Fines for a job well done

On April 9, North Grand Avenue in Pullman was flooded by rushing waters from the Missouri Flat Creek drainage.

Several businesses were badly damaged. People were trapped by the rising waters. Some were forced to take refuge on tables and such. One infant and one diabetic were known to be involved.

The Pullman fire department and maintenance crews responded.

As should be the case, those in danger and trapped by the torrent of water rushing down the street were the first priority. Nobody stopped to read a water rescue manual. They just did what they knew had to be done. People were in danger, and they acted.

Rescue crews evacuated the people by using front end loaders with large buckets. People and the rescuers were loaded in the buckets and taken from the scene.

There were no injuries. A total of 22 were rescued.

All in all, it was a successful response to an ensuing crisis.

Then, later, the state Department of Labor and Industries reviewed the action of the rescuers, determining that they broke protocol, were not trained for such an incident and were not properly equipped. Ultimately, the city was fined $2,700 for three infractions.

The city of Pullman decided not to protest the fines and paid them, probably knowing L&I would not waiver.

Justifiably angered, State Representative Joe Schmick, upon hearing about the fines, complained to L&I, reportedly demanding that the fines be returned to Pullman.

The flooding lasted around five hours. There was no way of telling what would come of it.

The rescues were appropriate for the situation. People were in danger and the fire department and maintenance crews had the equipment and ability to attempt the rescues. Again, nobody was injured.

The Pullman crews were making due in what appeared to be a crisis. The rescues were extemporaneous and for all the right reasons.

The findings of L&I could have been used as a lesson. The crews could have been commended for their fast thinking and initiative, then put through some training.

That would have made more sense. Levying fines for a job well done is the epitome of bureaucratic arrogance. While the Pullman crews are reading about water rescues, L&I should be reading about common sense.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher