10/20/05   Dallas Fire Department Traffic Control Procedures

I suspect "Commander" X does not have "knowledge" of the workings of DFD as he is scared to use his name.

"Commander", and I use that term loosely because he obviously hasn't seen a human being hit by a car at highway speeds, indicates his lack of knowledge about the needs for safety on highway scenes. Brightly colored vests do not slow drunk drivers.

Flashing lights do not slow drunk drivers. There are probably studies that indicate these things attract drunk drivers. 

Trucks, however, do stop drunk drivers. I have witnessed it twice in my five years on.  I wonder if you ask the family of the policeman killed a little over a year ago by a drunk driver on a accident scene if his life wasn't worth putting a $300,00.00 piece of equipment at risk. As my twin brother is a Dallas cop, I would say it is.

"Commander X" wonders why the DPD has a slow response.  It is probably due to answering of false alarms, which DFD will start doing if DPD implements their current desire not to respond to unconfirmed burglary alarms.

As for wreckers, take a hard look at the city council. When they allowed DFD to call wreckers and required wreckers to answer promptly, scenes cleared a lot quicker.  Why did the city do away with this program? It worked.  I?m sure "Commander X" can answer that question.

It is refreshing to see that as a "commander" for 35 years in DFD that you have such concern for the safety for your brothers in the field.  I am glad your are retired as I would not trust your "command" on a fire ground if common sense escapes you so easily. 

Wisdom