Yesterday, near Smyrna, TN., a Tennessee State Trooper was struck and killed while escorting the pilots of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
From the Daily News Journal: State Trooper Andy Wall died after being injured in a wreck escorting pilots of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds to Saturday's air show at Smyrna Airport.
THP Col. Tracy Trott announced that Wall, 36, died shortly after being transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville following the wreck on Sam Ridley Parkway.
"I am saddened by the loss of Trooper Wall. He was a fine state trooper who was dedicated to serving and protecting others. Tonight, the entire THP family mourns his loss," Trott said in a press release.
Trooper Wall and Trooper Buddy Head were riding their THP motorcycles on Sam Ridley Parkway in front of StoneCrest Medical Center ahead of a vehicle carrying U.S. Air Force Thunderbird pilots when their motorcycles were struck by another vehicle around 2 p.m.
Trooper Head was transported to StoneCrest Hospital and was treated and released with minor injuries. http://www.dnj.com/article/20110508/NEWS01/105080328/Trooper-killed-wreck-while-escorting-pilots?odyssey=modmostview
From the Officer Down Memorial Page: Trooper Wall had served with the Tennessee Highway Patrol for seven years. He is survived by his parents, sister, and girlfriend. http://www.odmp.org/officer/20833-trooper-andy-wall
The Thunderbirds are stationed at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas.
This death could have been prevented. It is so common place for people to get a police escort everywhere they go. I understand that some politicians, like the president, need an escort. (But does the president really need more than 20 police cars escorting him?) If a high school team wins a state championship, I can see that.
But pilots of the Thunderbirds? Why do they need a police escort? Did their suppprt staff get one? I doubt it. It's just an ego trip.
But it is getting out of control. Charlie Sheen got a police escort in Washington D.C. to go from the airport to his concert in which he was late for.
Harry Reid gets an escort when he is in Nevada. Not sure about Washington D.C.
Professional athletic teams can get one. Sometimes even individual athletes get one.
Hell, even some college football coaches have a police escort on the football field.
I know it is probably a tradition to give celeberties, athletes, politicians and others a police escort, mostly for an ego boost.
But it has to stop- it wastes time, money and as we see today, it can be dangerous when it doesn't have to be.
Stop giving police escorts.
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