Texas Deputy Praised for Fire Response

Ironic, then, that many departments are instituting policies that PROHIBIT exactly this action, and instead force officers to stand around with their hands in their pockets waiting for fire personnel to arrive.

Sure, the firefighters are better trained and equipped for this, and cops should not needlessly imperil themselves to save property when lives are not at stake. But fer cryin' out loud--give us the discretion to make that decision on the scene and don't limit our options with a misguided policy decision made behind a desk by a bureaucrat who hasn't been on the street in fifteen years!

I took the test to be fireman, but they told me I was too smart, so I had to become a cop.

What did me in was stating that I run OUT of burning buildings, not INTO them.

But all seriousness aside, congrats to this guy for balancing action with safety (mostly, his). We're not paid (or equipped) to put out fires, but sometimes there are actions we can take to reduce the danger until the professionals get there.