Speed Trap? Chief says "Say Thanks"
Dec 4, 2008
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A sign warning of a speed trap through Climax and past the new Bainbridge High School recently went up on Highway 84 east. The sign was ordered, paid for and placed on his property by Kerry Dean.
Public Safety Director Larry Funderburke was, to put it mildly, a little taken aback. Chief Funderburke stated Mr Dean placed the sign after he received a ticket for speeding.
But, Chief Funderburke stated, his officer did give Mr Dean a break on the ticket, and explained further. Around 4 pm Captain Jerry Carter was traveling east on Highway 84 and clocked Mr Dean at 72 mph in a 55. The Captain turned around and stopped Mr Dean.
We've heard one citizen in front of City Council complain about an officer's discretion, but Chief Funderburke tells his officers that using some discretion is good but don't tell them to see the Chief because he will not "fix" a ticket. With a ticket for 17 mph over the limit putting points on Mr Dean's drivers license, Captain Carter reduced the ticket to 13 mph over the limit, with no points and a lower fine.
Climax Police Chief Joel Jenkins told us the most important thing is the safety of citizens. Chief Jenkins stated "If stopping folks for DUI and speeding through Climax saves some lives, they can say anything they want."
Several Climax citizens voiced their concern with the way people speed through the area. It especially concerns them when the new High School opens.
Chief Funderburke stated that with the sign, and the publicity around it, several Public Safety officers say if that is what we get when we try to help someone, we will just write the ticket for what it is.
"So" Chief Funderburke says "From now on, if an officer refuses to give you a break to help you out, call Kerry Dean and thank him."
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