KHP car destroyed in fire
6/29/2009
A Kansas Highway Patrol car was destroyed by fire when a trooper responded Friday night to a report of a wheat field fire involving a combine.
Trooper Craig Davis pulled into the field shortly after 9 p.m. at Old Highway 40 and Gypsum Valley Road and left his vehicle to see if he could assist the driver of the combine that apparently started the blaze, said Saline County Sheriff Glen Kochanowski. The combine was not on fire.
When he turned back to his car about a minute later, the right half of the vehicle was engulfed in flames, Kochanowski said. The trooper was unable to save any of his equipment, Kochanowski said.
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Journal Reader says....
I'm thankful no one was injured. A car can always be replaced. A life cannot. Priorities, folks. Priorities.
7/26/2009
says....
As the operator of that machine, and one of the first if not the first to speak to the officer I can tell you that the officer answered his call to duty thinking first of any harm that may have occured to myself or others. It's unfortunate that some of the commentators here don't appreciate the fact that KHP answered the emergency call promptly and was prepared to take care of any injured persons.
7/25/2009
JustMe says....
It just amazes me the stupid things people have to complain about. It seems MOST people will complain about anything, but the important stuff. If the trooper had just driven on by, people would complain. I am so tired of hearing on the negative things going on here in Salina, as well as the world over. If all the complainers would STOP complaining and start doing something positive and constructive with their time and their lives, Salina and the rest of the world would be much better. Nothing would be perfect, but things would be better than what they are now!!!
7/1/2009
says....
Some of you idiots are so easy to judge. I want you to come work an 8hr shift with any law enforcement officer. Then tell me how easy it is. While your asking for paper or plastic, we have to deal with things that might end our lives. I know Trooper Davis and he is a very good trooper. I would back him up anytime, any place. We bust our butts to save yours and most of you don't care. The next time you need help, who will you call? because no matter what you thing of law enforcement, we will always be there for you.
7/1/2009
Screenwriter says....
I'm going to write this story into a Hollywood movie. It should be hilarious! (Names changed to protect the innocent.)
7/1/2009
Whatever says....
And it is a well known fact that catalytic converters and wheat stubble do not work well together. However!! If he had left the patrol car on the road and had to get to the combine, I assume maybe carrying a fire extinguisher, it may have been too late. If people are going to post something, why can't they identify themselves with some catchy user name, at least!!!!
7/1/2009
The Syko One says....
Media Man-- At least that one turns on his lights. Don't know how many times I have seen troopers between Abilene and Salina racing down the rode without lights. To me they are speeding and should be reported. I have no problem with highway patrol traveling down the interstate at high rates of speed, but they need to run the lights.
7/1/2009
get r done says....
Take a walk in a troopers shoes, then talk to me. As for the taxes, just pay em and shut up. Great job Trp. Davis, keep up the great work you do everyday!!!!!
7/1/2009
Tatter. says....
Many may forgot, troopers pay taxes to. To those of you who are not fans of law enforcement remember that the next time you dial 911. Even though you hate us we will be there. Thanks to whoever you are. Trp. Davis keep up the good work you do everyday. Everyone should be thankful officers are willing to give their lives for such a society. Thats all I got
7/1/2009
says....
I am amazed at the number of self-righteous, judgmental people who post on here. Walk two moons in a man's moccasins before making judgments. Thankfully nobody was hurt.
7/1/2009
Teri says....
I think the officer was doing his job and trying to help someone that might be in trouble.Thanks trooper Davis.
7/1/2009
Media Man says....
I know there is a KHP officer that likes to go 85-90mph on the four lane with light flashing, he will go several miles then just turn around and do the same thing in the other direction. He does this around the Minneapolis/Delphos area. Talk about waisting tax payers money!
7/1/2009
ejr-o says....
What wasn't mentioned in this story was the Family that lost part of their harvest, not to mention their equipment and the young boy who was nearly burnt. I admire the Trooper, regardless.
7/1/2009
says....
The police officers would turn their cars off if they were not full of equiipment that is running that would run the battery down. I would rather see them leave them running instead of not being able to respond to an emergency because the car won't start.
7/1/2009
justactrygal says....
to lori a lot of us could loose our life working.....I worked on the interstate 70..I did that the last 5 years from abilene to salina ..out in the middle of live traffic..I got no pity party..but I will tell you one thing I did count on the state troopers to do their best to protect me by keeping them from speeding ..I think highly of them ...and they did a great job
7/1/2009
Lori in Salina says....
As the wife of a trooper for over 20 years....I can tell you that I send my husband to work every day knowing that his job entails possibly the loss of his life. It reflects the motto he promised to follow "service, courtesy and protection" of all citizens. Please be respectful.
6/30/2009
funnybunny says....
i would love to see this dash video on some show like worlds dumbest cops.
6/29/2009
Prairiedog says....
Contrary to what the sheriff's office reported, the combine was on fire when the officer arrived. Not the best judgment to park on a stubblefield, but maybe his priority at the time was someone's safety. Even though we expect cops to be perfect....
6/29/2009
DD says....
Not a big trooper fan but accidents do happen
6/29/2009
jay says....
whay would anyone pull a car with a hot exhust into a wheat field? thats just stupid
6/29/2009
old officer says....
some of the officers I know do not have "Country common sense". They just do not understand that you can not pull into fields like this, due to they probably were never around farming. expensive lesson..
6/29/2009
Chief Clancy says....
LOL funny! Anyone knows that hot catalytic converters plus dry wheat stubble equal fire. I hope they got it on video for America's Funniest TV Show.
6/29/2009
down w/ the haters says....
boy, quick to judge. Guess he should be more concerned about your tax money than the life of the combine driver that helps put food on your plates.
6/29/2009
RABBLE ROUSER says....
Fire was more than likely started by hot exhaust system.That's one way to learn not to park on combustible field
6/29/2009
says....
Its not the first time a patrol car has caught fire and destroyed. Salina PD had a patrol car catch fire after the officer left it running for so long that it overheated. Maybe they should pay for the cars and the gas since you always see them go to a gas station and leave the car running. Isnt it against the law to leave the unattended while its running. I would think they care about the gas to since they pay taxes, dont they??
6/29/2009
JIM IN MISSOURI says....
THAT IS FUNNY AS ----
6/29/2009
says....
Don't judge until you know all the story. It could have been caused by the catalytic converter and the wheat stubble.
6/29/2009
Salina Resident says....
Wow, this officer didn't notice how close the fire was or he just wanted a new car to drive? That cost us tax payers a lot of money for his stupidity, maybe he should have to pay for 1/2 the replacement amount and he won't do it again!
6/29/2009
Rawbirt says....
LOL geniuses aren't they?
6/29/2009
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