Sept. 5, 2013 TIPS
Our speaker today was introduced by Bob Dugas. He is State Police Trooper Michael Miskell.
Michael has been a trooper for 21 years, and was on the road for 19 years, 15 years on the night detail.
He talked about the experience of the Police Academy and the shaking out of people in the course. Starting with 250 members, loosing 50 and then another 35, ending with 165 new troopers. that was in 1992.
For 15 years he was on patrol on the night shift at midnight. That's when many crashes happened. He patrolled on Rt. 93 and 495.He talked about a couple of crashes like the young driver, 18 years old, with a suspended license. Who went off the road and got killed. Another, although strapped in his seat belt, tipped over on the driver side and was killed by his head being dragged 35 yards on the pavement. Very graphic in his description of the crash, and the fatal result. It was difficult to deal with, and the young driver had no I.D.
He did eventually find a way to ID him and he had to go to the victim's home and tell his mom. he talked about the emotions of the mom, anger, loss, fear, blame. The mom at some point blamed the Trooper! He saw three kids come into the room, and felt their loss. The protocol requires the trooper to stay with the family member until other family/friends come to console and help the mom deal with their loss.
Some hints Michael suggested: if you need to change a tire, get to the right side of the road, not in the middle by the median devider. If you need AAA help call 911 and ask the trooper to call for you. The tow truck people have a contract with the State Police and they respond much faster when they call. If you need to change the tire have a good jack, gloves, and a 4 way wrench.
He pointed out that it's not illegal to drink and drive, but it is illegal to drive imparred.
Another point to remember: if you approach an emergency vehicle on the side of the road, go slowly and stay to the left side. (i.e: Ambulance, cruiser, fire truck two truck, etc.) Annually 26 two truck drivers are killed on the highways of America.
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This week we have a board meeting. Sept 12. at 11:15 AM.
BTW, no winner of the pot, so the money grows. Maybe this week!
AND PLEASE SELLYOUR RAFFLE TICKETS!
Your cub reporter,
J Bob
Fellow Club Member Mark Kennard recently had a guest commentary in the Daily Item. In his commentary Mark indicated that he has seen the first hand effects of addiction, and the reality that recovery can and does happen for many people. He asked readers to join him in the celebration of new life for those in recovery and to support new opportunities for those still in the throes of addiction. As Rotarians, we should heed Mark's advice on this. Mark has been a fellow Rotarian for a number of years and has been an active member of the club. He organizes and runs our Grade 8 program and does a wonderful job at it each year. We appreciate Mark's leadership in this activity and his ongoing presence in the club. His dedication to service exhibits itself in the club and in his career. He is a true Rotarian.
Last June, the club had a group of 11 volunteers who volunteered to serve food at My Brothers Table. It was such a rewarding experience for the group as well as a great service for the needy in Lynn. The volunteers all remarked on how satisfied they felt providing service for people who have not been as fortunate. Due to the success of the evening, the club will again volunteer on October 30, 2013, from 4:30 to 7:30. We are again looking for club members to sign up for the event. Tom Lynch has been organizing the event and will send a sign up sheet around at our next meeting. You can also notify Tom of your interest by emailing him at : thomaslynch@ajameslynchcom