ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP, N.J.-- Charges were dropped Jan. 31 against two firefighters after both apologized to State Trooper Kevin Fritz for questioning his authority at an accident scene last November.
According to the Daily Record, Municipal Court Judge Andrew Wubbenhorst granted the dismissal requested by prosecutor Chris DiLorenzo, who said the firefighters had admitted their mistake and promised not to let it happen again.
When 53-year-old Rockaway Township Deputy Chief Robert Jenkins refused to relocate the truck, Nov. 26, he was arrested and charged with disobeying a state trooper and disorderly conduct. The truck's driver, Firefighter David Bell, also was charged with disobeying a state trooper.
Two fire trucks were sent with an ambulance that was called to the accident scene. As the department arrived, the right-hand lane was blocked off to protect the emergency workers.
Trooper Fritz, however, ordered the truck to be moved. Rockaway's Fire Chief Joe Mason described what would follow as "a screaming match." Since that time, the case has been through several hearings, culminating with the apology.
"We're satisfied with the outcome," Mason said. "It worked out amicably between us and the police. We're going to work together from this point on to resolve any of the issues we may have."
He said there will be continual meetings between the department and the state police and that through an ongoing highway taskforce, many of the issues will be addressed.
Related Stories
