[SMOKEYSQUIRREL]

I use my '10 Dodge Challenger SE for Patriot Guard military funeral escort duties (see Photo) but-when the roof light and the signs are off-use it for my auto damage appraisal business doing accident scene photos/ investigations, etc. Due to the lights, I'm NO STRANGER to being pulled over--but the other day was the final straw!! MOST of these stops is due to the Ga Law that says the 'Emergency Light Certification' sticker be placed on the r/f windshield--where it can't be seen by LEO to the rear. I'm modifying a permit and putting it on my back bumper--think this may help????:
So- it’s 11:45am today-I’m driving east on Marietta Pkwy, talking to Big Rogg on my Droid ‘earbud’—I look in my mirror and see a ‘black & white’ to my right rear, then it pulls in behind me. We stop for a redlight and I see the officer typing on his laptop- I wave at the officer and tell Big Rogg that I’m about to get pulled over.
Light changes-we pull off and I get ‘lit up’—I turn on my rear lights-pull off into a vacant lot to the right—the ‘black & white’ AND an unmarked black SUV pull in behind me.
The ‘black & white’ driver comes up to the driver window of my Challenger while the SUV driver comes up to the passenger side.
The ‘black & white’ driver says—‘the reason we pulled you over is your lights-what color are they?’ (I thought- Duh-they’re on-they’re amber’—but said ‘they’re amber and the permit is on the r/f windshield-where Ga. code specifies it be’.
The ‘black & white’ driver then says-‘My partner (black SUV) saw your lights and radioed that I might want to check you out-so I did.’ (NO PROBLEM—I’m legal—and it’s not the first time I’ve been pulled over for my lights).
The ‘black & white’ driver also said that he’d seen the ‘hero escort’ on my back bumper and wanted to know what I did.
At that time, I id’d myself as retired LEO-showed by ID card- current POST printout and advised I was armed. Then let him know that I did the military funeral escorts for the Patriot Guard and that one of his Sargeants was also with the PGR—Couldn’t remember his name but he drove the ‘black & white’ SUV ‘panda unit’.
Seems the ‘black & white’ driver didn’t know WHO I was reffering to—but I was quickly released and that’s that.
At no time were either officer dis-respectful, dis-courteous, etc—Strictly professional—perhaps TOO PROFESSIONAL but that’s ok!!!!!!
I have SEVERAL other stories about traffic stops I could relate—some very funny—but won’t bore you!!
(One story is where a GSP Unit 'lit me up', I 'lit him up'--we pulled over and he exited his vehicle saying '"Dang"--you've got more lights then me'.--we had a good laugh, shook hands and I was on my way!!!!!

 

[SMOKEYSQUIRREL]

Photo showing the Challenger 'dressed out' during a KIA homecoming

 

[ScatMan]

Thanks for your continued service.

 

[SMOKEYSQUIRREL]

No problem--no thanks needed!! --I go thru counceling at the VA once a month--these Missions do more for me then I could ever do for anyone else!! Good therapy!!!!! Joinned June 2009--and have been on over 150 Missions to date!!!!!

 

[bulldggs]

Yes, thank you. I saw a special on this subject a while back, and I must say, it moved me to tears. Always get choked up. A respectful final tribute to those who give their lives for this country. When I see how respectful men and women like you are taking care of those who are taking care of us, it says it all right there!! Makes me proud to know that there are people in the world who are making a difference in the lives of the military families...

 

[JonW]

Good for you for being in the PG. I tried it for a short while, but with my work schedule at the time, it just wasn't working out. Take care.

 

[SMOKEYSQUIRREL]

My job is basically 'tailgunner' position----protecting the motors in the rear from the IDIOTS that try to cut into/ thru the procession-thereby endangering the lives of our riders. With the FLAGS flying-our top speed is limited to 50-55mph due to wind gusts that can 'rip' the Flags or cause the motors TO GO DOWN!!!!!

When LEO isn't present--I'll actually 'bust' and 'hold' the intersection-then ROAR back up front--that's where the FUN comes in------

We left out of the Atlanta Delta Cargo the other Wednesday at 6:45pm with a body bound for Augusta--Two motors up front with amber/clear lights and sirens--me in the rear (and also 'closing down' interstate lanes as needed for merges/ lane changes)--ONCE we left the Air Cargo property--we DIDN'T stop until we got to Madison Ga--120 miles away--in rush hour traffic!!!

 

[Tinstar]

Smokey, thanks for what you do. I ride for the PGR out of the Montgomery Al. area. But I ride my Harley most of the time. I am a retired LEO also.

 

[SMOKEYSQUIRREL]

Tinstar--thanks for what YOU do!!!! I've been to Alabama several times on Missions, 2 of the most notable: 1) Last year-Sidecar Larry, Gunner (they do funeral escorts for funeral home with lights & sirens but LOTS free ones with us) escorted a Marine towards Huntsville. Gunner pulled off in Center and Sidecar pulled off in Piedmont due to the BAD!!! weather. I continued all the way to Huntsville and met Tanker & Tankers Wife--good people!! This Marine had just gotten married-just returned from the Sand Box--was on the way to Huntsville and got killed by a wrong way drunk driver between Six Flags and Thornton Rd. Due to the BAD weather-we weren't allowed to do an escort--but I VOLUNTEERED and then Sidecar and Gunner did also!!

Was in Montvallo a month ago for the Homecoming of the Green Beret Combat Medic that went missing in 1968!!!!!!! If you didn't make that Mission-send me a e-mail and I'll e-mail you the Report and LOTS of photos---WOW!!!!!!!!!!!