It was almost a bad Valentines Day for Shrewsbury Volunteers. Engine 61-2 was returning from our 3rd call of the morning and was nearly struck by passenger vehicles in front of our station. The apparatus driver activated the emergency lights on approach to the station and prepared to position the engine for backing into the station. Our operating guidelines mandate a firefighter to be placed at the left rear of the backing apparatus and in sight of the driver in the mirror. This firefighter will monitor the vehicle as it is in reverse. If an issue arises the driver did not see the backer will signal the driver to immediately stop the apparatus. This morning Engine 61-2 was nearly hit on the officer side by TWO vehicles who decided emergency lights mean nothing and their time is too important to stop for a fire engine with emergency lights activated. If it were not for the quick actions of the engine driver we would have turned into the oncoming cars.
In 2015 10 firefighters in the United States lost their lives because of being struck by moving vehicles. Many emergency vehicles were struck while their emergency lights were activated. Our job is dangerous enough trying to enter burning buildings or rescuing trapped victims. We shouldn't have to be playing dodge-ball with inconsiderate and law breaking drivers. PA vehicle code clearly states you must yield for emergency vehicles, it's the LAW.
Watch the video and see the ignorance of drivers and the lack of appreciation for our emergency providers. We were unable to get the license tags of these vehicles. If so, charges would have been filed for placing our apparatus and members at risk. Share this with everyone and get the message out to STOP and clear the roadway for emergency vehicles. Our lives are in your hands......
