, remember being
on the track and encouraged by
instructors to push the limits of
the vehicle. After 2 years serving
as a state trooper, I became an
instructor. Needless to say, I possessed
very little knowledge or
experience, so I taught the same
aggressive driving behavior that
was taught to me. Not only did I
believe my skill set was superior,
but I demonstrated it at every
opportunity. I drove at excessive
speeds and blew through red
lights without slowing to clear
the intersection as required by
law. Today I can honestly say I
had a celestial co-pilot that had
plans for me. After burying 3
of our police officers, all killed
in traffic crashes, I began contemplating
what role I played in
the deaths of these young men.
Not only what I taught, but the
role model I set for the younger
troopers that I worked around.
I can honestly say I failed all
those who I trained and those
who were in the vehicle with me,
along with those who witnessed
my driving.
Allow me to explain why I am
so passionate about EVO. When
I was younger, my ego was the
size of the Gulf of Mexico. Ego
clouds judgment. Without clear
judgment the operator can slip
into rogue status. I was the
quintessential rogue. I believed
the law did not apply to me
because I drove an emergency
vehicle. I also believed I possessed
superior skill; therefore, I
could drive anyway I felt necessary.
Late for work, no problem,
traveling across the state for an
assignment, going home after a
long shift, no problem, leave late,
get there early was always my
modus operandi.
I possessed many attitudes that
should have led to my demise
many times. I maintained a cando
attitude, which is not a bad
thing until personal safety was
at risk. Always pressing, the need
to be involved in events outside
of my area of responsibility. Antiauthority,
I am above the law. Invulnerability,
my skill is so superior,
nothing will happen to me.
All of this led to complacency.
Here is the underlying problem of
all those things. I was unaware
of my rogue behavior.
I have developed a course to
identify rogues. In my case I did
The Blues - February ‘24 61