By Theresa O’Dell | Sun City Posse media relations
On behalf of the Sun City Posse, I would like to clarify some misinformation contained in the “Slow Down on Alabama” letter in the Nov. 22 of the Sun City Independent. It was troubling to see that two Posse vehicles were reportedly seen speeding to a gas leak near 103rd Avenue and Alabama on Nov. 12.
I will provide some clarifying points. The date quoted, Nov. 12 was a Sunday. The Posse does not patrol on Sundays. Posse vehicles were not on the road that day. There was a call on Monday, Nov. 13 regarding a gas leak in that vicinity to which one of our patrol cars was dispatched. Our records show the patrol vehicle was in that vicinity already and responded at 30 mph. Upon arrival, the driver was waived-off by a Sun City Fire Department officer, was not needed, and did not stay at the scene. This was the only car dispatched for that incident.
We certainly agree that 60 mph is too fast to be driving on the above-mentioned community streets. The Posse takes very seriously the speed of our patrol cars in any area of our community. To ensure the safety of our Posse members and the community, our cars are all monitored with GPS tracking/speed devices onboard. Speed for each vehicle is recorded throughout the time the vehicle is in service, and those logs are reviewed by Posse officers regularly. Any violations are discussed with the individual drivers and appropriate action, if necessary, is taken.
The incident in question here was reviewed and based on our printed report, we can assure the residents this vehicle on this day did not exceed 30 mph en route to the call. Our vehicles have been mistaken for sheriff’s cars in the past, however.
The policy for Sun City Posse vehicles being dispatched to SCFD calls is longstanding. Posse vehicles are dispatched each time SCFD is called out. The purpose is to provide any assistance that SCFD might require, such as watching emergency vehicles while they are vacated by the fire personnel, help with crowd control, or any other duties assigned by SCFD. If they are not needed, SCFD notifies them to leave the scene as was the case of the incident in question.
We appreciate and share the concern that Sun City residents have for our community. The Sun City Posse is dedicated to aiding in the safety of our residents. We take seriously any reports to the contrary, explore all aspects of citizen concerns, and take appropriate action to ensure an infraction is not repeated. We are grateful for this opportunity to assure this resident and others that in this specific incident the Sun City Posse patrol member acted safely and in the well-being of the community.
