Date: Fri, 8 May 2009 15:36:23 -0400
From: Rita Marley-McKenzie
Subject: response time
Mark, I just wanted to bounce off your post about the wreck and lack of law enforcement with my own similar frustrating personal experience.
My parents were involved in a serious accident in Randolph County a year and a half ago. The first responders came on the scene, cut my dad out of the car, called me, and sent my parents off to the hospital. It took me an additional 30 minutes to get to the scene, at which point, a trooper still had not arrived. I had to stand and wait another half-hour before a trooper finally arrived. So, it was approximately 1 ½ hours before a trooper ever arrived on the scene. Then, the trooper, with a straight face, told me they were all having a Christmas party. That’s why it took him so long to get there. Granted, this was a State Trooper, and it was over the county line out in the country. Kudos to all the first responders, and the Randolph Co. Sheriff’s Dept. for coming & directing traffic during the long wait. I understand we only have a very small number of troopers in Chatham County, but it should not take an hour to arrive on the scene of an accident. It wastes valuable tax dollars and time for everyone else.
I hope everyone was okay from the accident. I hadn’t heard about it, yet. Thank you to everyone who stayed to be witnesses and to the first responders and volunteers. We appreciate all you do and are reassured to know you will be there when/if we need you.
Rita.