VA State Trooper writes MEDAL OF HONOR Recipient a speeding summons

[VSPClem]

I dont think this ticket was written by a Trooper. Reasons as follow.

5011 is not a valid badge number in our dpt, it could be a code number, but the only McClellan in the entire dpt is far too senior to have that as a code number. That McClellan, again the only one in the dpt, does not have the initials J. H.

Further, the court information system will list the individuals departmental affiliation on the system and would attach a rider "VSP" to it.

How this came out as being a Trooper I have no clue, but facts dont jibe with the story.

[Gene L]

I ain't writing a MOH recipient a ticket for speeding. NO way. I don't think most officers or troopers would except rookies.

Troopers, cops, and deputies are given discretion in ticket writing. Otherwise, you could use robots to do the job.

Don't deny the guy was speeding, he didn't deny it. But my own moral code won't allow me to write a ticket to someone who won this nation's highest medal for uncommon valor.

[Bearcat357]

How this came out as being a Trooper I have no clue, but facts dont jibe with the story.

Because (for some reason) a lot of folks love hating you guys........

[SlowDownThere]

I don't think this Officer (or Trooper) would like having his named tossed about on this public forum. I think we should stop.

[Bearcat357]

I don't think this Officer (or Trooper) would like having his named tossed about on this public forum. I think we should stop.

His name is on about 10 different forums right now.......plus it's on the Court website....

[SlowDownThere]

His name is on about 10 different forums right now.......plus it's on the Court website....

I would not appreciate that either, if I were him.

[Bearcat357]

I would not appreciate that either, if I were him.

Neither would I....

I am just stating the facts....that there are a ton of websites running this.....some (like this one) have at least gotten the correct facts out.....others are bashing him, LE, and whatever else they can come up with.....which is usualy par for the course on those sites.....

[sert115]

To get this back on subject.....

I just checked the State of South Carolina's DMV website.....they don't issue MOH plates...

The VA Court link clearly states the guy that got ticketed was from South Carolina.........

How could the Trooper/Deputy/Officer known he was a MOH Awardee if he didn't have MOH plates...???

http://www.scdmvonline.com/forms/MV-37.pdf

Should have checked harder!!!!!!!!!!

[Bearcat357]

http://www.scdmvonline.com/forms/MV-37.pdf

Should have checked harder!!!!!!!!!!

IF you had read some more of my postings on this subject, you would have clearly observed that I acknowledged my mistake of not finding the plates when I looked on the website....

And I posted several other links that some of the folks on here didn't hunt down....as they were trying to comdemn this LEO right off that bat....and I didn't..... I at least took the time/effort to try and look at all sides of the story.....

[sert115]

IF you had read some more of my postings on this subject, you would have clearly observed that I acknowledged my mistake of not finding the plates when I looked on the website....

And I posted several other links that some of the folks on here didn't hunt down....as they were trying to comdemn this LEO right off that bat....and I didn't..... I at least took the time/effort to try and look at all sides of the story.....

AS a LEO I wasn't condeming a brother officer period, but I guess you Va. boys must be a little sensitive. JK

[Bearcat357]

AS a LEO I wasn't condeming a brother officer period, but I guess you Va. boys must be a little sensitive. JK

10-4.....just a little sensitive on the subject......as I thought I had crossed my "T's and dotted my "I's" when I searched the SC website....only to get smacked that I didn't on another website......

Ego.....as I know I am good at what I do.....and it pains me when I screw up....

[t150vsuptpr]

In any case, the decision as to whether a summons or a warning was in order was entirely that of the officer who observed the violation, made the stop, and had conversation.

[InterstateLaw]

And the hypocrite of the year award goes too...

First off that doesn't make me a hypocrite as I admitted I was breaking the law and IF I had received a ticket I would have deserved it. I wouldn't be here blaming the Trooper for writing me the ticket.

[djack16]

I ain't writing a MOH recipient a ticket for speeding. NO way. I don't think most officers or troopers would except rookies.

Troopers, cops, and deputies are given discretion in ticket writing. Otherwise, you could use robots to do the job.

Don't deny the guy was speeding, he didn't deny it. But my own moral code won't allow me to write a ticket to someone who won this nation's highest medal for uncommon valor.

I wouldn't tout your moral code so much. You are suggesting preferential treatment under color of law. It should be a priority to correct a lawbreakers actions in the most suitable way. If a person is mouthing off about not doing anything or referring to their achievements or social status they are obvious not concerned with their violation of the law but with the imminent ticket writing. At that point, it makes sense to resort to the most commonly feared threats; the wallet and driving record. By letting bad drivers continue on their merry way because of something irrelevant to their violation, you don't improve public safety you decay it.

[Bearcat357]

In any case, the decision as to whether a summons or a warning was in order was entirely that of the officer who observed the violation, made the stop, and had conversation.

Where in God's name did you come from....? I thought you were MIA...?

Welcome back.....