| Our day kicked off with a dispatch to Interstate 80 for an unresponsive male in a vehicle, with additional reports of a smashed windshield. As you can imagine, crews were preparing for a potentially serious situation while responding.
Upon arrival, Command 17 quickly assessed the scene and discovered… not a medical emergency, not a crash—but a gentleman who apparently decided that the shoulder of Interstate 80 was the perfect place to catch up on some sleep. As for the “smashed windshield,” we’re still not entirely sure what the caller saw—but we can confirm the only thing truly “broken” was this individual’s choice of a rest stop.
After ensuring the driver was okay (and gently reminding him that I-80 is not a campground), crews cleared the scene and returned to service.
But the day wasn’t over yet.
Later, we were dispatched to an electrical pole on fire that had ignited a small brush fire. Crews made quick work of extinguishing the brush fire, preventing any spread and keeping things under control.
As for the burning utility pole… well, sometimes firefighting also involves knowing when not to fight fire with water. With live electricity involved, crews did what any well-trained firefighter would do—we established a safe perimeter and professionally supervised the situation (also known as standing there and watching it burn) until the power company arrived to handle it.
Because as much as we enjoy putting wet stuff on red stuff… electricity tends to disagree with that plan.
All in all, just another day of the unexpected. From roadside naps to electrifying situations, we’re always ready for whatever comes our way.
And as a friendly reminder:
Interstate highways are for driving—not sleeping.
And if you ever see us “just standing there,” we promise there’s usually a very good (and safe) reason for it.
Stay safe, Morris Township! |
